"Seeing Like a State" is a book by James C. Scott that explores how governments and institutions simplify complex societies to make them more manageable. Scott argues that this simplification often leads to failures because it overlooks local knowledge and practices that are essential for effective governance. The book examines historical examples, such as Soviet collectivization and urban planning, to illustrate how top-down approaches can disrupt social order and community resilience. Scott advocates for a more decentralized understanding of governance that values local insights and adaptive practices, promoting a more nuanced view of societal organization.