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On the Future
- Prospects for Humanity
- Narrated by: Martin Rees, Samuel West
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
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On the Future
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Summary
A provocative and inspiring look at the future of humanity and science from world-renowned scientist and best-selling author Martin Rees.
Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes - good and bad - are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and best-selling author Martin Rees argues that humanity’s prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow.
The future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. If we are to use science to solve our problems while avoiding its dystopian risks, we must think rationally, globally, collectively, and optimistically about the long term. Advances in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence - if pursued and applied wisely - could empower us to boost the developing and developed world and overcome the threats humanity faces on Earth, from climate change to nuclear war. At the same time, further advances in space science will allow humans to explore the solar system and beyond with robots and AI. But there is no “Plan B” for Earth - no viable alternative within reach if we do not care for our home planet.
Rich with fascinating insights into cutting-edge science and technology, this accessible book will captivate anyone who wants to understand the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on Earth and beyond.
Critic reviews
"It is hard not to be fascinated as [Rees] builds his Eeyorish case - which is laid out with the dispassionate air of a superintelligent alien anthropologist observing our species’ eccentricities from afar.... [A] lucid and engaging book." (Tom Whipple, The Times)
"Short in extent but wide in range: from redesigning genes, through the likelihood of human-induced climate change, to the possibility of encounters with alien intelligence in the Universe. [On the Future]’s overall theme is that Earth’s growing population will flourish only if science and technology are deployed with ‘wisdom.’" (Andrew Robinson, Science)
"Rees neatly packages his sprawling subject matter into a guidebook for the responsible use of science to build a healthy and equitable future for humanity." (Daniel Ackerman, Scientific American)
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What listeners say about On the Future
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- Mr Jeremy J Osborn
- 13-08-19
A big bite size review of humanity
The range of subjects in this is huge so each chunk should lead you into further reading. It doesn't leave you hanging but thirsty for more. Great choice of narrator as well.
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- Gormysta
- 14-09-19
a must read for our history and our future
a brilliant scientific analytical approach to the future of the human race where we have clear choices to make
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- Sam Goodwin
- 29-06-20
Outstandingly practical usful way of thinking.
This book has given me a very useful perspective on how to proceive the future. Not just doom and gloom or total optimism. Generally good way to take what we know of history and science and use that to conclude on our social ability and long turn planing abilities. It has a still is inspiring me to learn more and use that knolage to better my decision about me and future generations. let me turn planing and proven knolage is key.
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- EEL
- 02-01-23
Beautifully read by West
West is the perfect reader for this. Rees narrates the introduction, giving a clear sense of his own measured thoughtfulness. West picks up that exact vibe and delivers the main text of the book with a smooth vocal mellifluousness in a flawless performance.
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- Lara Reusch
- 11-02-20
Essential reading for the 21st century
Martin Rees's book is unapologetically speculative, but necessarily so given its topic: our rather uncertain future. Overall its approach is exploratory, rather than straightforwardly argumentative, and it canvasses vivedly the challenges facing humanity in this century, as well as our prospects for meeting them effectively. The book is a perfect starting point for thinking about themes that will be increasingly significant in the coming decades.
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- John Derek
- 14-05-20
Prophetic
Obviously won his bet. Got the pandemic nailed on. Not that religeous but could of been a Prophet.
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