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    On the Future: Prospects for Humanity
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    On the Future: Prospects for Humanity
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    On the Future: Prospects for Humanity
    Ebook222 pages3 hours

    On the Future: Prospects for Humanity

    By Martin Rees

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    A provocative and inspiring look at the future of humanity and science from world-renowned scientist and bestselling 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 bestselling 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.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPrinceton University Press
    Release dateOct 16, 2018
    ISBN9780691184401
    Author

    Martin Rees

    Martin Rees is Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics and Master of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. He was the President of the Royal Society until this year, and is the Astronomer Royal. A member of the House of Lords, he is a foreign associate of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is an honorary member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. His awards include the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, the Einstein Award of the World Cultural Council and the Crafoord Prize (Royal Swedish Academy).

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    • 3/5
      I discovered this book when the author was being interviewed on the radio. I was fascinated enough by the interview that I remained in my car in the garage for five minutes after arriving home, just to listen to the remainder of the interview. Speculations about what life on earth could be like far in the future.