Vendor
	Fritz Agency Christian Dittus
Original language
English

ON THE FUTURE

Martin Rees

Prospects for Humanity

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 prospects for the future?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 future depends on our taking a very different approach to thinking about and planning for tomorrow.

The future of humanity is bound to the future of science, and our prospects hinge on how successfully we harness technological advances to address the challenges to our collective future. 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 future. 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 slim, accessible book will captivate anyone who wants to understand the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on Earth and beyond.

Martin Rees is Astronomer Royal, and has been Master of Trinity College and Director of the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge University.

UNSERE ZUKUNFT
Perspektiven fuer die Zukunft
[HC WBG Theiss 03/2020]

Available products
Book Published 2018-10-01 by Princeton University Press

Comments

[On the Future] offers forecasts of impending technological developments and words of hope for the human ability to use science to repair a wounded planet and improve lives. . . . This far-ranging but easily understood collection of ideas shares and communicates the enthusiasm of Rees's techno-optimist' view of the prospects for humanity.

Curious about the future? Here, one of the world's most eminent scientists takes you through what will happen and why. On the Future is excellent! ?Eric Schmidt, former executive chairman of Alphabet Inc.

On the Future is a very important book that should be widely read and acted upon. (...) Whether or not you agree with all the points he makes, you must take them very seriously indeed. (Roger Penrose)

[A] condensed masterpiece of analysis and observation.

In this outstanding book, the always brilliant Martin Rees addresses the key problems of our day, putting humanity's perils and prospects in perspectivefrom climate change, to the future of artificial intelligence, to the threat of bioterrorism, to the chance for future space adventurers to spread out into the universe. Rees is one of the deepest and clearest thinkers on these subjects, and his book sparkles with gems of insight and humor. (J. Richard Gott, coauthor of Welcome to the Universe)

An engaging analysis of the most important issues facing the world, sprinkled with insight and suffused with wisdom and humanity. ?Steven Pinker, author of Enlightenment Now

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.

Rees is hardly the first to issue a stern warning about what lies ahead if complacency and consumerism rule, but his lucid, well-reasoned explanation of the stakes and inimitable prose lift this manifesto above the rest. An impassioned call to action from one of the world's foremost scientists. A book to be read by anyone on Earth who cares about its future. (starred review)

Our planet is in periland humanity needs huge doses of wisdom to save it. Fortunately, one man, Martin Rees, can provide it. This book is a must-read for all who care about our planet's future. (Kishore Mahbubani, author of Has the West Lost It?)

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.

Netherlands: De Bezige Bij; China: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press; Italy: Treccani; Russia: AST; Spain: Critica; Japan: Sakuhinsha; Sweden: Fri Tanke; Hungary: Akkord Kiado; Korea: Gilbut Publishing Co.;