On the Future Prospects for Humanity

Martin Rees — 2018

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.

Reviews

Bryan Alexander@bryanalexander

Jul 29, 2021

A short, thoughtful, and eminently accessible look at the future of science and technology. In On the Future Martin Rees covers some huge themes. He leads off with several catastrophic possibilities (nuclear war, cyber threats and AI badness, environmental challenges, climate change, bio horror) then explores how far he thinks science might be able to go. There are some interesting points. For example, Rees argues for an end to national, public spaceflight, preferring international and private ventures (146-7). There is much to admire in On the Future. I enjoy what I think of as a uniquely British ability to write clearly and with inspiration about science (think of Arthur C. Clarke). Rees also takes a very international perspective, drawing on work from around the world. A nice sense of humor also pops up:I like to remind my theorist colleagues that the Swedish engineer Gideon Sundback, who invented the zipper, made a bigger intellectual leap than most of us ever will. (202) I gave this three stars, and mostly that's my professional bias. First, I think about this stuff all the time, so nothing was new to me. Also, the focus is largely on science and tech - which I appreciate, but that leaves out so much of the future. Rees touches on economics and society at one points (90ff), then peers into religion briefly (194ff), yet we need much more. If this topic thusly scoped interests you, and you're new to it, please enjoy.

Daniel Waterhouse@wanderingvc

Mar 17, 2022

Kimberlee Southard@ksouth

Nov 17, 2021