Why did I love this book?
I have a deep and profound love of history and the past and am privileged to be able to earn my living writing about such things. This book, by contrast, takes you to the possible future of humanity in a deeply memorable way.
I was particularly interested in Rees's thoughts in the preface to the paperback edition on the impact of COVID-19. His clarion call is the hope that this pandemic will result in a shift of mindsets towards a greater awareness that "we are all in this together."
This is my number one book of all those I've read this year, and it has made a profound impact on me. I heartily commend the book to all thinking readers.
2 authors picked On the Future as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
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…