On the Future

By Martin Rees,

Book cover of On the Future: Prospects for Humanity

Book description

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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked On the Future as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

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…

The highly respected Cambridge scientist and Astronomer Royal Martin Rees provides a fascinating and highly accessible read on how we can harness science and technology for the betterment – and ultimately preservation – of humanity.

The book is a refreshingly optimistic take on how advances in, for example, robotics and biotechnology, can protect us against the greatest threats facing humanity. This is a must-read book which pushes the boundaries of scientific knowledge while building bridges to many other academic disciplines.

Want books like On the Future?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like On the Future.

Browse books like On the Future

Book cover of The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity
Book cover of The Hedgehog and the Fox: An Essay on Tolstoy's View of History
Book cover of The Age of AI: And Our Human Future

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,206

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in technology, biotechnology, and philosophy?

Technology 128 books
Biotechnology 15 books
Philosophy 1,774 books