On the Future

Renowned astrophysicist Martin Rees examines humanity’s existential risks and opportunities with a clarity that’s both scientific and urgent. I love the extent to which Rees tackles climate change, biotechnology, and, crucially, artificial intelligence, offering a balanced perspective on the promises and perils of technological progress.

His insights on AI’s role in warfare align closely with my own concerns, particularly the unpredictable nature of autonomous systems. Rees’ call for global collaboration and ethical foresight is a rallying cry that echoes throughout my work as well.

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… show more.

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.