James Martin, one of the world's most widely respected authorities on the impact of technology on society, argues that we are living at a turning point in human history. 'We are travelling at breakneck speed into an era of extremes - extremes of wealth and poverty, extremes in technology, extremes in globalization. If we are to survive, we must learn how to manage them all.' Although we face huge challenges and conflicts, Martin argues that it is in the scientific breakthroughs of the new century that we will find new hope. In a clear, penetrating and insightful style he addresses the key questions of our age and proposes an interconnected set of solutions to its problems.
The Meaning Of The 21st Century
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Review
Definitely a "must read" book. (John Gribbin Independent )
There is material in this remarkable and well-written book for lively controversy, but that can only be good . . . Two special points emerge. First is the sheer scope of the book and the way in which so many diverse ideas are put together and effectively related to each other. Second is the author's optimism. (Sir Crispin Tickell The Times Literary Supplement )
This epic new piece of futurology aims no less than to ensure the survival of the human race . . . It's up to our children to determine how well we cope with the revolution, so get them to read this lively, readable, provocative and occasionally inspiring book as soon as possible. (Laurence Phelan, Independent on Sunday )
[An] extremely good book . . . You would be hard-pressed to find a more sensible and readable digest of the concerns we have to face this century. (The Sunday Times, CULTURE magazine 20070610)
Britain's leading futurologist . . . Martin is able to describe extraordinarily complex technological advances in easily accessible terms. (Tony Allen-Mills Sunday Times )
There is material in this remarkable and well-written book for lively controversy, but that can only be good . . . Two special points emerge. First is the sheer scope of the book and the way in which so many diverse ideas are put together and effectively related to each other. Second is the author's optimism. (Sir Crispin Tickell The Times Literary Supplement )
This epic new piece of futurology aims no less than to ensure the survival of the human race . . . It's up to our children to determine how well we cope with the revolution, so get them to read this lively, readable, provocative and occasionally inspiring book as soon as possible. (Laurence Phelan, Independent on Sunday )
[An] extremely good book . . . You would be hard-pressed to find a more sensible and readable digest of the concerns we have to face this century. (The Sunday Times, CULTURE magazine 20070610)
Britain's leading futurologist . . . Martin is able to describe extraordinarily complex technological advances in easily accessible terms. (Tony Allen-Mills Sunday Times )
Book Description
A devastating analysis of where our world is headed, and a powerful prescription for change. From the Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of THE WIRED SOCIETY.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book should be required reading for everyone. It is easy to read and simple to understand. The author explains how we are plundering and ruining our beautiful planet which will have dire consdquences for our children and grandchildren. He does not lecture but merely informs without judgment.
The resources of our planet are finite. The book explains what they are, how we are using them carelessly and without responsibility and how we might put things right. There are no international laws to protect our environment. We need to put some in place which all countries will adhere to. When enough people request this of their leaders, things will start to change.
Evry thinking person on the planet knows that we are digging our own grave if we continue to ruin our beautiful natural world. We all need to take responsiblity for our own actions in any way we can, no matter how small. We need to be informed so that we can make the best decisions for the future. This wonderful book gives you all the basic information you need to begin to think differently about the world and to gradually change the way you live.
The planet is here for us to look after and nurture. No one of us is born 'entitled'. Every individual must take responsibility for agreeing change for only by a mass transition in human consciousness and resolve, will we be able to put in place the right solutions to give us a naturally sustainable future.
Read this book - and make a start on changing the way you think about the earth and all her beauty.
The resources of our planet are finite. The book explains what they are, how we are using them carelessly and without responsibility and how we might put things right. There are no international laws to protect our environment. We need to put some in place which all countries will adhere to. When enough people request this of their leaders, things will start to change.
Evry thinking person on the planet knows that we are digging our own grave if we continue to ruin our beautiful natural world. We all need to take responsiblity for our own actions in any way we can, no matter how small. We need to be informed so that we can make the best decisions for the future. This wonderful book gives you all the basic information you need to begin to think differently about the world and to gradually change the way you live.
The planet is here for us to look after and nurture. No one of us is born 'entitled'. Every individual must take responsibility for agreeing change for only by a mass transition in human consciousness and resolve, will we be able to put in place the right solutions to give us a naturally sustainable future.
Read this book - and make a start on changing the way you think about the earth and all her beauty.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By John Bowen
Format:Hardcover
This book has been a revelation. It is remarkably well-written and argues cogently for a pro-active management of our planet and its resources. It has something of interest to all. It is broad-ranging, comprehensive, accessible and truly inspirational.
As a teacher, I would strongly recommend James Martin to any student preparing for A-levels or degree studies in Geography, Philosophy, Cultural studies, Environmental Studies, Business Studies and many other disciplines.
As a concerned member of the human race, I would hope that this book finds its way onto the desks of CEOs of multinational companies as well as presidents and prime ministers.
This book should determine the politics and economics of the next century. The book deals with the dangers we face as we navigate the 21st Century; global warming, terrorism, religious extremism, water-shortage, power-supply for an increasingly technology-dependent society.
If the warnings contained within are ignored we head towards a very dangerous period with little chance of survival; if heeded, we will equip ourselves with the right tools (economic, environmental, social and political) to improve our chances.
As a teacher, I would strongly recommend James Martin to any student preparing for A-levels or degree studies in Geography, Philosophy, Cultural studies, Environmental Studies, Business Studies and many other disciplines.
As a concerned member of the human race, I would hope that this book finds its way onto the desks of CEOs of multinational companies as well as presidents and prime ministers.
This book should determine the politics and economics of the next century. The book deals with the dangers we face as we navigate the 21st Century; global warming, terrorism, religious extremism, water-shortage, power-supply for an increasingly technology-dependent society.
If the warnings contained within are ignored we head towards a very dangerous period with little chance of survival; if heeded, we will equip ourselves with the right tools (economic, environmental, social and political) to improve our chances.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Tom Schuller
Format:Paperback
This is a very wide-ranging and stimulating overview of the big issues facing us in the coming century - written five years ago, but in no way dated. James Martin is a hugely successful businessman who has turned his thoughts and energies to framing and confronting these challenges in a long-term context. He has put his money where his mouth is, substantially funding research at Oxford University on the same themes.
Martin's list of challenges is a long and intimidating one. Some are quite familiar, such as population growth, poverty and terrorism. Others are less so, for example transhumanism - the opportunities which are opening up for integrating silicon into our bodies to connect ourselves directly to dramatically increasing computer power. This will change our whole understanding of intelligence and poses immense and unsettling ethical questions.
There are big ideas here. Tertiary evolution refers to the way an intelligent species learns to automate evolution itself (secondary evolution being the process by which we can create forms of evolution such as DNA manipulation). We should prepare ourselves for possibly open-ended senescence. We need to think in terms of resource productivity rather than labour productivity, hugely increasing the effective use of energy and materials. For me as an adult educator some of the most fascinating parts are those on the prospects for human intelligence, and the need for new modes of learning which preserve and enable our humanity in the face of massive technological change.
One of the virtues of the book is Martin's determined and convincing optimism that these challenges can be met, if we have the vision and the courage. Another is his undogmatic and pragmatic approach, for example on GM foods and nuclear power. He argues against premature rejection of these options, but sets out the kind of progress that science has to make if they are to become realistic. His reflections combine large-scale thinking with some neat details - I particular liked the suggestion of a digital Michelin Guide to help us sort the valuable from the crap in a world of huge information flows. The book sprawls a little and could have done with some tighter editing. But it is an impressive source of important, grounded futures thinking.
Martin's list of challenges is a long and intimidating one. Some are quite familiar, such as population growth, poverty and terrorism. Others are less so, for example transhumanism - the opportunities which are opening up for integrating silicon into our bodies to connect ourselves directly to dramatically increasing computer power. This will change our whole understanding of intelligence and poses immense and unsettling ethical questions.
There are big ideas here. Tertiary evolution refers to the way an intelligent species learns to automate evolution itself (secondary evolution being the process by which we can create forms of evolution such as DNA manipulation). We should prepare ourselves for possibly open-ended senescence. We need to think in terms of resource productivity rather than labour productivity, hugely increasing the effective use of energy and materials. For me as an adult educator some of the most fascinating parts are those on the prospects for human intelligence, and the need for new modes of learning which preserve and enable our humanity in the face of massive technological change.
One of the virtues of the book is Martin's determined and convincing optimism that these challenges can be met, if we have the vision and the courage. Another is his undogmatic and pragmatic approach, for example on GM foods and nuclear power. He argues against premature rejection of these options, but sets out the kind of progress that science has to make if they are to become realistic. His reflections combine large-scale thinking with some neat details - I particular liked the suggestion of a digital Michelin Guide to help us sort the valuable from the crap in a world of huge information flows. The book sprawls a little and could have done with some tighter editing. But it is an impressive source of important, grounded futures thinking.
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Some hits and some misses - needed a better editor
James Martin had made a name as a futurologist with his book "The Wired Society" which predicted the impact that the internet would have on creating the world we live in. Read more
Published on 18 July 2010 by Andrew Dalby
3.0 out of 5 stars
A mass movement
Whilst the book starts off interesting in relation to the globe at large, it slowly looses real grip of the most practical solutions a man can find. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2009 by Ms. Ana Pf Goncalves
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great introduction to social and environmental issues
This book is not a step by step guide to social innovation, nor does it detail in-depth solutions to the social and environmental challenges we face this century. Read more
Published on 9 Dec 2008 by P. McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating look at the dangers and opportunities of the 21st...
An utterly fascinating book... the best thing I've read in years.
I've been developing a strong interest in futurology, and this book is packed full of predictions,... Read more
I've been developing a strong interest in futurology, and this book is packed full of predictions,... Read more
Published on 12 Oct 2008 by WJ FOX
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing - needs a good editor
I really wanted to like this book, but I found it a big disappointment.
Yes, its heart is in the right place: it provides plenty of reasons why our current way of life... Read more
Yes, its heart is in the right place: it provides plenty of reasons why our current way of life... Read more
Published on 5 Jan 2008 by David Wood
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good but too repetitive.
Great, informative, enlightening about where we are and are potentially heading as a species on this earth.
Definitely forgot to edit it though!
Definitely forgot to edit it though!
Published on 13 Nov 2007 by A. J. Cripps
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent introduction to the world.
I found this book to be compelling, extremely interesting and motivating. It is simply a brief, non-political overview of our world, and some entirely forseeable possibilities for... Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2007 by Tacitus
1.0 out of 5 stars
Ironically fat
Given that this is a book about the tendency of our current virulent form of capitalism to waste materials and to encourage lifestyles without a view to their sustainability on a... Read more
Published on 27 Aug 2007 by Clement Wether
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dire, repetitive, unoriginal pulp
This book is utter trash, and it is tedious in the extreme to read, in part because it is very repetitive. Read more
Published on 14 Aug 2007 by PlayerPianoPlayer
5.0 out of 5 stars
An incredibly important book
Each chapter begins by laying out some real world problem so vividly and realistically (and therefore terrifingly) that you think 'Oh my God! What can we possibly do?'. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2007 by Richard Kennard
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