On The Future -- Prospects for Humanity, Martin Rees, 2018
Martin Rees is Britain’s Astronomer Royal. He’s been Master of Trinity College and Director of the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge University. He’s a member of the House of Lords. I could go on, but you get the idea: he’s in the 1% — not of wealth, but of intellect & culture.
On The Future is divided into five parts:
The changes occurring in today’s world, with special focus on the rapid pace of change and the stresses that change places on the global environment.
The scientific advances that are approaching rapidly. He discusses both benefits and risks — some of them existential — associated with this new knowledge and information.
Speculations on developments in cosmology, astronomy, and astrophysics and the “post-human condition.” This is the author’s primary area of expertise, and his passion for the subject comes through.
Thoughts on the limits of knowledge — what we may know and what may elude us. This explores certain aspects (not exclusively in astrophysics) of the philosophy of science.
The role of science in a rapidly-changing world — what scientists can and should do to support intelligent, rational decision making and policy development.
I have read this book twice and will almost certainly read it at least one more time. Though the writing style is both informal and lucid, the subject matter is dense. The subjects bear serious consideration and thought. For me, that means multiple reads. That’s okay; I enjoyed every bit of it. The book feels to me like a wide-ranging discussion with a brilliant friend.
Though I realize how silly it sounds, I wish everyone would read this book, talk about the contents, and let the knowledge gained inform our decisions.