James Martin tells us that we are living in a turning point in human history. "We are traveling at breakneck speed into an era of extremes- extremes of wealth and poverty, extremes in technology, extremes of globalism. If we are to survive, we must learn how to manage them all." Although we now face huge challenges and conflicts, the scientific breakthroughs of the twenty-first century will provide new hope for our future. The best strategy, Martin believes, is to discover how to use our intelligence and technology to transform the world before we destroy the planet and ourselves along with it.
Drawing from his decades of experience as one of the world's most widely respected authorities on the impact of technology on society, James Martin- known as the "Guru of the Information Age"-proposes provocative, feasible solutions for some of the world's thorniest problems. Martin, convinced that our enormously complex plight is imminent, endowed the James Martin 21st Century School at Oxford University to help find real-life solutions.
The Meaning of the 21st Century is the culmination of years of research and extensive interviews with experts in a wide range of fields. A ringing call to arms and a pragmatic blueprint for change, it is a book that's essential reading for everyone.
"An intriguing and often convincing synopsis of the major issues humans will confront in the years to come. Martin provides a thoughtful, concise and informative look at the choices before us and raises the questions, both amusing and troubling, we will need to answer."
—Winnipeg Free Press
The Meaning of The 21st Century
Preface
Part One: The Need For Transition
1. The Transition Generation
2. What Got Us into This Mess?
3. Rich Kids and Their Trust Funds
4. Too Many People
5. The Giant in the Kitchen
6. Destitute Nations
7. Climate Catastrophe
8. Invisible Mayhem
Part Two: Technologies of Sorcery
9. Genetically Modified Humans?
10. Nanodeluge
11. Automated Evolution
12. The Transhuman Condition
Part Three: Through The Canyon
13. The Awesome Meaning of This Century
14. A Perfect Storm
15. The Vital Role of Corporations
16. Culture's Crucible
17. A Counter-Terrorist World
18. World Scenarios
Part Four: The Gateway To The Future
19. A Great Civilization?
20. Values of the Future
21. Cathedrals of Cyberspace
22. Rich and Poor
23. Russian Roulette with Homo sapiens
24. Revolution
Appendix 1. The Chessboard of Growing Computer Power
Appendix 2. NHL (Non-Human-Like) Intelligence Techniques
Notes
Index
