The Meaning Of The 21st Century: A Vital Blueprint For Ensuring Our Future

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. 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.

James Martin was born in Leicestershire, studied physics at Oxford, served in the British Army and then joined IBM in Paris as a systems engineer. He lectures all over the world and has written extensively on management and technology. Alongside his Litt.D from Oxford University, he has honorary doctorates from all six continents. And in 2007 James Martin became a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science.

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 * Britain's leading futurologist . . . Martin is able to describe extraordinarily complex technological advances in easily accessible terms. -- Tony Allen-Mills * Sunday Times *