latest links
Category: Future Studies
Jeffrey Sachs - The Deep Forces of Globalisation
CATEGORY: 21st Century SocietyFuture StudiesOne Future | Comments
Great talk from December 2007 about the complex of issues in globalisation. I think i should explain my okness with the word "globalisation" on my blog, as it's a pretty dirty word these days!
Robert Wright points out in his book Nonzero that the entire pattern of human history from the day dot has been a story of greater and greater networks of association and unification. From small tribes to chiefdoms and nation states to empires to global collectives there is a very distinct trend in cultural evolution toward greater and greater levels of unification that essentially points to a unified world at some point sooner or later. It's inevitable. The unification of Europe is to be expected, and further developments, like a genuine form of global governance is eventually likely. So any good talk on this general process is of great interest to me. I would call this process (at this point) - globalisation, and I think this is the way Sachs is using the word here - if you have a better name let me know! Come to think of it - I think we should steal this word back from the corporate multinationals and the big superpowers, it belongs to all of us.
Sachs talk also contains this great quote form President Kennedy during the Cuban missile crisis:
"Our problems are man made - therefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings. Man's reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable - and we believe they can do it again...."
Futures Podcast Lectures Series
CATEGORY: Future Studies | Comments
Podcast series featuring prominent futurists including John L. Peterson from the Arlington institute.
Speakers are: Joseph Coates, Ph.D., Jim Dator, Ph.D, Wendy L. Schultz, Ph.D., Michele Bowman, John L. Petersen, Jennifer Jarrett, Christian Crews, Max More, Ph.D., Derek Woodgate
Ray Kurzweil Video
CATEGORY: Computing and Info TechFuture StudiesThe Singularity | SOURCE: Technology Evangelist.com | Comments
Extended talk from Ray Kurzweil about the accelerating rate of technological change, with emphasis on our often mistaken assumptions that change occurs linear fashion, rather than the actual exponential rate of change that we are currently experiencing in technological developments.
Michio Kaku on the future
CATEGORY: AI and RoboticsComputing and Info TechExtaterrestial LifeFuture Studies | SOURCE: Kurzweil AI | Comments
Michio Kaku shoots the breeze with Moore's Law, Quantum Computing, Type I, II and III Civilizations and other everyday topics.
The Arlington Institute
CATEGORY: 21st Century SocietyFuture StudiesState of the planet | Comments
Probably the most active, reliable and well known institution for future studies, with great publications and projects like FUTURE Edition, an email newsletter with up to the minute info on all category of important developments; TAI Alerts (also by email) and The World's Biggest Problems portal, covering major global issues such as peak oil, water scarcity, economic crisis, species extinction and climate change.
Treat yourself and sign up for FUTURE Edition.
What is Enlightenment? Magazine Online
CATEGORY: Evolutionary SpiritualityFuture StudiesIntegral PhilosophyOne Future | Comments
Without a doubt the best, most cuttingest edgiestest magazine on the planet. I have been reading WIE for years and have yet to find a publication with the same high editorial standards and consistently enlightening depth of insight on a huge range of topics concerning the ongoing evolution of humanity.
But that's just the magazine. Go online (er...rather like you are now...) to find they also have a Webby Award winning site with a great selection of featured topics, articles, book reviews and a superb online podcasting service (free trial membership available), hosting a huge array of video and audio podcasts.
Not to be missed!
2007 State of the Future
CATEGORY: Future Studies | Comments
UN report on...erm...the future (in 2007, that is)
Accelerating Future
CATEGORY: Future Studies | SOURCE: Accelerating Future | Comments
Blog of Michael Anissimov on a fascinating array of topics. One of the best futurist blogs going.
ASF Slide Presentations
CATEGORY: 21st Century SocietyFuture StudiesScience and Technology | SOURCE: ASF | Comments
Through this collection of powerpoint presentations (from previous talks), Jon Smart, president of Accelerating Studies Foundation, provides an opportunity to glimpse his unique perspective on the sprawling complexity of human emergence in the 21st century.
Acceleration Watch
CATEGORY: Future StudiesScience and Technology | SOURCE: Acceleration Watch | Comments
John Smart's blog.
The Law of Accelerating Returns - Ray Kurweil
CATEGORY: Future StudiesThe Singularity | SOURCE: Kurzweil AI | Comments
This is an amazing read. Singularity, nanobots, non-biological intelligence, immortality, and other civilisations (or not). The whole enchilada, plus some.
The World Future Society
CATEGORY: Future Studies | SOURCE: WFS | Comments
An American based non-profit educational organisation looking at future trends in science and society.