The Future Is Faster Than You Think — Review
The rate at which technology is changing the world is accelerating and it is not slowing down. Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler’s latest book, “The Future is Faster Than You Think”, is a techno-enthusiasts description of the future that is constructed by the acceleration and convergence of exponential technologies. The thrust forward generated from the acceleration will reshape industries, disrupt all aspects of society in the coming decades, and lead towards a Kurzweilian Singularity.
“Ray Kurzweil did the math and found that we’re going to experience twenty thousand years of technological change over the next one hundred years.”
The book is separated into three parts where Diamandis and Kolter provide numerous examples of exponential technologies beginning to converge with each other, the impact that it has started to make, and how the world around us will change in the coming years as we face an unprecedented rate of technological disruption.
In the first part of the book, the authors explore the progress that is being made in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, networks (5G), robotics (drones, sensors, batteries), virtual and augmented reality, 3D-printing, blockchain, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. These technologies are already undergoing exponential growth and the authors focus on what happens next when these technologies begin to converge and shape into new industries that have never been thought of before.
The second part focuses on how technologies are evolving in the shopping, advertising, entertainment, healthcare, longevity, finance, and food industries, and the direct impact it will have on everyone’s daily life.
The last part of the book provides a 30,000-foot view of the drastic changes that are predicted to occur and considers the environmental, economical, and existential risks that potentially threaten the progress that is being made.
“The only constant is change, and the pace of change is accelerating”
“The Future is Faster Than You Think” is an exciting read, with the authors excelling at bringing a palpable level of enthusiasm when discussing new technologies. Anyone that is looking into taking a peek into the future will not be disappointed with this book. It’s packed with fascinating case studies and filled with inspiring examples of incredible people doing incredible things. This book is a must-read for futurists and anyone interested in the evolution of technology and how it will shape society moving forward.
