The Meaning of the 21st Century: A Vital Blueprint for Ensuring Our Future

by James Martin

A renowned expert on the social and economic impact of technology and author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated The Wireless Society explains how fast-developing technologies, broadening gaps between economic classes, and global extremism are posing difficult challenges in today's world, recommending greater environmental responsibility and possible scientific solutions. Reprint.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Futurism, Technology, Environment, Philosophy, History

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

James Martin (1933) is a British Information Technology consultant and author, who was nominated for a Pulitzer prize for his book, The Wired Society: A Challenge for Tomorrow (1977). James Martin was born in 1933 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, England. He earned a degree in physics at the Keble College, Oxford. He was awarded an honorary DSc by Warwick University in July 2009. Martin joined IBM in 1959, and since the 1980s established several IT consultancy firms. Starting in 1981 with Dixon Doll and Tony Carter he established DMW (Doll Martin Worldwide) in London, UK, which was later renamed
James Martin Associates (JMA), which was (partly) bought by Texas Instruments Software in 1991. He later co-founded Database Design Inc. (DDI), also in Ann Arbor, to promulgate his database design techniques and to
develop tools to help implement them. After becoming the market leader in Information Engineering software, DDI was renamed KnowledgeWare and eventually purchased by Fran Tarkenton, who took it public. He lives on his own private island, Agar’s Island, in Bermuda. According to Computerworld’s 25th anniversary issue, he was ranked fourth among the 25 individuals who have most influenced the world of computer science. Martin is an expert in the field of systems design, Software development methodology, information engineering and computer-aided software engineering. He was one of the first to promote fourth-generation programming languages, and is the main developer of the Rapid Application Development methodology. In 2005 Martin donated $100 million to help establish The James Martin 21st Century School at the University of Oxford. This school aims to "formulate new concepts, policies and technologies that will make the future a better place to be". In 2009 Martin pledged up to an additional $50 million if it could be matched by other donors. This condition was met in April 2010.

Reviews

[Barak · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.3 stars

The book, at least the first half, mentions some important issues and problems the world of the 21st century is facing (or hiding from) or about to face, and is even edifying on some of these; and the author should have stopped there, after around 200 pages or so (even in this part there was too much reinforcement (repetition, reiteration, regurgitation, drilling down) of the subject matter to my liking).

Then - around the second half - the author becomes this bright-eyed preacher, idealistic reactionary, boring high-stories-teller, and coffee/tea-leaves reader in one, so that a strong aroma of BS starts wafting from the pages until you cannot help reading them with watering eyes and a glazed olfaction (doesn't make the least sense?? then I suggest you try it for yourself!)

It gets at some points to a level of speculation that a veteran option trader would have felt put naked, and where even Philip K. Dick would have run out of the room (or teleport away) screaming, leaving there Lovecraft, H.P. to drool by himself. These parts of the book must have been drug-induced; perhaps the same ones he recommends at one such juncture to future humanity.

[Adam Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presents some very interesting ideas about the main challenges facing humankind in the 21st century and outlines some of the potential opportunities that could arise out of them. In particular, two focal points of change stand out: the "canyon" which represents the pressures of our many challenges pressing us into a single channel of crisis - and the singularity, where artificial intelligence grows beyond our ability to fully understand it.

While it makes many fine points, three large flaws limited my enjoyment somewhat. Firstly, the book is far too long and repetitive. It could be shortened by half and be fresher and more direct for it.

Secondly, it splits its story between a life before the "canyon" where it discusses our problems with great insight into our ignorance and neglect, and a second part after the "canyon" where we emerge into another world but the world afterwards has no shred of the same frailties of human nature that got us into the situation in the first place. Like many futurists before him, he sees us transcend from the Flintstones to the Jetsons, changing into something that never really looks like real human nature. This is the civilisation that was gifted the Internet and turned it into a cesspool of porn, fake news, selfies and celebrity gossip. Yet in the future we take to writing operas while our driverless hydrogen cars take us to the hydroponic farm. Who are these people? I don't recognise them at all.

And that brings me to the last and biggest flaw. For all the talk of change, Martin doesn't talk about what would really change us - and WE are what needs to change. Just as he criticises scientists for being drunk on the idea of WHAT we could achieve rather than WHETHER we really should, so Martin waxes lyrical about how we could be but (barring talk of cutting subsidies for the oil and car industry) doesn't talk about what forces could make us change and become what he dreams of. It's up to the canyon apparently - because for all his talk of acting before the crisis of the 21st century hits, he doesn't seem to have any ideas how to do that himself.

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting: It tells you how the humanity has reached the point where it is right now; and it promises to list some hints to try to fix the mess we have created.

This is the table of contents:


The transition generation
What got us into this mess?
Rich kids and their trust funds
Too many people
The giant in the kitchen
Destitute nations
Climate catastrophe
Invisible mayhem
Genetically modified humans?
Nanodeluge
Automated evolution
The transhuman condition
The awesome meaning of this century
A perfect storm
The vital role of corporations
Culture's crucible
A counter-terrorist world
World scenarios
A great civilization?
Values of the future
Cathedrals of cyberspace
Rich and poor
Russian Roulette with Homo sapiens
Revolution
App. 1
The chessboard of growing computer power
App. 2
NHL (non-human-like) intelligence techniques

[Filippo Dibari · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastico

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing how well he predicted what 2020’s would have back in 2006 when he wrote the book.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book describes the problems that human-kind will face towards the end of the century. The future for us represented as 'heading towards a canyon'. Overpopulation, resource shortage, complex technological threats paint a grim reality. The author has a tendency to repeat himself, ideas and topics could have been more concise. Despite the rather unorganised approach, I found there to be many interesting scientific topics covered. The solutions to tackle the World's problems seem rather unrealistic, given that governments have always been disinterested. It's hard to see how things could ever change before we reach that tipping point. Let's hope that current and future generations are able to learn from past mistakes.

[Lysergius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting in that he states the issues facing the human species in the 21st century; less so in that he can propose only hypothetical solutions, since clearly until we change our ways we are doomed. It is morally unacceptable for half of the world to live like kings and the other half like paupers. This needs to change. Clearly we have to address out relationship with the planet, our environment, before it is too late.

These things are self evident. Can we address and resolve them? Not convinced, and Martin's book did not really inspire any hope that we would.

[Tim]

Just started this - but the author is someone I know and respect from the field of computer science. Never knew he went into futurist politics, but it makes sense he'd try to save the world after grokking it deeply. He started the "James Martin 21st Century School" at Oxford to get people thinking about the big, long-term challenges we face. Very clear writing that inter-relates the major themes of our day. Promises to be a nail-biter - I'll update again when I've finished the first chapter!

[Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lo mejor que tiene este libro es posiblemente su índice. Este autor ofrece un panorama de los problemas sociales, éticos, técnicos y ecológicos del futuro próximo. Esta visión general es un buen complemento de la letra pequeña y generalmente insustancial de la prensa escrita y los medios. Lo peor de este libro es la indisimuladable visión conservadora y proestadounidense de su autor. De todos modos es una iniciativa elogiable, y una muy estimulante y clara exposición de ideas.

[Jeff Deck · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of vital stuff in here that everyone should read, particularly policymakers and concerned citizens. Basic message: listen to the scientists. That's such simple advice, but so rarely heeded in the political power struggles that make up our supposed leadership today. Martin can be repetitive, and you obviously won't enjoy this book like you would with fiction or narrative nonfiction-- but I wish this book could help pull some heads out of asses.

[Johan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it is time to re-read the book, now we are a decade into the 21st century and do a check of what we - collectively as the world population- should have done, but have not yet done... despite all excuses such as the global financial and economic crisis, political instabiliy and change in parts of the world etc.

This blueprint remains as "vital" as it was when published and I think it is very important to read it and act upon it!

[Izwan Zakaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a 'be it all, end all' sorts of book. It gives you hope, yet strip and shred it all away right after it. It's like a tug of war game. A race between progress and backwardness. How technology here exists to complement our living, yet we strive to utilise it to propel our greed. Ultimately, this James Martin's piece is an absolutely brilliantly scary read. Don't listen to the voices in your head, listen to your scientists.

[Harry Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone new to the ideas of the Singularity and Transhumanism will find this book a good place to start. James Martin does a workmanlike job putting the challenges of the 21C into perspective. The books title is a little pretentious; better something simple like "Wake Up before it's too late" works for me. Probably could have delivered the same message with about 1/3 less words. Still - read this book!

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book to nearly anyone who has an interest in the unbelievable future this planet may or may not have, depending on our actions today as a whole.

The book could have been better structured; Martin tends to dwell on certain subjects throughout the book, and he could have tied it all together betterm in my opinion. But I still highly recommend this book.

[Christopher Lascelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great introduction to the crisis that we face as a species as we enter the 21st century. Martin pulls no punches and can be a little repetitive but that's no bad things on a subject as important as this. I would strongly recommend people to read this book if they want there eyes opened as to what's in store.

[Ian Dobie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting, very intelligently written, well researched, and importantly, easy to read. There are some very big issues contained in these pages, but actually it made me feel quite optimistic about the future rather than the standard pessimistic view of the future. Perhaps that just shows my naïveté, but it's still a great book

[Nigel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Martin doesn't so much seek to tell the reader what the meaning of this century is, merely that we are at a pinchpoint or delta in human development, from which we can either spiral towards destruction or begin our journey towards a safer, brighter future based on education, renewable technologies and sensibly curbing our wants and destructive ways ....

[Bj Engelhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book provide a stark view of the environmental degradation we are causing to our planet and ways we can mitigate the effects, as well as some cool predictions on the future of technology. Martin is not the strongest writer of prose, though, so the book often felt stiff and lacking good narrative. Still, worth the read.

[Christopher Mehigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent and compelling book about the threats facing us and the promise of a generation. Gives glimpses of what the century might look like, a very thought provoking read and call to action for our generation.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary, great man. Boring prose, but when you're reading a book about the issues of the coming century, you'd have to be an incredibly meager person to ignore the content because of stylistic shortcomings.

[Steven Gutknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for teachers

[Ivan]

Everybody should read at least the first part of this book asap

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit repetitive towards the end, but a brilliant book. Must-read.

[Sharon Fridman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked the extensive survey approach to many domains. Especially liked the GM part.