A jövő nagy kérdései

by David Rothkopf

,,Korszakvaltas keszulodik, a messzesegben mar egy mindent atformalo cunami duborog, mikozben vezetoink es mi is hatat forditunk neki. Pont a masik iranyba nezunk. A politikai hatalommal rendelkezok es tamogatoik tobbsege gorcsosen ragaszkodik a multhoz - szinte hallani a kormuk karistolasat, ahogy a vegsokig probalnak kapaszkodni, meg az elkerulhetetlenul bekovetkezo valtozasok sodrasaban is."
De hogyan keszuljunk fel az eletunk minden mozzanatara kihato atalakulasra?
David Rothkopf szerint mindenekelott a megfelelo kerdeseket kell feltenni. A politikatudos-ujsagiro, a nemzetkozi kapcsolatok szakertoje, a Columbia Egyetem vendegprofesszora korunk legfontosabb kerdeseit kutatja, amelyek ujraertelmezik a vilagot es az arrol alkotott fogalmainkat. Konyve szembesit a jovore vonatkozo elkepzeleseinkkel, es arra kenyszerit, hogy ujragondoljuk eletunk olyan alapelemeit, mint az identitas, az emberi jogok, a gazdasag, a demokracia, a kormanyzas, a konfliktus vagy a biztonsag.

David J. Rothkopf 2017 májusáig a Foreign Policy magazint kiadó és a foreignpolicy.com weboldalt üzemeltető FP Group ügyvezető igazgatója és szerkesztője volt. Az FP által globális vezetők számára világszerte megrendezett fórumok, vacsorák, konferenciák házigazdájaként szerepelt, emellett részt vett a csoport elemzéssel és tanácsadással foglalkozó részlegének, az FP Analytics-nek a munkájában. A cég ,,Szerkesztői kerekasztal" (The Editor's Roundtable) nevű podcastjének beszélgetéseit vezette.
Rothkopf számos nagy sikerű könyv szerzője (National Insecurity - American Leadership in an Age of Fear; Power, Inc.; Superclass; Running the World). A Columbia Egyetem Közügyek és Nemzetközi Kapcsolatok Iskolája (Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs) vendégprofesszora és a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace nevű alapítvány rendszeresen meghívott előadója.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Business, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology

141 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 2016

About the author

David Rothkopf is the internationally acclaimed author of Superclass: The Global Power Elite and the World They are Making (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, March 2008), now available in over two dozen editions worldwide, and Running the World: The Inside Story of the National Security Council and the Architects of American Power (PublicAffairs, 2005), hailed by The New York Times as "the definitive history of the National Security Council." His next book, on the tug of war between public and private power worldwide and its consequences, is due out from Farrar Straus & Giroux late this year.

Rothkopf is President and CEO of Garten Rothkopf, an international advisory firm specializing in transformational trends especially those associated with energy choice and climate change, emerging markets and global risk. He is a visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace where he chairs the Carnegie Economic Strategy Roundtable. He was formerly chief executive of Intellibridge Corporation, managing director of Kissinger Associates and U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Policy.

Rothkopf has also taught international affairs and national security studies at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, has lectured widely and is the author of over 150 articles for leading publications worldwide.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the purpose of society and how do we define who we are? What is the role of nations? What is fair? What is the future of global governance?

That such great questions are posed by the cascading consequences of the digital disruptions already taking place is a sign that we are indeed at an epochal watershed. Today is, in fact, the day before the Renaissance.

There are many brilliant minds in the world today asking great questions. But it will take many more at every level of society to tap the potential this new era may bring. Remember Einstein's admonition when searching for solutions, devote your attention to finding the right question first. If you do, the best answers are sure to follow.

[John Mosman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Ted book I've read, supposedly short enough to read in one sitting. I read quite a bit, but this book was not a single sitting read. David Rothkoph is CEO of Foreign Policy magazine and website. He is active in foreign policy and has worked for the federal government in trade. The book is well done and questions our basic assumptions, what is government, what is war, what is technology doing in our lives now and into the future. Well covered and thought - give it a try!

[Phil · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are no "great questions of tomorrow" in this book, nor are any "ideas that will remake the world" provided. It reads like a really boring university lecture and basically says that the world is changing, as always, but more quickly. Who knew.

[Drew Gilliland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simultaneously fascinating, exciting, overwhelming, and terrifying. But absolutely necessary. If you care about the future of our big, complex world, take a couple of hours to read this.

[Arie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite thought provoking. In many ways, this book was like quality chocolate. Enjoy in small morsels.

[Sayanth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skillfully exploring the prospects of a redefined and overlooked revolution in progress

[Ian Beardsell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great little book (literally) that the fine people of TED put out as an accompaniment to one of the author's talks. Rothkopf poses to the reader that the big issues of our times need to be carefully restated into better questions in order to get a better handle on and solve them. We cannot fall into the trap of trying to solve issues such as terrorism, economic disparity, climate change and so on, by resorting to past strategies.

Although I learned a couple of new things, I wished that the author had expanded on some of these big ideas and actually demonstrated the reframing of questions more rigorously. As I notice some other Goodreads reviews have mentioned, Rothkopf himself seemed to be stuck in the unoriginal paradigm of "science and technology is changing fast, but our societal response to it is not", and then simply listing some of our big issues and touching upon some of the more novel responses to them. Any one who watches the news carefully and takes an interest in current events knows the complex scope of today's issues and the failure of tried-and-true approaches to them. [Well, almost everyone...sorry, Mr. Trump...] The book would have been better if he had delved further into his premise of how these folks with the novel approaches actually reframed the questions that were not leading to solutions; however, in a short ~100 pages, this is probably not possible.

The key take away, though, is valuable, we can no longer afford to patiently wait for politicians and corporations that provide cookie-cutter solutions that are based on old problem solutions.

[Derek Keener · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been great, except for all of the run-on sentences. By the time I went from capital letter to period, in many instances, I'd have forgotten what the sentence even said. A paper like this written for a Grad school class would have gotten me an F.

[Jerrid Kruse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short read and thought-provoking, but not very original. Technology changes everything and the author just highlights a few examples. One useful question from the book: "where are the philosophers?" We need them instead of technologists to answer our most pressing questions. The author tried to stay balanced with his views of technology, but is clearly a true believer with a bit too much hope placed in the almighty algorithm.

[Anthony Friscia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Rothkopf's writing in other contexts, and loved him as the host of the FP podcast. This book is based on a TED talk he gave, and is meant to be a short read. Because of that, it comes off as glib at times, without much substance and lots of pontificating. Where he's best is when talking about war, as expected since this is his area of expertise, and here it feels more concrete. His basic premise, that we are at the threshold of great change, never completely rings true to me, but that's less because of his writing, and more because of my own skepticism. Worth it for the quick read and few thought-provoking nuggets.

[A-Life Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking would be an understatement. Loved it!
A must read for the crazy times we find ourselves in socially and politically.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally speaking, I'm much more comfortable analyzing past actions than predicting future ones, an orientation that I apparently share with our media and our elected officials. Rothkopf warns that this orientation will be disastrous in the future, and he's probably right- although one could argue that it's already been disastrous, and we're just not paying attention.

The book is organized by 5 broad questions that basically follow his TED talk- although the TED talk isn't structured around questions. He focuses on the role of technology in our future and how it will likely exacerbate the yawning divide between the haves and have-nots. Some of the more interesting thought experiments revolve around questions sci-fi writers have been talking about for decades- AI surpassing human intelligence, the rise of cyborgs as part of a human superclass, and doomsday scenarios of perpetual cyber warfare (This is already our reality, of course.). Somehow he remains exceedingly optimistic about humans' abilities to maintain trust in each other despite all of the ways we use technology to undermine each other- so he's still suggesting online voting systems, expanding the use of virtual currency, even having systems of government that transcend the physical realm to encompass communities that are solely connected through the Internet (if I understood that idea correctly).

As with most TED Talks, he's long on hope and short on details- or supporting evidence -and most readers will not find themselves in positions to make decisions about any of these issues. Most of us are just along for the ride- but to the extent that we can make decisions about having elected officials that understand these issues, it's probably worth taking a second look at the candidate who has a degree in computer engineering or finance or has run a tech start-up. It's also worth supporting changes to our system that encourage our elected officials to become expert in these areas- and to reward them for listening to the counsel of trained scientists as opposed to listening to the advice of fear-mongers or science deniers. Frankly, after seeing the Facebook hearing, I'm not convinced that our elected leaders are currently in charge of much that will be meaningful in the future, especially as they continue to privatize services- such as schools, highways, prisons, and military units- that the government traditionally was responsible for- and leave it to Silicon Valley to fill in the gaps. They may not be asking the right questions, but it probably doesn't matter- as long as the tech oligarchs are.

[Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you guys ever watched a TED Talk? Well, apparently some of those Ted Talks are turned into published works so that the ideas can be delved into a little deeper. (To see more you can visit their website here. (They haven't asked me to review today's book by the way.)) I hadn't watched David Rothkopf's talk but The Great Questions of Tomorrow was featured in my regular 'what's new at Simon & Schuster' email and it seemed to be calling my name. Rothkopf is exploring a very wide and diverse range of topics with a central theme of 'what does this mean for the future?' running through them all. I guess it should come as no surprise that this book thoroughly freaked me out while at the same time fascinating me. Have you thought about the future of drone warfare and whether or not it might constitute the necessity for intelligent machines to have rights as members of society? WELL, NOW YOU ARE. He jumped from frightening scenarios like that to ones that hadn't even occurred to me such as complete mobile banking which would see the demise of physical currency and brick and mortar banks. O_O I especially enjoyed his take on government and how we should be trying to elect leaders who not only understand technology but can look towards the future to prepare accordingly. His example of how this was not done was that just because there was one shoe bomber it shouldn't mean we have to remove our shoes at airports into perpetuity. All in all, it was a fascinating read that I zipped right through. It's great for the people in your life (or yourself!) that enjoy philosophical discussions about the future and how actions of today and yesterday have and should continue to have direct bearing on how we handle events in the future. 10/10

[Elizabeth StClair · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah I didn't like this book. I decided that early on but kept reading, partly to "give it a chance," though if I'm being truthful, it was mostly to be able to write this review. This was not the book for me. I could see how some people could like it... I can't fully explain it. At parts I felt I was being talked down to. And I get the point Rothkopf is trying to make: we're entering a new era. We need to prepare for it. Things will change. Yes, yes. Just felt like he was ignoring the vast majority of humanity when discussing said change. But I don't know. Maybe he's Columbus and I'm the one still believing the earth is flat. Again, not disagreeing with what he says necessarily, but rather how he says it. I'd much rather be talked down to while reading a book on advanced astro-physics. No joke Sherlock, the world is changing, technology is changing, and we need to catch up. If this is the first time you've considered this change, then this book is for you. If it's not, don't bother reading. We do need to know the questions to ask before searching for answers. I just didn't realize his questions would be so basic.

[Krissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highlighed so many questions that we should ponder upon! That our leaders should be discussing about and thinking ways to navigate the problem. With the complexity of everything, I think the solutions are yet to come, things are still evolving. Even the right questions are still developing.

❓️The questions that really got me thinking (and worrying)

😨 How important is language to identity, and do we gain more than we lose by removing barriers to communication?

😰 What will it mean to live when more and more of our lives takes place in artificial space?

😱Do we still need government? Should governments still be defined by geography, as they were before?

🤯What would we make of humanity then? Would such questions gradually become less relevant as humans gradually become seen as simply an evolutionary link to higher, machine intelligence?

This is the time before Renaissance. What are we going to do about it? How will adaptation look like 20 years (or 10 years) from now?

[Irene Gracesiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

while reading this short book, i felt a bit like a philosopher. Facing the future full of disruption, we're challenged asking these basic questions of life:
Who am I? Who are we? Who Rules? What is the purpose of society? How do we define who we are? What is the role of nations? What is fair?
Not easy to understand honestly, but it's mind provoking!

" The beginning of evolution is recognizing WHAT is changing. But the secret is recognizing HOW we must change, and then implementing those changes effectively" - David Rothkopf

Will I loose my identity in the future triggered by technology and digital disruption?? hmmmm worth to ask right??

[Reza K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's say it's a must-read for anyone living in the everchanging 21 century and planning to survive the upcoming surprises. The book is short and to-the-point, and unlike those dumb commercial books, the author hasn't tried to just write more pages with overexplaining stuff. Of course, there are many places in the book that are in conflict with my own beliefs and knowledge, but I find it good to hear things in a new way sometimes.

What's in it? Some questions. Who are we, as the individuals of a totally socialized era? What's the new meaning of society? Who is in power now? and some more.

[Chris Esposo · Rating 1 out of 5]

To summarize : Too many people leading the country are ill-equipped to understand incoming technological change, war is now "cool" low-intensity conflict (not true), automation is going to make a lot of drugs redundant (maybe), and algorithms are magic, take any ordinary process: taxation, education, voting, put an algorithm on it, and you'll solve whatever problems that ail you (algorithms aren't magic). If any of this surprised you, I've saved you a few bucks and 3 hours on this audible piece, if you'd like to know more, you'll need to look elsewhere as this is the most shallow, almost beached end of coastal water. Either way, don't buy this "book".

[David Medders · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting read focused on five areas of questions that offer insights into the future journey of modern society. While hopeful in outlook, it offers reasonable checks against blind optimism. The author is addressing sociological perspectives and thus does not include the deadly silence from modern man's refusal to seriously address ultimate questions. In this brief work, he offers some interesting insights and thoughtful observations. These lay the foundation for his "great questions" which the future will answer.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the questions we are asking about ourselves, our identity, our society and more now? This is the central premise for this book. This is a quick read (or listen on audiobook) that really got me thinking about my own central questions I ask in my scholarship and what we ought to be thinking about in the future. Technology can scaffold how we live, work, and learn; however, I think we are forgetting to ask the more of the basic questions that Rothkopf encourages us to consider for what is fundamental for our society.

[Biplab Bhattacharya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rothkopf poses pointed questions that will have to be answered by the next couple of generations of humanity, maybe sooner. I've been thinking for a while that the sheer speed of technological advances and the lack of our current governing and social structures' ability to keep up might lead us some irreversible consequences. These thoughts are laid out in a systematic fashion in this book, outlining beneficiaries and the disadvantaged for different paths the answers might trace. Some sections lack sufficient depth and nuance while others made me pause to put the book away and think.

[Vlad Forsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I should have read this back in 2017. Reading it now feels a little dated and redundant, but it's a good exercise of looking at things in perspective and thinking of possible negative outcomes of what we sometimes consider progresses of science and politics. Cybersecurity, virtual money, economic and cyber wars, the impact of social media... were sort of fringe subjects in 2017, but now are becoming more and more relevant and so, some of David Rothkopf's questions are starting to get answers.

[Ralf Vogler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was ok - good questions, but highlighted very little since there wasn't much new or interesting content. Could have used more numbers and fleshed out examples to make points.

TOC:
1. The Day Before the Renaissance
2. Who Am I? Identity and Community Reimagined
3. Who Are We? The Social Contract and Rights Reconsidered
4. Who Rules? Democracy and Government Reimagined
5. What Is Money? Economics, Work, and Markets Reimagined
6. What Is War? What Is Peace? Power, Conflict, and Stability Reimagined

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice way to make you think.

A clear easy to understand book on how to look for the possibilities of the future. It will give you something to think about and is free of political arguments of who is right and wrong. Just what the past tells us might happen in the future and what we can do to consider our options.

[Sudhir Bharadhwaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good questions to ponder about. Certainly provokes a thinking on the how the future might unfold. But I disliked the disdain the author has for economists. Nor does it dwell on human sciences as well. A lot of argument is repeatedly made with the center focus on technology and data. A good one time read despite all it's shortcomings.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a short book packed with ideas. The author wants the reader to think about how our culture is changing and what that means for us. He is particularly concerned that policy makers are usually don't have a technology background and are looking to the past instead of looking to the future. The author wants us all to notice the changes taking place and really think about them.

[Pete Zilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, but as the book's title suggests - Rothkopf only offers questions, no answers. It's a call for closer consideration of the issues of our time and a suggestion that we could more carefully consider who we elect to ponder them...

[Wicks Rabach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise

This is an book that projects important questions as to the nature, scope, depth and complexion of challenges in future based on the current changes. It is short, and concise! Brilliant

[Jellybean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worth checking out from the library to possibly prompt you to think about topics relevant to future studies you may not have considered. The questions are rather out of focus without a coherent vision, in my opinion, but it's short and easy to get through.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rothkopf offers a survey of a number of emerging innovations. Chapters highlight transformational thinkers and creators who are envisioning and producing ideas, methods, and tools that may alter how we live in the future. It's a short, somewhat breezy, yet interesting exploration.