Inventing the future

by Suzuki David T

“. . . it is clear that while science provides insights into the complexity of the world around us, those insights . .. present a fractured mosaic rather than a seamless whole. There are profound limits to science that must be recognized if we are to minimize the destructive consequences of using the powers provided by scientific discovery.”What effect will deforestation, particularly in the rain forests of Brazil, have on the environment? How is acid rain transforming ecosystems? Can we count on science to solve the problems of overcrowding, species extinction and global pollution? Are scientists selling us out to the military and big business? Can we tolerate more Professor Rushtons? Is science being used to promote racism? Is our education system meeting the challenge? What should we be asking of our educators?David Suzuki tackles these issues and more, in this his first collection of critical essays.Here is Suzuki at his incisive exploring the limits of knowledge and the connectedness of things. Those links that bind us all to nature.Suzuki writes clearly and vigorously with a keen-witted love of argument. And above all with a candour that is both disarming and challenging.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

247 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 28, 1991

Reviews

[Maria Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sprawling book that tells some hard truths. One can tell that Mr. Suzuki is accustomed to speaking to the layman on his sciences and his dedication to the truth shows here with accounts of scientific inspiration, subjugation and predictions that have since come to pass.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it. It is over 3 decades old so it is a bit outdated. But even so, I found it to be a bit whingey and defensive. I just wasn't learning much and I certainly didn't feel inspired. Disappointing, as I've enjoyed reading another book of Suzuki's.

[Andreas Sekeris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary that a book written over 30 years ago about the dangers of tech and environment exploitation gets it so right.
This is a collection of columns written in the late 80s for a Canadian paper. It’s usefully divided into categories. The downside of this is that, like any columnist, Suzuki reuses some explanations or solutions and coming straight after the other can be a little much. It doesn’t detract from the message, it just makes you realise how hard it is to get people to understand the message.
The section on genetics and how they’re seen as a quick fix for issues that should be solved by the hard work of fixing poverty, homelessness and inequality is eerily similar to current writings on artificial intelligence.
The sections on the environment are also accurate and frightening about climate change, biodiversity, and destruction of natural environments.
I also enjoyed the writing on indigenous cultures and living together with the land rather than owning it. The part about people wanting a larger space to live in doesn’t ring true though with all the tiny homes people live in now.
An interesting read!

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a teenager and it helped to inform my understanding of environmentalism and science.