A provocative and inspiring look at the future of humanity and science from world-renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees

Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes good and bad are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees argues that humanity’s prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow.

The future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how

successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. If we are to use science to solve our problems while avoiding its dystopian risks, we must think rationally, globally, collectively, and optimistically about the long term. Advances in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence―if pursued and applied wisely―could empower us to boost the developing and developed world and overcome the threats humanity faces on Earth, from climate change to nuclear war. At the same time, further advances in space science will allow humans to explore the solar system and beyond with robots and AI. But there is no “Plan B” for Earth―no viable alternative within reach if we do not care for our home planet.

Rich with fascinating insights into cutting-edge science and technology, this accessible book will captivate anyone who wants to understand the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on Earth and beyond.

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世界知名的科学家和畅销书作家马丁-里斯对人类和科学的未来进行了挑衅性和激励性的展望

人类已经到了一个关键时刻。我们的世界动荡不安，迅速变化，我们在下个世纪面临生存风险。各种好的和坏的结果都是可能的。然而，我们对未来的态度却以短期思维、两极分化的辩论、危言耸听和悲观主义为特征。在这本简短而令人振奋的书中，著名科学家和畅销书作家马丁-里斯认为，人类вЂ的前景取决于我们采取一种非常不同的方法来规划明天。

人类的未来与科学的未来息息相关，并取决于我们如何成功地利用技术进步来规划明天。

我们如何成功地利用技术进步来应对我们的挑战。如果我们要利用科学来解决我们的问题，同时又要避免科学带来的乌托邦式的风险，我们就必须理性地、全面地、集体地、乐观地思考长远的问题。生物技术、网络技术、机器人技术和人工智能的进步вЂ--如果得到追求和明智的应用вЂ--可以使我们有能力推动发展中国家和发达国家的发展，克服人类在地球上面临的威胁，从气候变化到核战争。同时，空间科学的进一步发展将使人类能够与机器人和人工智能一起探索太阳系和其他地方。但是，如果我们不关心我们的地球家园，就没有为地球制定的B计划，也没有可行的替代方案。

这本通俗易懂的书对前沿科学和技术有着丰富的见解，它将吸引任何想了解决定人类在地球和其他地方的未来的关键问题的人。

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