Abundance
January 31, 2012
In a time when unemployment is high, energy prices are on the rise, and quality food grows scarce, it's very nice to read a book like Abundance: Why the Future Will Be Much Better Than You Think. In some ways, this new book by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler seems too good to be true.
In a time when unemployment is high, energy prices are on the rise, and quality food grows scarce, it's very nice to read a book like Abundance: Why the Future Will Be Much Better Than You Think. In some ways, this new book by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler seems too good to be true. But upon opening the cover, it's clear that there are ideas within that aren't just intended to raise hype (and false hope).
There are four forces the authors identify that are closing the gap on high privilege and, well, the rest of us: Exponential technologies, the DIY innovator, the Technophilanthropist, and the Rising Billion. These forces, the author's say, will solve our biggest problems - problems we have faced since the dawn of humanity.
"...for the first time in history, our capabilites have begun to catch up to our ambitions. Humanity is now entering a period of radical transformation in which technology has the potential to significantly raise the basic standards of living for every man, woman, and child on the planet."
From water, education, rights, and more, the authors explain how technology and the work developing it will expand not only how our economy and business will change, but how we as individuals will within this new system.
Part technology, part business, and part politics, this is a book that might inspire entrepreneurs to focus on specific positive trends, and make us all stop and think about how we might contribute with our own business. It will be interesting to watch the conversations that come out of this book, and of course, to see some of the actual steps toward making abundance a reality.
And as the authors describe in detail early in the book, the first step toward understanding how to make it possible is to understand that it actually is possible.
There are four forces the authors identify that are closing the gap on high privilege and, well, the rest of us: Exponential technologies, the DIY innovator, the Technophilanthropist, and the Rising Billion. These forces, the author's say, will solve our biggest problems - problems we have faced since the dawn of humanity.
"...for the first time in history, our capabilites have begun to catch up to our ambitions. Humanity is now entering a period of radical transformation in which technology has the potential to significantly raise the basic standards of living for every man, woman, and child on the planet."
From water, education, rights, and more, the authors explain how technology and the work developing it will expand not only how our economy and business will change, but how we as individuals will within this new system.
Part technology, part business, and part politics, this is a book that might inspire entrepreneurs to focus on specific positive trends, and make us all stop and think about how we might contribute with our own business. It will be interesting to watch the conversations that come out of this book, and of course, to see some of the actual steps toward making abundance a reality.
And as the authors describe in detail early in the book, the first step toward understanding how to make it possible is to understand that it actually is possible.
