New World: 16 Wise People Talk About the Future
In this book, titled "A New World: The Future as Told by 16 Wise People from Around the World," the author explores various topics related to the future. One of the main themes discussed is the impact of the Corona pandemic. While the virus itself poses a threat, it has also served as a catalyst for reevaluating our way of life. The pandemic has led to the downfall of political leaders and the rise of Populism. It has also highlighted the issue of Economic Inequality Caused by Corona, as the poor are unable to avoid contact and are often essential workers. The book also features insights from renowned authors such as Yuval Noah Harari, who wrote "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind." Another notable contributor is Emmanuel Todd, who accurately predicted events like the Arab Spring and the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Todd suggests that countries with a lack of Socialism and traditional Primogeniture tend to be more accepting of new ideas. He emphasizes the importance of the Number of births in determining a nation's survival, stating that the measure of social vitality lies in the ability to have children rather than saving the lives of the elderly. Todd also challenges the concept of Utilitarianism and criticizes Macron. Jared Diamond, another contributor to the book, discusses the phenomenon of Populism and its connection to people who have limited travel experiences, particularly those who stay in their hometowns. He mentions the concept of a Selection Gap, which can be observed in both Japan and the United States, where there is a divide between those who remain in their local areas and those who move to urban centers. Francis Fukuyama explores the nature of Populist movements, which promise to maintain the status quo and avoid conflict. He suggests that the rise of Populism can be seen as a sign of "the end of history," with past examples such as Nationalism and Fascism serving as precursors. Joseph Stiglitz discusses the aftermath of the pandemic and the potential return of consumerism. He draws parallels to historical events such as the Plague and the subsequent Renaissance. Stiglitz also highlights the role of technology giants like GAFA in combating issues like fake news. Nicholas Taleb introduces the concept of Antifragility, which emphasizes the need for disorder in order to build a resilient economy. He argues that the current bureaucratic systems are ill-equipped to handle unexpected events like the Black Swan of the pandemic. Taleb also touches on the importance of effective Risk Management and the dangers of a reactive approach. Daniel Cohen discusses the paradox of increasing income without a corresponding increase in satisfaction, known as the Paradox of Easterlin. He also delves into the impact of Capitalism in the Anthropocene and the rise of the "Uberization of society," where algorithms control the management of workers in the sharing economy. Cohen emphasizes the need to raise salaries in essential fields like healthcare and education. Overall, "A New World: The Future as Told by 16 Wise People from Around the World" offers a thought-provoking exploration of various topics, ranging from the impact of the pandemic to the challenges of capitalism and the need for social change.