Humanity has reached a critical point in its history. Our world, amid instability and rapid changes, faces dangers that, by the end of the century, will threaten its very existence. The potential outcomes — positive or negative — are numerous and varied. Nonetheless, our current approach to the future is characterized by myopia, polarization, alarmism, and pessimism. In this small but hopeful book, the distinguished astrophysicist Martin Rees argues that our prospects will depend on adopting a radically different view of how we design tomorrow.

The future of humanity is inextricably linked to the future of science and the beneficial use of our technological achievements. If we want science to solve our problems while avoiding the pitfalls of dystopia, we need to think rationally, universally, collectively, and optimistically about our near and distant future. Advances in biotechnology, governance, robotics, and artificial intelligence, along with their prudent utilization, could serve as tools for both the uplift of the developing and developed world, as well as for overcoming numerous terrestrial threats, from climate change to nuclear catastrophe.

At the same time, further advances in space technology could enable us to explore our solar system, as well as transcend its boundaries. However, there is no "Plan B" for our planet; no viable alternative exists if we do not primarily take care of our home planet.

What they said about this: • "A captivating analysis of the most significant issues facing our world, loaded with insight, wisdom, and humanity." — Steven Pinker, professor of linguistics and cognitive science, Harvard University • "On Our Future is a particularly important book that must be widely read. Martin Rees combines his deep scientific knowledge with his concern for the welfare of humanity to clearly and elegantly describe the major issues facing human civilization today, many of which are seldom discussed." — Roger Penrose, emeritus professor of mathematics, University of Oxford

• "On Our Future, written with crystalline elegance by a leading scientist, offers the kind of wisdom that humanity desperately needs for a successful course in the 21st century." — Edward O. Wilson, emeritus professor of university research, Harvard University • "This inspired and provocative book by one of the world's leading scientists and visionaries is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of humanity." — Max Tegmark, professor of physics and cosmology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• "From climate change to biotechnology and artificial intelligence, science lies at the heart of nearly every decision our civilization must make to ensure its survival. Martin Rees has created an alphabet of these issues, as well as the potential ways to handle them, so that the next generation will see us as worthy stewards rather than irresponsible guardians of its legacy." — Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History

• "When politics throws up its hands, sometimes it's good to look far away. In his book, Martin Rees offers a cosmological view of our current state of the world. Europe's problems seem small when compared to the prospect of post-human space travel." — David W. Runciman, professor of political science, University of Cambridge

• "In this excellent book, the always brilliant Martin Rees tackles the vital problems of our times, objectively considering the risks and prospects of our species — from climate change, the future of artificial intelligence, the threat of bioterrorism to the possibility of future space adventures to spread out into the universe." — J. Richard Gott, professor of astrophysics, Princeton University

• "On Our Future will captivate its readers. Martin Rees is at the forefront of our informed thinkers regarding futurism." — Pedro Ferreira, professor of astrophysics, University of Oxford

• "A journey through the breathtaking developments of science and technology. [...] An ideal read for all citizens of the 21st century." — Marcia McNutt, professor of marine geophysics, Stanford University

• "Are we moving toward a utopian or dystopian future? Martin Rees believes it depends on us. However, the one thing we must not do is slow down technology." — Jim Al-Khalili, professor of theoretical physics, University of Surrey

• "On Our Future is a delightful intellectual exercise and should be read by everyone on the planet — even extraterrestrials, if they exist." — Abraham Loeb, professor of astrophysics, Harvard University

• "Anyone who wants to know the options we have for our future and the consequences of those choices must read On Our Future. Rees is a sharp and charismatic writer, and in his book, he expresses an encouraging optimism for the future of our species if we can avoid some of our current limiting behaviors." — Rush D. Holt, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

• "In this small but excellent book, Rees wrestles with the joyful promises and frightening possibilities of today's enormous scientific advances." — Rachel Bronson, president and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

• "An important book not only for its subject matter but also for its rationality. [...] Rees manages to steer clear of both fear and the need for cheerleading." — Sabine Hossenfelder, senior researcher in quantum gravity at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies

• "Divination may be a forgotten art, but I cannot think of a better way to view the future than this book — the multidimensional thinking of one of the most distinguished and astute scientists of our time concerning the direction in which our civilization is headed." — Ann Druyan, writer and producer of the television series Cosmos

• "Small in size but vast in scope: from redesigning genes to the possibility of climate change due to human action." — Science

• "Rees approaches the future as a scientist, a citizen, and a 'worried member of the human species'." — Nature

• "Martin Rees provides an overview of the great scientific possibilities for humanity, as well as a calm warning about what will happen to life on Earth if we continue to shape our thinking around short-term goals." — Times Literary Supplement