Overview

Our species is entering a new era. Millions of years ago, we created tools to change our environment. Caves became huts, fires became ovens, and clubs became swords. Collectively these tools became technology, and the pace of innovation accelerated. Now we’re applying the latest advancements to our own biology, and technology is becoming part of the process. But is that a good thing? Not if media scare pieces about government spying, limitless automation, and electronic addictions are to be believed. But veteran journalist and best-selling author Peter Nowak looks at what it means to be human – from the relationships we form and the beliefs we hold to the jobs we do and the objects we create – and measures the impact that those innovations have had and will have in the future. He shows not only how advancements in robotics, nanotechnology, neurology, and genetics are propelling us into a new epoch, but how they’re improving us as a species. Nowak has compiled the data and travelled the world to speak to experts. Focusing on the effects of technology rather than just its comparatively minor side effects, he finds a world that is rapidly equalizing, globalizing, and co-operating.

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Reviews

Critical acclaim for Sex, Bombs, and Burgers: Hugely entertaining. Nowak--an experienced journalist--confidently treads where other historians of technology might avoid. --THE NEW SCIENTIST An enjoyable and informative history of the surprising origins of some of the technological 'marvels' that underpin the modern world. --BBC FOCUS Thought-provoking. You can think of it, if you wish, as a modern version of Mandeville's The Fable of the Bees, which proposed that society's vices are actually good for overall economic health. --THE GUARDIAN Witty and well-researched . . . An engaging read, leaving one with several 'I did not know that' moments. --THE GLOBE AND MAIL

"The title of this book is an optimistic meditation on the future of humankind and technology.  Nowak, a technology journalist, offers his perspectives on how technological advances will positively impact the quality of human life.  Using anecdotes and cherry-picked data, the author weaves an entertaining, at times comical, narrative. .. . In ten chapters, the author explores how technology will impact human evolution, economics, health, jobs, arts, relationships, identity, belief, and happiness.  .. .The merit of this readable volume lies in its futuristic musings on the technological 'singularity movement' and how technological advancements may improve life and usher humankind into a 'third era.' --D. D. Tritt, University of South Carolina Aiken * CHOICE * Critical acclaim for Sex, Bombs, and Burgers:""Hugely entertaining. Nowak—an experienced journalist—confidently treads where other historians of technology might avoid."" —THE NEW SCIENTIST""An enjoyable and informative history of the surprising origins of some of the technological 'marvels' that underpin the modern world."" —BBC FOCUS""Thought-provoking. You can think of it, if you wish, as a modern version of Mandeville's The Fable of the Bees, which proposed that society's vices are actually good for overall economic health."" —THE GUARDIAN""Witty and well-researched . . . An engaging read, leaving one with several 'I did not know that' moments."" —THE GLOBE AND MAIL"

The title of this book is an optimistic meditation on the future of humankind and technology. Nowak, a technology journalist, offers his perspectives on how technological advances will positively impact the quality of human life. Using anecdotes and cherry-picked data, the author weaves an entertaining, at times comical, narrative. .. . In ten chapters, the author explores how technology will impact human evolution, economics, health, jobs, arts, relationships, identity, belief, and happiness. .. .The merit of this readable volume lies in its futuristic musings on the technological 'singularity movement' and how technological advancements may improve life and usher humankind into a 'third era.' --D. D. Tritt, University of South Carolina Aiken CHOICE Critical acclaim for Sex, Bombs, and Burgers: Hugely entertaining. Nowak-an experienced journalist-confidently treads where other historians of technology might avoid. -THE NEW SCIENTIST An enjoyable and informative history of the surprising origins of some of the technological 'marvels' that underpin the modern world. -BBC FOCUS Thought-provoking. You can think of it, if you wish, as a modern version of Mandeville's The Fable of the Bees, which proposed that society's vices are actually good for overall economic health. -THE GUARDIAN Witty and well-researched ... An engaging read, leaving one with several 'I did not know that' moments. -THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Author Information

Peter Nowak is the author of Sex, Bombs, and Burgers, and his work has appeared in the Boston Globe, New Scientist magazine, and elsewhere. He won the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance Award for excellence in reporting, and the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand named him technology journalist of the year. He lives in Toronto with his wife.

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