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  • Published: 2 July 2007
  • ISBN: 9781903919866
  • Imprint: Eden Project Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 544
  • RRP: $27.99

The Meaning Of The 21st Century

A Vital Blueprint For Ensuring Our Future



A devastating analysis of where our world is headed, and a powerful prescription for change. From the Pulitzer Prize-nominated author of THE WIRED SOCIETY.

James Martin, one of the world's most widely respected authorities on the impact of technology on society, argues that we are living at a turning point in human history. 'We are travelling at breakneck speed into an era of extremes - extremes of wealth and poverty, extremes in technology, extremes in globalization. If we are to survive, we must learn how to manage them all.' Although we face huge challenges and conflicts, Martin argues that it is in the scientific breakthroughs of the new century that we will find new hope. In a clear, penetrating and insightful style he addresses the key questions of our age and proposes an interconnected set of solutions to its problems.

  • Published: 2 July 2007
  • ISBN: 9781903919866
  • Imprint: Eden Project Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 544
  • RRP: $27.99

About the author

James Martin

James Martin, for several decades a leading authority in computing, is a Pulitzer Prize nominee, and has written 101 textbooks . In addition to his D.Litt. from Oxford, Martin has an honorary doctorate from all six continents. Computerworld ranks Martin fourth among the 25 people who have most influenced the world of computing. In the early 1990s Martin was a member of the software Scientific Advisory Board of the U.S. Department of Defense. He is Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Headstrong, which designs and develops ultra-complex systems that enable leading companies create real business value.

During three decades of lecturing and consulting around the world Martin became concerned with the rapidly worsening problems of the planet, and practical actions that can be taken about them. Believing that this will eventually lead to civilizations different from today, he created the groundbreaking James Martin 21st-Century School at Oxford University, which links together many Institutes and top academics concerned with the future. Its mission is to "Find solutions to the biggest problems facing humanity in the 21st century, and identify humanity's biggest opportunities." It aims to influence policy in areas critical to our future.

And in 2007, James Martin became a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science.

Praise for The Meaning Of The 21st Century

A wonderful book...a privilege to read.

Lord Rees, President of the Royal Society

A fire bell warning...Any political or business leader (or young person) eager to make history should begin by reading James Martin's hopeful and crucial blueprint.

Hernando De Soto, author of THE MYSTERY OF CAPITAL

Sensational. Every warning is rooted in clear data, and each is counterbalanced with available or foreseeable choices.

William Stevenson, author of THE MAN CALLED INTREPID

To survive the difficult 21st century we will need all that technology can offer, but in addition we need the optimistic belief in it that James Martin's book provides.

James Lovelock, author of GAIA: A NEW LOOK AT LIFE ON EARTH

On rare occasions a special book introduces a vital new idea into the public consciousness. This is one of those books.

Baroness Susan Greenfield, Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain and author of TOMORROW'S PEOPLE