The Story of Technology: How We Got Here and What the Future Holds

A leading technology expert examines ways to manage the rapid proliferation of technology and come to grips with its pervasive influence. Technology--always a key driver of historical change--is transforming society as never before and at a far more rapid pace. This book takes the reader on a journey into what the author identifies as the central organizing construct for the future of civilization, the continued proliferation of technology. And he challenges us to consider how to think about technology to ensure that we humans, and not the products of our invention, remain in control of our destinies? In this informative and insightful examination, Dr. Daniel M. Gerstein--who brings vast operational, research, and academic experience to the subject--proposes a method for gaining a better understanding of how technology is likely to evolve in the future. He identifies the attributes that a future successful technology should seek to emulate and the pitfalls that a technology developer should try to avoid. The aim is to bring greater clarity to the impact of technology on individuals and society. In particular, he considers three technologies now converging that will shape the future: biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and the "internet of things." He asks: Will we continue to develop new technologies in these fields merely because basic research shows that we can, or should we first consider the likely effects of these technologies on the quality of life at the individual, societal, and global levels? Dr. Gerstein makes a compelling case that rational and informed evolution of our technological options is the best course for ensuring a brighter future.

Author: Daniel M. Gerstein
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Published: 10/01/2019
Pages: 360
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.50lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.30w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781633885783


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/24/2019

About the Author
Dr. Daniel M. Gerstein is a national security professional and technology expert who has served the United States not only in senior government positions but also in uniform, in industry, in academia, and in think tanks. As a senior government civilian official, he was acting undersecretary and deputy undersecretary in the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. In this position, he directed the organization's annual budget of over $1 billion. During his time in the US Army, he served on four continents while participating in combat, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and homeland security. He also held high-level assignments in the Pentagon for more than a decade. Dr. Gerstein has extensive experience with international negotiations, notably as a member of the Holbrooke Delegation that negotiated the peace settlement in Bosnia. He is a frequent news contributor, and he has published numerous books, articles, and commentaries on a wide variety of national and homeland security issues. He also is a member of several corporate boards and advisory committees.


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