How Eight Technologies Made Us Human and Brought Our World to the Brink

Unbound: How Eight Technologies Made Us Human and Brought Our World to the Brink

by Richard L. Currier

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6904 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	410 pages

FREE

In his book How Eight Technologies Made Us Human and Brought Our World to the Brink, Kevin Kelly argues that eight key technologies—language, fire, agriculture, the wheel, the plow, printing, the steam engine, and the computer—have been instrumental in making us human and bringing our world to the brink of extinction.

Kelly's book is a fascinating exploration of the ways in which technology has shaped our lives. He argues that technology is not simply a tool that we use to achieve our goals, but rather a fundamental part of what it means to be human.

Kelly begins his book by discussing the role of language in human evolution. He argues that language is what made it possible for us to develop complex societies and to cooperate with each other on a large scale. Language also allowed us to pass on our knowledge and culture from generation to generation.

Fire was another key technology in human evolution. Fire allowed us to cook our food, which made it more nutritious and easier to digest. Fire also provided us with warmth and protection from predators. And fire was essential for the development of metalworking and other technologies.

Agriculture was another major turning point in human history. Agriculture allowed us to produce our own food, which gave us more control over our food supply and allowed us to settle down in permanent communities.

The wheel was another important invention. The wheel made it possible for us to transport goods and people more easily. The wheel also led to the development of the plow, which made it possible to cultivate land more efficiently.

Printing was another key technology in human history. Printing allowed us to mass-produce books and other written materials. This made it possible for more people to have access to information and knowledge.

The steam engine was a major turning point in the Industrial Revolution. The steam engine made it possible to power factories and other machines. This led to a dramatic increase in productivity and economic growth.

The computer is the most recent of the eight technologies that Kelly discusses. Computers have revolutionized the way we live and work. They have made it possible for us to communicate with each other more easily, to access information and knowledge more quickly, and to solve problems more efficiently.

Kelly argues that these eight technologies have been essential in making us human and bringing our world to the brink of extinction. He argues that these technologies have given us the power to transform our world, but they have also given us the power to destroy it.

Kelly's book is a timely and important reminder of the power of technology. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges that we face today and the choices that we must make for the future.

Unbound: How Eight Technologies Made Us Human and Brought Our World to the Brink

by Richard L. Currier

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6904 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	410 pages

FREE