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From the perspective of sublating Eastern and Western cultures and civilizations, this approach argues for the urgency of industrial civilization's transformation; based on the dimension of civilization, it explores the future trajectories of humanity, the world, and human civilization; it puts forward for the first time the concepts of “global civilization” and “great civilization” as two forms of advanced future civilizations for humanity, elucidating their core significance and practical approaches; it advocates integrating the values of global civilization into the practice of sustainable development and has devised futures research methodologies such as “China 2050 and Early Warning Systems.”
This very significantly revised new edition includes approximately 30% new or updated content. A substantially expanded chapter addresses major contemporary topics in artificial intelligence and the role of AI in education, referencing current data and theories. A new 40,000-word appendix outlines the “six waves of futures studies”, bringing together contributions from 100 thinkers and futurists from thirty-five institutions, across different periods and regions. The book retains its 26 illustrations, with 8 updated, resulting in a more comprehensive and current edition.
Foreword Ⅰ
Theodore Jay Gordon
Foreword Ⅱ
Hazel Henderson
Foreword Ⅲ
Guangbi Dong
Foreword Ⅳ
Randeep Sudan
Foreword Ⅴ
Lane Jennings
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Where is humanity headed?
Concerning human evolution
What is technology?
On future civilization
Sustainable development and the future of humanity
Understanding China
Let’s hope human beings can truly awaken
1. Deep Concern over the Direction of Technology Development
The syndrome of technology worship
Anxiety disorder due to technology
Concerns over the direction of human evolution
The technological revolution now unfolding
The imminent disaster facing science and technology
2. The Crisis in Human Civilization Driven by the Theory of Scientific and Technological Omnipotence
Human-machine civilization era?
If we let things go on unchanged, what will happen?
Five “wars” among three categories of species
Are we qualified?
Respect for life, reverence toward nature
3. What Is Technology?
Technology in the broad sense
Soft technology has been ignored for a long time
The significance of understanding soft technology
What determines the direction of technological innovation?
The integration of hard and soft technologies in the field of human life and
its risks
Human beings must regulate technology
It's not enough just to regulate and control
4. What Kind of Civilization Should Human Beings Pursue?
The essence of industrial civilization
Exploring the future evolution of humanity from social-humanity perspectives
What kind of civilization should human beings pursue after industrial civilization?
The global civilization - the cultural foundation for jointly building future human happiness
Worth thinking about
5. The Difficult Task of Creating a Global Civilization
The transformation of civilization has a long way to go
The development mode of each country can and should be unique
Basic principles
Beyond Global Civilization - the most worthy goal for human beings
Prospect of the Great Civilization
6. Can Humans Eventually Create a Great Civilization?
The power of education and persuasion
Human beings can and should agree on common values
Ideal human societies have certain characteristics in common
Human beings have never stopped striving to realize the ideal society
7. Integrate the Values of Global Civilization into the Practice of Sustainable Development - The Case of China
Redefining sustainable development
Sustainable Development and China’s Practice
Striving to build an innovative country - from imitative innovation to innovation
Realizing sustainable development by adopting a systemic solution
Strategic Management of Green Development and China's Practice
8. The Responsibility of Our Generation
Reaching consensus is key
Changing how we think is the precondition for achieving consensus
Education
A better future cannot be predicted, but it can be created
Tolerance and visionary thinking
Be bold to take responsibility
Transmitting the goal of realizing the Great Civilization to the next generation
Appendix: Six Waves of Futures Studies
Learn from thinkers and futurists who drive progress in human society
Bibliography
Notes on the Author