What Should We Be Worried About

What Should We Be Worried About Book Description

Drawing on the latest scientific horizons, What Should We Be Worried About gathers today’s most influential thinkers to reveal hidden threats that rarely appear in headlines. John Brockman, founder of Edge.org, asked leading minds to share the risks that truly worry them—issues that are not yet on the public radar. The result is a collection of 150 bold ideas that challenge common assumptions and expand your view of the world.

Readers will explore insights from neuroscience, economics, philosophy, physics, psychology, biology, and beyond. Steven Pinker uncovers the real factors that could lead to war, while Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi warns of a looming virtual abyss. Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek laments missed chances to prevent global catastrophe, and Seth Lloyd calculates the danger of a financial black hole.

Throughout the book, Allison Gopnik discusses the loss of childhood, and Nassim Nicholas Taleb explains why firefighters understand risk better than many “experts.” Matt Ridley points out the alarming return of superstition, and Daniel C. Dennett with George Dyson consider the impact of a massive Internet breakdown.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Jacquet fears human‑induced damage from the “Anthropocebo Effect,” and Douglas Rushkoff worries that humanity is losing its soul. Nicholas Carr describes a growing “patience deficit,” and Tim O’Reilly predicts a new Dark Age driven by technology.

Key Features of What Should We Be Worried About

Each chapter presents a concise, thought‑provoking essay from a leading expert. Readers can quickly grasp complex ideas because the contributors write in clear, accessible language. The book covers topics such as the “underpopulation bomb” (Kevin Kelly), the fate of men (Helen Fisher), and the mysteries that still confound us (Lawrence Krauss). Additionally, Susan Blackmore highlights the loss of manual skills, and Kate Jeffery explores the concept of “the death of death.”

Moreover, the collection includes voices like J. Craig Venter, Daniel Goleman, Virginia Heffernan, Sam Harris, Brian Eno, and Martin Rees. Their diverse perspectives create a rich tapestry of future‑focused thinking. Because the essays are short yet profound, readers can dip in and out, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Why Read This Book?

Fans of forward‑looking nonfiction will enjoy the blend of scientific rigor and engaging storytelling. The book helps you identify real dangers before they become headlines, allowing you to make informed decisions in personal and professional life. Also, it challenges you to question popular fears that distract from more urgent issues.

Readers will appreciate the practical value of each insight. For example, Nassim Taleb’s risk lessons can improve investment strategies, while Sherry Turkle’s observations on constant connectivity help parents guide their children. Therefore, the book serves as both a warning system and a guide to better understanding the world.

About This Book

Published in 2014 (ISBN 9780062296238), What Should We Be Worried About brings together 150 expert essays that illuminate the unseen challenges of our time. The powerful mix of science, philosophy, and real‑world examples makes it a compelling read for anyone eager to stay ahead of emerging threats. Discover more details on Goodreads, and explore additional titles in our store through the English Books collection.