Published in 1986, 'Engines of Creation' is a seminal work by K. Eric Drexler that introduces and predicts the vast potential of nanotechnology. The book discusses molecular assemblers, which can construct objects atom by atom, and explores their implications for fields such as medicine, environmental science, and space colonization. Drexler also addresses the social, moral, and governmental systems needed to manage the immense power of nanotechnology, including cautionary scenarios like the 'gray goo' hypothesis. The book is notable for its visionary and sometimes controversial predictions, which have influenced both scientific and science fiction communities[1][3][5].
A Sand County Almanac is a seminal work by Aldo Leopold, comprising essays that describe the natural world around his home in Sauk County, Wisconsin. The book is divided into three main sections: 'Sand County Almanac,' which details seasonal changes and observations; 'Sketches Here and There,' which includes personal experiences and observations from various landscapes; and 'The Upshot,' which explores philosophical issues in wildlife conservation. Leopold introduces the concept of a 'land ethic,' emphasizing the moral responsibility to treat the land with care and respect, recognizing the intrinsic value of the environment beyond resource extraction. The book has been highly influential in the environmental movement and continues to be widely read and studied today.
Published in 1968, 'The Population Bomb' by Paul and Anne Ehrlich predicts catastrophic consequences, including mass starvation and environmental ruin, due to unchecked population growth. The book argues that immediate action is necessary to control population growth to prevent these dire outcomes. Although many of the Ehrlichs' predictions did not come to pass, the book significantly raised awareness about population and environmental issues and influenced public policy in the 1960s and 1970s. The authors emphasize the need for conscious regulation of human numbers and highlight the strain that growing populations place on the natural world[1][4][5].
In 'Road to Survival', William Vogt examines the ecological status of the world, documenting the negative effects of expanding global populations on the environment. He advocates for population control as a necessary measure to prevent environmental disaster, critiquing capitalism and emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. The book was a major inspiration for the modern environmental movement.
The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead and left stranded on Mars after a fierce storm. With limited supplies, Watney must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Meanwhile, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring 'the Martian' home, while Watney faces numerous challenges in his quest for survival. The novel is praised for its blend of science, humor, and suspense.
Seveneves tells the story of an apocalyptic event where the Moon suddenly breaks apart without warning, leading to a catastrophic 'Hard Rain' of moon fragments that will render Earth uninhabitable for thousands of years. The novel follows the global efforts to save humanity by evacuating people to a swarm of 'arklet' habitats in orbit. The story is divided into three parts, covering the immediate aftermath, the long-term survival in space, and the eventual re-colonization of Earth five thousand years later. The book delves into themes of science, technology, genetics, and the long-term implications of human survival and societal rebuilding[2][3][5].
Published in 1962, 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson is a seminal work in environmental science. The book documents the harmful effects of DDT and other pesticides on the environment, including their impact on bird populations, other wildlife, and human health. Carson argued that these substances should be called 'biocides' due to their broad impact on ecosystems. The book was serialized in 'The New Yorker' before its full publication and generated significant public and scientific debate. It led to a reversal in U.S. pesticide policy, the banning of DDT for agricultural use in 1972, and the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Carson's work challenged the prevailing attitudes towards scientific progress and human control over nature, advocating for responsible and careful use of pesticides and highlighting the need for environmental stewardship.
In this episode, Samuel Arbesman speaks with Jason Crawford, a writer and thinker who explores the idea of progress in modern society. Jason is the founder and president of the Roots of Progress Institute, an organization dedicated to developing a modern philosophy of progress. As part of this mission, the institute runs a fellowship for individuals writing about progress-related themes. Jason himself is a prolific writer and is currently working on a book-in-progress titled The Techno-Humanist Manifesto.
Together, Samuel and Jason discuss Jason’s journey from blogging about progress to founding an entire institution devoted to the topic. They explore his goals in writing, the cultural importance of storytelling in shaping societal values, and the distinct nature of the progress movement and how it compares to effective altruism and effective accelerationism. The conversation also touches on Jason’s broader ambitions for embedding progress-oriented thinking into pop culture and education, and concludes with a reflection on the role of optimism in shaping the future.
Produced by Christopher Gates
Music by Suno
The Orthogonal Bet 
