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kabelon97's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
2.75
Good book. Very accessible for people interested in science but have not yet studied it in University as he always explains the scientific jargon in the book.
kb_208's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy Kaku's future technology books. They are always very engaging and give a positive outlook on the world with science and technology. In this book he explores the idea of human's exploring the solar system and beyond and eventually colonizing other worlds far beyond Earth. He gives estimations of times and ways these feats could be accomplished.
My only issue with this book is, if you have read his others books that came before, there is a lot of redundant information that he gives in prior books. It's a small issue, because it is still interesting reading about future science possibilities and he is telling it in a different way with a new focus.
My only issue with this book is, if you have read his others books that came before, there is a lot of redundant information that he gives in prior books. It's a small issue, because it is still interesting reading about future science possibilities and he is telling it in a different way with a new focus.
lukaron's review against another edition
5.0
I can't express enough how much I love Dr. Kaku's books. He breaks down high-level physics into a format easily digestible by even those with no passing knowledge of science or math and presents this information in such a way as to be very engaging and informative. I started reading his works back in 2006 with his book "Hyperspace," and have made it a point to pick up every new one he publishes. This book, as the title suggests, focuses on the steps required and potential reality ahead of us as we expand upon our nascent efforts to colonize the moon and Mars. As in his previous works, he seeks information from the top minds in all relevant fields of science and technology and uses this data to draw conclusions about potential future developments.
I highly recommend this and ALL of Dr. Kaku's books for anyone with an interest in cutting-edge science and the direction we are taking as a species.
My wife and I had the fortune of meeting Dr. Kaku in Washington D.C. at a book-signing after a talk he gave and the man is incredible.
I highly recommend this and ALL of Dr. Kaku's books for anyone with an interest in cutting-edge science and the direction we are taking as a species.
My wife and I had the fortune of meeting Dr. Kaku in Washington D.C. at a book-signing after a talk he gave and the man is incredible.
kelseysej's review against another edition
3.0
The best parts of this book were the parts grounded in fact and current scientific research. The worst parts where the speculative science; that's why we have science fiction. Overall, very split on the book. Was it interesting? Yes. Could it/Should it have been shorter? Yes.
davecapp's review against another edition
3.0
For those readers looking to get out of the proverbial box of linear thinking, Dr. Kaku has a solution. This book is an exploration of the possibilities of science as mankind journeys to the stars. It begins with a bit of history and then makes logical steps, driven by ideas around the technologies that will be needed, for the evolution of our species from planet based, to solar system based, and eventually to a galactic focused species. Dr. Kaku references (and explains) quantum theory, string theory, light sails, Ion drives, worm holes, and everything in between, while giving his views on the viability of each in our overall transformation as a species. Asimov fans will love the many references to the Foundation and Empire series. Overall an interesting read, for those looking to expand their horizons a bit.
amanda_g_s's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
keifer_lud's review against another edition
3.0
The ending of THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY was so inspirational and intelligent, I feel the impulse to give this book four stars. But that wouldn't be quite true to my reading experience. To start with the good, this book is a wonderful learning opportunity to understand the state of science today. Kaku does a truly terrific job marrying science fiction tropes with historical innovation and an informed view of the science possibilities of the future. If I'm going to read a book by a futurist this is it. I will also say that Kaku is a master of weaving together stories in the first eighty or so pages of this - which gave me the impression I would like it much more than I eventually did - in how he described the history of creating the rocket and many scientists' contributions.
He was less successful, however, in explaining the histories of more theoretical thinkers such as Einstein, Planck, Newton, etc. This would have done a good job giving me something to latch onto when he was describing really heady theories in no simple terms. You can tell he certainly tried to dumb it down for dummies like me, but it just didn't quite work and there were many moments of this book that felt laden with terminology, babbly, and dry. At a certain point of the book, the structure took on the feel of "this thing exists and then this thing and then this thing" without giving me a narrative to latch onto. -
Which ultimately gets me to the point that I just think this book isn't for me. I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to learn, but when I commit hours to a book: I want a story. I want characters of importance. And while science-y books are good for some people, I just didn't feel as compelled as I yearn for in a reading experience. So: factoring in me feeling like a smarter person having read this book, Kaku's inability to go a paragraph without mentioning a TV show he hosted, and the way this book dragged - I give it three stars!
He was less successful, however, in explaining the histories of more theoretical thinkers such as Einstein, Planck, Newton, etc. This would have done a good job giving me something to latch onto when he was describing really heady theories in no simple terms. You can tell he certainly tried to dumb it down for dummies like me, but it just didn't quite work and there were many moments of this book that felt laden with terminology, babbly, and dry. At a certain point of the book, the structure took on the feel of "this thing exists and then this thing and then this thing" without giving me a narrative to latch onto. -
Which ultimately gets me to the point that I just think this book isn't for me. I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to learn, but when I commit hours to a book: I want a story. I want characters of importance. And while science-y books are good for some people, I just didn't feel as compelled as I yearn for in a reading experience. So: factoring in me feeling like a smarter person having read this book, Kaku's inability to go a paragraph without mentioning a TV show he hosted, and the way this book dragged - I give it three stars!
theravenkingx's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I don't know what I was thinking when I picked this book up. I don't usually like to read books that are dense with physics and cosmology, but I admire michio kaku so i had to give this one a try. I am not surprised to feel disappointed, however.
This book was pretty good on entertainment, and I understand why nerds would love it, but it did nothing for me, except maybe entertain a little. I couldn't take this book seriously as it was brimming with speculations about things that may or may not happen in next 5 billion years. I mean instead of worrying about what will happen in 5 billion years shouldn't we focus on saving our planet from all the man made chaos?
I enjoyed the science fiction elements and reading about how tenaciously scientists are trying to make science fiction a new reality for humanity. It was all very interesting to read. The book covered many topics like terraforming, multi-verse, robotics, transhumanism. All these heavy and dense topic were easier to grasp and understand thanks to michio kaku's writing style and movie references.
It feels like a new war is in order between the richest people of the world as they compete to colonize Mars and the universe itself. I think these rich people, Instead of spending billions of dollars on space exploration and planning to colonize other planets, should spend some of their foturne and influence to make this planet safe for everyone, Just saying.
When I was a kid I used to dream about meeting aliens, going on a mission to space and whatnot. My imaginations used to very elaborated, I used to imagine alines and robots in a very fanciful way. Robots used to have chips inside of them that could shut them off, if they tried to take over the world. Then I grew up. However, reading this book made me realize that some people are incapable of growing up.
I mean, first of all, no self aware robot is arriving anytime soon. Second of all, no self-aware robot will insert a chip inside of itself (I forgot to mention these robots are supposed to be self-replicating too.) Anyway, you get the idea this book is high on speculation and overflowing with head-scratching logic.
Wow, this exactly what we needed to be discussing right now. 🙄 Zuckerbergs' first concern should be to be make Facebook safe and secure again, not this.
And then this book celebrate psychotic maniacs and call them heroes.
I guess, this book isn't meant to be taken seriously. It's just good to get inside the heads of scientists and learn how they operate and how they see the future. This book has imbued me with unnecessary knowledge that I don't know where and how to use. This knowledge is increasing my, already soaring, existential angst that wont rest until I use this knowledge somewhere.
Anyway, this book isn't bad. It just wasn't for me. I am sure nerds and Sci-fi fans will love it.
the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step
I don't know what I was thinking when I picked this book up. I don't usually like to read books that are dense with physics and cosmology, but I admire michio kaku so i had to give this one a try. I am not surprised to feel disappointed, however.
This book was pretty good on entertainment, and I understand why nerds would love it, but it did nothing for me, except maybe entertain a little. I couldn't take this book seriously as it was brimming with speculations about things that may or may not happen in next 5 billion years. I mean instead of worrying about what will happen in 5 billion years shouldn't we focus on saving our planet from all the man made chaos?
I enjoyed the science fiction elements and reading about how tenaciously scientists are trying to make science fiction a new reality for humanity. It was all very interesting to read. The book covered many topics like terraforming, multi-verse, robotics, transhumanism. All these heavy and dense topic were easier to grasp and understand thanks to michio kaku's writing style and movie references.
It feels like a new war is in order between the richest people of the world as they compete to colonize Mars and the universe itself. I think these rich people, Instead of spending billions of dollars on space exploration and planning to colonize other planets, should spend some of their foturne and influence to make this planet safe for everyone, Just saying.
When I was a kid I used to dream about meeting aliens, going on a mission to space and whatnot. My imaginations used to very elaborated, I used to imagine alines and robots in a very fanciful way. Robots used to have chips inside of them that could shut them off, if they tried to take over the world. Then I grew up. However, reading this book made me realize that some people are incapable of growing up.
When self-aware robots do arrive, we must add a fail-safe chip that will shut them off if they have murderous thoughts.
I mean, first of all, no self aware robot is arriving anytime soon. Second of all, no self-aware robot will insert a chip inside of itself (I forgot to mention these robots are supposed to be self-replicating too.) Anyway, you get the idea this book is high on speculation and overflowing with head-scratching logic.
In 2017, a controversy arose between two billionaires, Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, and Elon Musk of SpaceX and Tesla. Zuckerberg maintained that artificial intelligence was a great generator of wealth and prosperity that will enrich all of society. Musk, however, took a much darker view and stated that AI actually posed an existential risk to all of humanity, that one day our creations may turn on us.
Wow, this exactly what we needed to be discussing right now. 🙄 Zuckerbergs' first concern should be to be make Facebook safe and secure again, not this.
And then this book celebrate psychotic maniacs and call them heroes.
He confided to me that he takes several hundred pills a day, anticipating his own immortality
I guess, this book isn't meant to be taken seriously. It's just good to get inside the heads of scientists and learn how they operate and how they see the future. This book has imbued me with unnecessary knowledge that I don't know where and how to use. This knowledge is increasing my, already soaring, existential angst that wont rest until I use this knowledge somewhere.
Anyway, this book isn't bad. It just wasn't for me. I am sure nerds and Sci-fi fans will love it.
nostalgicspaceling's review against another edition
5.0
For someone who normally hates nonfiction and struggled through science classes in school, this book revitalized my interest in scientific subjects. Kaku's writing style is not only approachable but also incredibly exciting. I can't wait to devour the rest of his books. The only chapter I struggled with was the one on String Theory, which is the second to last chapter of the book. I'm glad the chapter was included, though, because it was challenging and connected the previous chapters together. Would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a new perspective on life as we know it.