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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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2030 summary
Mauro F. Guillén
How Today's Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything
27 mins
Brief summary
2030 by Mauro F. Guillén is a thought-provoking book that forecasts the impacts of technology, population aging, and urbanization on our society and economy. It challenges readers to think critically about how to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Table of Contents
2030
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
The decreasing birth rate will forever change human demographics.
In 1968, professors Paul and Anne Ehrlich released the provocatively titled book Population Bomb. The Ehrlichs argued that if the human race kept procreating at its current rate, it was only a matter of time before humans would overrun the planet.
Fast-forward more than 50 years, and many are still alarmed by the prospect of overpopulation. But rather than a baby boom, our biggest worry come 2030 might be a baby drought.
The key message is: The decreasing birth rate will forever change human demographics.
Since the 1970s, women in the US have had, on average, fewer than two children each. In other words, fewer than necessary to replace the current generation.
What’s wrong with that? A dwindling population might be good news for the planet’s overtaxed resources. But our current economic system relies on the next generation to care for the elderly and foot the bill for pensions through their taxes. Now, all over the world, from Brazil to Japan, governments are questioning who, exactly, will support their aging populations in the coming decades.
Why is the birth rate declining? Well, these days women are more active in the workforce. So they’re likely to defer starting a family until they’re established in their chosen field. Fertility declines with age, so women who start their families later in life tend to have fewer children.
We’re also having less sex. A study by the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that in the 2010s Americans had sex, on average, nine times less per year than they did in the 1990s. Why? It’s partly because technology has brought a host of enjoyable distractions into our homes – sex is just one pastime among many we can indulge in on a rainy night.
Not every country’s birth rate is on the decline. The African continent has a current population of 1.3 billion. That’s projected to rise to 2 billion by 2038 and 3 billion by 2061, with the boom concentrated in the sub-Saharan region.
The African baby boom will have two key flow-on effects. First, sub-Saharan Africa relies on imported food. As its population grows, the markets for feeding and developing agriculture in the region will grow, too, potentially becoming a trillion-dollar sector, according to the World Bank.
Second, many Western nations will need to rethink their hardline stances on immigration. They may soon be dependent on immigrant workers from the Global South to fund and care for their swelling ranks of retirees.
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What is 2030 about?
2030 (2020) isn’t a crystal ball – but it might be the next best thing. Drawing on current sociological trends, demographic trajectories, and technological advancements, it paints a convincing picture of the global changes we can expect to see and experience in the coming decade.
2030 Review
2030 (2020) by Mauro F. Guillén is an eye-opening exploration of how the world is set to change in the next decade and why it matters to us. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Offers a fascinating and well-researched analysis of major trends and factors driving global transformation in the near future.
- Provides insightful perspectives on how these changes will impact various aspects of our lives, from work and education to technology and politics.
- Presents a compelling narrative that engages readers, making complex topics accessible and ensuring that the book is far from boring.
Who should read 2030?
- Tech workers and marketing professionals keen to stay ahead of the curve
- Eco-warriors looking for solutions to the climate crisis
- Anyone curious to see what the future might hold
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2030 FAQs
What is the main message of 2030?
In 2030, the main message is about understanding and preparing for the future in a rapidly changing world.
How long does it take to read 2030?
The reading time for 2030 varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is 2030 a good book? Is it worth reading?
2030 is worth reading as it explores the megatrends shaping our future and provides insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Who is the author of 2030?
Mauro F. Guillén is the author of 2030.
What to read after 2030?
If you're wondering what to read next after 2030, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Future Stories by David Christian
- MegaThreats by Nouriel Roubini
- Who Can You Trust? by Rachel Botsman
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- Cryptoassets by Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
- The Art of War (new version) by Sun Tzu
- How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Narrative Economics by Robert J. Shiller
- Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell