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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Inevitable summary
Kevin Kelly
Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future
16 mins
Brief summary
The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly is a fascinating exploration of the technological trends shaping our future. Kelly argues that these trends are inevitable and will transform everything from work and leisure to communication and transportation.
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The Inevitable
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Key idea 1 of 6
Technology is constantly improving and always in flux.
How would you like to live in a utopia – a perfect world in which you never suffer yet also never change?
If this prospect sounds boring, don’t worry – this isn’t what the future holds.
Instead, what we’re experiencing and will continue to experience is a protopia – a world that keeps getting better, one baby step at a time.
In a protopia, things are always a bit better today than yesterday. For instance, even if some inventions produce problems such as higher energy demands, the benefits always outweigh the costs.
But living in a protopia also means that nothing is fixed. Technology moves forward, accelerating progress. To put it differently, everything is in a state of becoming – which means you and everyone else will always be “newbies” in this ever-evolving technological world.
No invention is ever finalized or fixed if each invention is a starting point for another invention or development. Just think of how the advent of personal computers paved the way for the internet.
Basically, all human technology is permanently moving forward, and this process, in which every innovation has the potential to trigger another innovation, will never be straightforward or predictable.
Because of this, the best predictions we can make about future events are generalized trends.
And since technology never stops improving, you’ll always feel like a newcomer no matter what you learned or experienced in the past. You’ll have to upgrade your devices to adapt to the evolving digital landscape – and we all know how long it takes to get used to new technology.
Your permanent newbie status is also a result of the decreasing longevity of devices and software, which means you likely won’t get to spend enough time with any technology to truly master it.
For example, the average lifespan of a smartphone app – the amount of time it takes a user to stop using the technology – is now 30 days.
So we now know that technology, especially information technology, never stops moving forward. Next, we’ll explore how this fact is tied to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
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What is The Inevitable about?
The Inevitable (2016) is your guide to understanding the technology trends that are gaining momentum today and will undoubtedly shape the future. These blinks delve into the ideas and motivations that are driving technology and what it all means for the world of tomorrow.
The Inevitable Review
The Inevitable (2016) explores twelve technological forces that are shaping our future and offers valuable insights into how we can navigate this rapidly changing world. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with fascinating examples and thought-provoking ideas, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technology on our lives.
- By exploring the inevitable trends, it helps readers anticipate and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
- Through its pragmatic approach and practical suggestions, the book empowers readers to embrace change, innovate, and thrive in the face of uncertainty.
Best quote from The Inevitable
Endless newbie is the new default for everyone, no matter your age or experience.
—Kevin Kelly
Who should read The Inevitable?
- Futurists or students curious about technological development
- People who fear technology
- Entrepreneurs interested in tech prognostications
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The Inevitable FAQs
What is the main message of The Inevitable?
The main message of The Inevitable is that we should embrace the inevitable and adapt to the unstoppable force of technological change.
How long does it take to read The Inevitable?
The reading time for The Inevitable varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.
Is The Inevitable a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Inevitable is a thought-provoking and informative read, offering valuable insights into the future impact of technology. It's definitely worth a read.
Who is the author of The Inevitable?
The author of The Inevitable is Kevin Kelly.
What to read after The Inevitable?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Inevitable, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- WTF? by Tim O’Reilly
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly
- Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly
- The Age of AI by Henry Kissinger
- Future Skills by Bernard Marr
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
- The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman
- To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
- Lying by Sam Harris
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel