Future Files

"Pick of the Week: Cheaper than a crystal ball and twice as fun, this book by futurist and web creator Watson examines what ‘someday' could be like, based on the five key trends of ageing; power shift to the East; global connectivity; the ‘GRIN' technologies of Genetics, Robotics, Internet, and Nanotechnology; environmental concerns, and 50 less general but equally influential developments that will radically alter human life by the year 2050. Watson gently scoffs at Jetsons-like wishful-thinking technology and flying cars; instead he predicts the fanciful (mindwipes, stress-control clothing, napcaps that induce sleep) and the useful (devices to harness the sea to generate energy; self-repairing car paint; retail technology that helps us shop, based on past buying habits; hospital plasters that monitor vital signs). In between the fun and frivolity, he prognosticates the frightening: the ‘extinction' of individual ugliness and free public spaces; the creation of hybrid humans; a society made of people who are incapable of the tiniest tasks; and insects that carry wireless cameras to monitor our lives. Part Jules Verne, part Malcolm Gladwell, Watson has a puckish sense of humor and his book is a thought-provoking, laughter-inducing delight." -Publishers' Weekly

"A Must Read. Well written and concise predictions." -MediaFuturist.com

"A detailed investigation into what author Richard Watson believes are the five key trends that will shape our future. Things get interesting once Watson unravels the effects of the combined trends. There is an amusing ‘extinction timeline' for the next 50 years, where he nails his colours to the mast in predicting the ideas destined for the scrap-heap." -Director

"Watson's book is as much about analysing the speed and robustness of trends that are already emerging to distinguish between short-term fads and long-term shifts. The book is at its most interesting when Watson makes specific predictions for how everyday objects will change." -Irish Times

"Inspirational read. Take a peek 50 years into the future with this fascinating map of the trends that will change our lives for the better, as well as those things we'll leave behind. Mind-blowing predictions are interlaced with fictional letters from the future at the end of each chapter to better illustrate the effect of these scientific advances on people's lives."-Soul & Spirit

"Author Richard Watson examines emerging patterns and developments in society, politics, science and technology, media and entertainment, and other industries - and makes educated, and witty speculations as to where they might take us."-Fast Company

"Provocative, entertaining, and full of surprising facts. A book to help you decide whether the world is going mad or possibly becoming more intelligent." -Theodore Zeldin, author of An Intimate History of Humanity

"Futurologist Richard Watson journeys into tomorrow's world." -Daily Telegraph

"Richard writes in a very clear fashion and presents a myriad of ideas and possibilities in a very readable and accessible way. It is a great read for anyone wanting to think about what the future might hold."-Emergent Futures

"Fascinating reading for anyone who considers themselves forward thinking."-MX

"A snappy look at possibilities and a timely dose of reality." -Boss Magazine/Australian Financial Review

"He deserves a gold star for predicting a credit meltdown."-Guardian