July 20, 2019: Life in the 21st Century - by Sir Arthur Charles Clarke

[LanDroid]

July 20, 2019 is the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong making the first steps on the moon. In 1986 Sir Clarke wrote this book making predictions about what life would be like at this time. It should be very interesting to review those predictions at this anniversary. I expect he will nail some and others will be overly optimistic.

IIRC one prediction was every (first world) baby would undergo extensive DNA and other testing that would provide parents details on future medical conditions as well as strengths and weaknesses. Is baby Julie more suited for sports, academia, politics, or music?

IIRC Clarke also said, "I never imagined humanity would go to the moon then just stop."

It doesn't look like this book is in print, but used copies are available at low prices. Also check your library.

https://www.amazon.com/Arthur-C-Clarkes ... 0025258001

Since I read this book long ago and suggested it here several times, I'll try to lead this discussion. Bear with me.

Please check in if you're interested in participating. Unless there's an e-book available, this can't start for a few days or a week anyway...

[LanDroid]

I just got a copy from the library. I haven't started reading it yet, but - ahem - it appears Clarke may have been waaaay off... For example, the introduction is sub-titled "Letter from a Lunar Inhabitant." However this does look like a wild ride as he makes predictions about health care, robots, transportation, sports, psychiatry, sex, death, education, entertainment, war - and more...

[KindaSkolarly]

Got my copy of this book today, and I just finished Ch. 1. Need to write up something, but I'm not sure where to post it. I see that it has fifteen chapters and and epilogue. When I have something to post after while I guess I'll start a "Chapter 1" thread. Sound like a plan?