New History of the Future in 100 Objects

Adrian Hon imagines the history of the twenty-first century through its artifacts, from silent messaging systems to artificial worlds on asteroids. He recalls the power of connectivity, the Fourth Great Awakening, and the use of locked interrogation. He also describes the establishment of artificial worlds on asteroids and pro-democracy movements in epistocratic states. Hon constructs a possible future by imagining the things it might leave in its wake, such as improved ankle monitors, deliverbots, downvote networks, Glyphish, Braid Collective, and Rechartered Cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2020
Publisher: MIT Press Ltd

The twenty-first century has been a time of immense technological advancement and social change, and its artifacts offer a unique window into this era. One of the most significant technological developments of the century has been the rise of connectivity. Silent messaging systems, such as wearable computers that relay subvocal communication, have become commonplace, allowing people to communicate without speaking. This has had a profound impact on society, as it has made it easier for people to connect with each other and share information. The Fourth Great Awakening, which occurred in the early 2000s, was a period of intense religious and spiritual awakening that was fueled by the use of pills and other drugs. These pills were designed to make people virtuous and improve their mental health, but they also had negative side effects, such as addiction and mental illness. Locked interrogation, which delivers "enhanced interrogation" simulations via virtual reality, has also been a controversial topic in the twenty-first century. While it has been used to obtain information from suspected terrorists, it has also been criticized for its use of torture and its lack of transparency.

In addition to these technological developments, the twenty-first century has also seen the establishment of artificial worlds on asteroids. These worlds are designed to be self-sufficient and to provide a new home for humanity in the event of a catastrophic event on Earth. The establishment of these worlds has been controversial, with some arguing that it is a waste of resources and that it could lead to the destruction of Earth. However, others argue that it is a necessary step in the evolution of humanity and that it could provide a new source of energy and resources.

The twenty-first century has also been a time of pro-democracy movements in epistocratic states. These states are characterized by a high level of government control and a lack of political freedom. Pro-democracy movements have sought to challenge these states and to establish a more democratic system of government. These movements have been successful in some cases, but they have also faced significant opposition from the government.

One of the most interesting artifacts of the twenty-first century is the self-help guide to making friends with "posthumans." This guide was written by Adrian Hon and offers advice on how to interact with people who have been transformed by technology. Hon argues that posthumans are not just machines, but are individuals with their own unique personalities and experiences. He suggests that we should treat them with respect and kindness and that we should learn from them.

Another artifact of the twenty-first century is the establishment of Braid Collective. This collective provides financial support for artists and has helped to promote the arts in a variety of ways. Braid Collective has also been involved in social justice issues, such as the fight against racism and sexism.

Rechartered Cities is another artifact of the twenty-first century that has been designed to revitalize urban areas that have been hollowed out by changing demographics. These cities are designed to be more inclusive and to provide a better quality of life for their residents. Rechartered Cities has been successful in some cases, but it has also faced significant opposition from the government.

In conclusion, the twenty-first century has been a time of immense technological advancement and social change, and its artifacts offer a unique window into this era. From silent messaging systems to artificial worlds on asteroids, from the Fourth Great Awakening to pro-democracy movements in epistocratic states, the artifacts of the twenty-first century have had a profound impact on society. While there have been many positive developments, there have also been many negative developments, and it is important for us to continue to work towards a more democratic and equitable society.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780262539371