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Make, Think, Imagine : The Future of Civilisation - John Browne

Make, Think, Imagine

The Future of Civilisation

By: John Browne

Paperback | 20 February 2020

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Longlisted for the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award 2019

'A much-needed antidote to pervasive pessimism' Financial Times

'An ode to the ways in which engineering has improved human civilisation' John Hennessy, Chairman, Alphabet


Today's unprecedented pace of change leaves many people wondering what new technologies are doing to our lives. Has social media robbed us of our privacy and fed us with false information? Are robots going to take our jobs? Will better healthcare lead to an ageing population that cannot be cared for? And has our demand for energy driven the Earth's climate to the edge of catastrophe?

John Browne argues that we need not and must not put the brakes on technological advance. Civilisation is founded on engineering innovation; all progress stems from the human urge to make things and to shape the world around us, resulting in greater freedom, health and wealth for all. Drawing on history, his own experiences and conversations with many of today's great innovators, he uncovers the basis for all progress and its consequences, both good and bad. He argues compellingly that the same spark that triggers each innovation can be used to counter its negative consequences. Make, Think, Imagine provides an eloquent blueprint for how we can keep moving towards a brighter future.

About the Author

John Browne trained as an engineer and was CEO of BP from 1995 to 2007. He is Chairman of the Crick Institute, a Fellow of the Royal Society, past President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and former Chairman of Tate. He is a collector of antique books and art and the author of four previous titles, including The Glass Closet.
Industry Reviews
“The public debate about technology has turned distinctly gloomy but here is the ex-boss of BP John Browne to cheer us up again about the promise of progress … A much-needed antidote to pervasive pessimism”
Summer Reads, Financial Times

“Worthy and intelligent”
Spectator

“John Browne makes a compelling argument about the power of technological progress and its ability to bring prosperity to the global community. He expertly backs this central argument with in-depth historical research, interviews and his own personal experience to provide a blueprint for future global progress underpinned by the spirit of innovation. It is also a long overdue tribute to the importance of the engineer in our society”
Lord Foster, architect

“Lord Browne has written an ode to the ways in which engineering has improved human civilisation, from how we communicate, build, use energy and move to how we explore the universe. Make, Think, Imagine is a joy to read, with interesting historical insights and a vision of a better future”
John Hennessy, Chairman, Alphabet

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