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Future Perfect: The Case For Progress In A Networked Age Audiobook
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(3.02) - 239 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Combining the deft social analysis of Where Good Ideas Come From with the optimistic arguments of Everything Bad Is Good For You, New York Times bestselling author Steven Johnson’s Future Perfect makes the case that a new model of political change is on the rise, transforming everything from local governments to classrooms, from protest movements to health care. Johnson paints a compelling portrait of this new political worldview -- influenced by the success and interconnectedness of the Internet, but not dependent on high-tech solutions -- that breaks with the conventional categories of liberal or conservative thinking. With his acclaimed gift for multi-disciplinary storytelling and big ideas, Johnson explores this new vision of progress through a series of fascinating narratives: from the “miracle on the Hudson” to the planning of the French railway system; from the battle against malnutrition in Vietnam to a mysterious outbreak of strange smells in downtown Manhattan; from underground music video artists to the invention of the Internet itself. At a time when the conventional wisdom holds that the political system is hopelessly gridlocked with old ideas, Future Perfect makes the timely and inspiring case that progress is still possible, and that new solutions are on the rise. This is a hopeful, affirmative outlook for the future, from one of the most brilliant and inspiring visionaries of contemporary culture.
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"While I didn't agree with everything in the book, it was a good look at how many things have gotten quietly better over the decades, as well as how different models of organization might allow us to make them better still in the future."
— Tom (4 out of 5 stars)
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“In clear and engaging prose, Johson writes about this emerging movement…A buoyant and hopeful book…Future Perfect reminds us we already have the treatment. We just need to use it.”
— Boston Globe -
“Future Perfect provides an informative, tech-savvy, and provocative vision of a new and more democratic public philosophy. It’s a breath of fresh air in an age of gridlock, cynicism, and disillusionment.”
— San Francisco Chronicle -
“Fascinating and compelling…Stimulating and challenging, Johnson’s thought-provoking ideas steer us steadily into the future.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Samuel Cohen narrates at a good pace, alternating cleanly between the stories and the quotations…Cohen puts just the right emphasis on Johnson’s words, moving from topic to topic, and the jargon associated with each, with aplomb.”
— AudioFile -
“Forceful argument for a new politic modeled on the structure of the Internet…[a] slim but idea-packed book…a thought-provoking, hope-inspiring manifesto.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Future Perfect Listener Reviews
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" Good explanation of the peer progressive political movement and how it will solve all the problems of modern society. "
— Chuk, 2/18/2014 -
" Johnson talks about the ability of peer networks to effect change in politics, education and business. The change from a centralized system of control to a distributive model. Well-written and easy to read. "
— Cathy, 2/8/2014 -
" This doesn't break as much ground as his great "Where Good Ideas Coem From" but is rather a manifesto for what he calls a "peer progressive" movement, a decentralized movement to change society, politics, and more. Good, but you have to already be invested in the idea, I think. Still recommend "Where Good Ideas Coem From." "
— Erik, 2/2/2014 -
" Very optimistic book, and while I agreed with many of the points made, no counterarguments were made to any of his points. "
— Joris, 1/23/2014 -
" Starts really strongly but is pretty one-note. "
— Dan, 12/8/2013 -
" It's a great synopsis on how so many parts of our political system and society can benefit from distributed peer networks "
— Sean, 11/30/2013 -
" How peer networks (not just digital) can provide better solutions to a variety of problems, including government. "
— Dave, 11/12/2013 -
" Read the conclusion.. 12 pages.. it gets you there. The rest is a very interesting timeline of the development of P2P networks... "
— Niels, 10/23/2013 -
" Not as good as "Where Do Good Ideas Come From." The first half is just a basic overview of P2P and distributed networks. Anyone familiar with computer science or how the web works will find this book pretty boring. "
— Mike, 8/2/2013 -
" Great read, inspiring ideas and proposals for a bright new future "
— Christian, 5/22/2013 -
" This book was less insightful than I thought it would be. A lot of the points made I had already heard of before. That said, its an inspiring book about what the future holds in the networked age. "
— Zacho, 5/12/2013 -
" Only OK. I expect more from Steven Johnson, because I know he's capable. This one just felt pretty light, on peer progressives and networks. "
— Curt, 3/15/2013 -
" Finally completed the world's longest Wired article. "
— Sarah, 11/29/2012
About Steven Johnson
Steven Johnson is the author of twelve books, including How We Got to Now, a New York Times bestseller and the basis for the Emmy–winning PBS/BBC series How We Got to Now. He is also the host of the podcast American Innovations.