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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Fachliteratur
- Sprache: Englisch
Forward-thinking exploration of the dawn of humanity's new age and the imminent technology-enabled transformation on society, business, and beyond.
In SUPERSHIFTS, leading behavioral scientist Dr. Ja-Nae Duane and world-renowned entrepreneur and futurist Steve Fisher deliver an incisive overview of how we are at the end of one 200-year arc and embarking on another. With this new age of intelligence, Duane and Fisher highlight the various catalysts for change currently affecting individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. They also provide a model for transformation that expertly bridges the gap between theory and practice to provide a holistic view of making radical change through three lenses: you as a leader, your organization, and society. Drawing on Duane and Fisher's wealth of collective experience, this book pays particular attention to how emerging technologies, biological revolutions, energy abundance create opportunities for humanity's transformational purpose, and emergence of new intelligent species over the next two hundred years.
Readers will find various case studies showing successful and failed responses to disruption, and learn about topics including:
- What is needed for mankind to thrive beyond the predictions of the singularity, and how that will shift our communications, beliefs, and values
- How can we create anti-fragile organizations and global systems based on nature's ecosystems
- Humanity's coexistence with technology, the fall of centralized systems, and the emergence of collective intelligence as a solution for prosperity
A guide for change, SUPERSHIFTS earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking to create a better world for themselves, their organizations, and society at large.
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Seitenzahl: 556
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025
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Table of Contents
Cover
Table of Contents
Praise for
Supershifts
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
A Letter to the Children of the Age of Intelligence
How to Read This Book
Prologue: Just Another Ordinary Day
April 16, 2040, 5:50 AM
6:32 AM
7:00 AM
8:31 AM
8:33 AM
Introduction
The Beginning of a New Era
The Age of Intelligence
Why We Need a New Model
For a New Model, We Need to Change How We Think
The SuperShifts™ of Change
Why Us?
Our Journey Ahead
Notes
PART I: Dawn of a New Age: The Coming SuperShift
™
CHAPTER 1: The Precipice of Change
The Industrial Revolution's Legacy
A Pivotal Moment in Human History
Through the Lens of Macrohistory
Supercycles of Change: Ages and Eras
Charting a Course Through Uncharted Territory
Notes
CHAPTER 2: The Age of Intelligence
The Four Eras of the Age of Intelligence
The Transformation of Intelligence (2170–2220): Despair and Hope
The Implications for Society and the Human Experience
The Potential for the Emergence of New Forms of Intelligence
The Role of Intelligent Technologies in Shaping the Future
Preparing for Profound Changes and Challenges
Notes
CHAPTER 3: The Dawn of the First Era
Artificial Intelligence and the Singularity
The Rise of New Intelligent Life Forms
The Next 50 Years: The Dawn of the Age of Intelligence (2020–2070)
Global Cooperation and Challenges in Regulating Intelligent Technologies
The Hope and Promise of This New Dawn
Notes
PART II: Exploring SuperShifts
™
: Nine Emerging SuperShifts
™
That Will Change the World
CHAPTER 4: Catalysts of a New Age
What Are SuperShifts™
Nine Emerging SuperShifts™ and the Need for a New Model
What We Learn from Nature
The Six Core Principles of the Transform Model™
Examples of the Transform Model™
How the Transform Model™ Addresses Key Challenges
Navigating the SuperShifts™ with the Transform Model™
Chapter 5: SuperShift™ #1: Generational Drift
Piecing Together Our Multigenerational Future
Key Elements of Generational Drift
Generational Drift Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating Generational Drift: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of Generational Drift
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 6: SuperShift™ #2: IntelliFusion
When Minds Meet Machines
Key Elements of IntelliFusion
IntelliFusion Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating IntelliFusion: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of IntelliFusion
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 7: SuperShift™ #3: Techceleration
Innovation at Light Speed
Key Elements of Techceleration
Techceleration Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating Techceleration: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of Techceleration
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 8: SuperShift™ #4: Reality Remix
Reality’s New Operating System
Key Elements of Reality Remix
Reality Remix through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating Reality Remix: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of Reality Remix
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 9: SuperShift™ #5: PowerFlow
The Energy Revolution Unfolds
Key Elements of PowerFlow
PowerFlow Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating PowerFlow: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of PowerFlow
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 10: SuperShift™ #6: EcoAwakening
Nature’s Alarm Clock Rings
Key Elements of the EcoAwakening
The EcoAwakening Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating the EcoAwakening: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of the EcoAwakening
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 11: SuperShift™ #7: Social Quake
Tremors of Transformation
Key Elements of the Social Quake
Social Quake Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating the Social Quake: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of the Social Quake SuperShift™
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 12: SuperShift™ #8: World Mosaic
Reimagining the Global Canvas
The Key Elements of the World Mosaic
World Mosaic Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating the World Mosaic: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of the World Mosaic SuperShift™
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
CHAPTER 13: SuperShift™ #9: BioNexus
Rewriting Nature’s Code
Key Elements of the BioNexus
BioNexus Through the Transform Lens
Impact on Individuals, Organizations, and Society
Navigating BioNexus: Transform in Action
The Future Outlook of the BioNexus
Key Takeaways and Action Items
Notes
PART III: Navigating SuperShifts
™
: Dynamically Evolving with the Transformation Framework
CHAPTER 14: Using the Transform Model™ to Bring Us into the Future
Navigating SuperShifts™: How to Use the Transform Model™
The SuperShift™–Transform Model™ Matrix
Applying the Transform Model™ to SuperShifts™
Practical Application Strategies
Future Proofing with the Transform Model™
Embracing Transform and Heading Forward
Chapter 15: Embracing a Transformative Mindset
Rewiring Your Mindset for the Age of Intelligence
Shifting to an Anti‐Fragile, Growth‐Oriented Outlook
Developing Leadership Skills for the Future
Embracing the Long Game
Preparing for the Future
Notes
CHAPTER 16: The Organization of the Future: A Transformative Approach
Your Organization Is Dead, Long Live Your Organization
New Business Models
Ecosystem Models Reimagined
The Rise of the Distributed Enterprise
AI as the New Organizational Nervous System
The Metaverse Workplace
A Liquid Workforce
New Economic Paradigms
Customers as Co‐Creators
Navigating the Future with the Spectrum Foresight™ Method
Key Principles of the Spectrum Foresight™ Method
The Spectrum Foresight™ Method Framework: A Streamlined Guide
Using the Spectrum Foresight™ Method in Your Organization
Notes
CHAPTER 17: Futureproofing Your Organization
Key Principles for Future‐Ready Organizations
Your Futures Operating System: Bridging Theory and Practice
The Future of the Futures Operating System™
Thinking Forward Thoughts
CHAPTER 18: Systems and Scenarios of a SuperShift™ Future
The Great Unlearning: Shedding Outdated Paradigms
Nature as the Ultimate Mentor
Building Anti‐Fragile Systems
Symbiosis: We Are All in This Together
Envisioning SuperShift™ Futures
Navigating These Spectrum of Futures
Notes
CHAPTER 19: The Far Future and a Call to Action
The Arc of Change: From Now to the 23rd Century
Living Through the Entire Age of Intelligence
Collective Consciousness: Solving Humanity's Challenges Together
A Call to Action: Shaping the Age of Intelligence
The Excitement of Living in the Age of Intelligence
Epilogue: The Dawn of Transcendence
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Resources
Index
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 3
TABLE 3.1 The Sub‐Species of Homo Machina
List of Illustrations
f08
FIGURE I.1 The Five Paradigms for Understanding Change
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1.1 Four Parts of a GET Wave
FIGURE 1.2 GET Waves Powering an Age and Eras
FIGURE 1.3 Cycle of an Age—Four 50‐Year Eras
FIGURE 1.4 Timeline of 1,000 Years of Ages
FIGURE 1.5 Key Elements of 1,000 Years of Ages
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2.1 Four‐Stage Cycle of the Age of Intelligence
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4.1 The Nine SuperShifts™
FIGURE 4.2 Six Core Principles of The Transform Model™
FIGURE 4.3 The Transform Model™
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5.1 Elements of the Generational Drift SuperShift™
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6.1 Elements of the IntelliFusion SuperShift™
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7.1 Elements of the Techceleration SuperShift™
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8.1 Elements of the Reality Remix SuperShift™
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9.1 Elements of the PowerFlow SuperShift™
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10.1 Elements of the EcoAwakening SuperShift™
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11.1 Elements of the Social Quake SuperShift™
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12.1 Elements of the World Mosaic SuperShift™
Chapter 13
FIGURE 13.1 Elements of the BioNexus SuperShift™
Chapter 14
FIGURE 14.1 The SuperShift™–Transform Model™ Matrix
Chapter 16
FIGURE 16.1 Spectrum vs Transformative vs Strategic Foresight
FIGURE 16.2 Spectrum Foresight™ Method
Chapter 17
FIGURE 17.1 Futures Operating System™ (FOS)
Guide
Cover
Table of Contents
Praise for Supershifts
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
A Letter to the Children of the Age of Intelligence
How to Read This Book
Prologue: Just Another Ordinary Day
Introduction
Begin Reading
Epilogue: The Dawn of Transcendence
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Resources
Index
End User License Agreement
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PRAISE FOR SUPERSHIFTS
“SuperShifts is a mind shuttle transporting us into the present future. This book is a provocative call to shape a future that will transform humanity like never before. We need guides who can navigate the shifting terrain, moving from history to present‐day framing around the most important question: ‘What are humans good for?’ With one eye on the future and the other on who we are becoming, this book serves as a primer for the future that is already upon us.”
—Barry Brown, Executive Leadership Coach and Advisor
“SuperShifts delivers a fresh perspective on how to think about the future by taking a macro view of history and the new ages and eras on the horizon that will be shaping our future. Immaculately told through the exploration and projection of some of the major trends that are affecting our technology, human psyche, and the way we work today, Duane and Fisher playfully weave science fact with scenario storytelling as you see how these forces impact key moments of a family's life in this new era.”
—Phil Balagtas, Professor of Futures Thinking, Elisava University and Principal and Executive Design Director, HABITAT
“There is no one better than Ja‐Naé Duane and Steven Fisher to bring to life the ‘SuperShifts’ of the Age of Intelligence. The authors masterfully blend compelling narrative with actionable strategies, offering a unique, empowering, and insightful road map for not only navigating but shaping this new era with their proprietary Transformation Model.”
—Roger Spitz, President Techistential & Chair Disruptive Futures Institute
“I honestly don't read a non‐fiction book anymore unless there is a conscious effort to entertain me, on top of informing me, a conscious effort at storytelling. When that element is present, the book stops wallowing in the abstract. On this, SuperShifts delivers.”
—Dr. Alex Fergnani, Associate Professor of Strategy at Rabat Business School
“Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of decades, you have probably felt something—everything—changing all around you. You may not have been able to quite articulate what is causing these feelings of uncertainty or to pinpoint exactly where in your life these shifts are happening. However, SuperShifts will clear this up for you. AND it will give you a framework to understand and embrace what is happening around you in a way that can help you and your organization thrive during the tumultuous times facing all of us. Through a mix of storytelling, analysis, and strategy, this work provides something of value for every reader.”
—Guillermo Söhnlein, Founder, WayPaver Foundation
“In a world where change is the only constant, SuperShifts is the essential guide for preparing the next generation of creative thinkers, leaders, and agencies for what's next. Fisher and Duane don't just predict the future—they equip us with the mindset and tools to shape it. At the Brandcenter, we challenge students to think beyond today, and this book serves as a powerful road map for navigating the transformations that will define tomorrow.”
—Dr. Vann Graves, Executive Director, VCU Brandcenter
“SuperShifts: Transforming How We Live, Learn, and Work in the Age of Intelligence pulls you into a world where AI isn't just a tool—it's a cognitive partner. Crafted by Ja‐Naé Duane and Steven Fisher, this book builds an incredible world where AI evolves, guiding us through limitless knowledge and personalized learning. With nine ‘SuperShifts’ reshaping everything from work to governance, SuperShifts challenges us to actively shape a world where human‐AI integration isn't just possible, it's inevitable. If you're drawn to the worlds of Neal Stephenson, David Louis Edelman, and William Gibson, this book is your front‐row seat to the age of human‐AI coexistence. The future is here—let's not just adapt to it, but create it.”
—Victor Newman, VP of Creative, Sesame Street
JA‐NAÉ DUANE
STEVE FISHER
SUPERSHIFTS
TRANSFORMING HOW WE LIVE, LEARN, AND WORK IN THE AGE OF INTELLIGENCE
Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.
Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Published simultaneously in Canada.
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ISBN 9781394291601 (Cloth)
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Cover Image: © Orxan/stock.adobe.com
This book is dedicated to our incredible son, Max. Max, every day, you push to explore the boundaries of what is possible. You are the future and will live through this Age of Intelligence. We hope we can help leave the world a better place than we found it while equipping you with the tools you will need to continue that transformation. Like every child, you have the ability and imagination to create a positive sum world. We love you with all of our hearts!
A Letter to the Children of the Age of Intelligence
Dear Children of the Age of Intelligence,
You were born into the most extraordinary time in human history. As we write this letter, our own son, Max, is eight years old, and like you, he stands at the beginning of an age filled with more wonder, possibility, and potential than any generation before. You are the first children who might live not just for a century, but for two—who might witness this entire remarkable age from its dawn to its fullest flowering.
The world you'll grow up in will be different from anything we've known before. You'll have conversations with AI friends as naturally as you play with human ones. You'll learn not just from books and teachers, but from direct connections to vast networks of knowledge. You might one day choose the color of your eyes as easily as you pick your clothes or visit Mars as casually as you go to the beach. Your “classroom” might be anywhere in the world, your “playground” might span continents, and your dreams might literally reshape reality.
But here's the most amazing thing: you won't just watch these changes happen—you'll help create them. The toys you imagine today might become the technologies of tomorrow. The questions you ask might lead to discoveries that change the world. That time you wondered “what if?” might spark a revolution in how we live, learn, or explore the universe.
Some grown‐ups might worry about all this change, but we see how naturally you embrace it. When Max tells us, “If you hurt the planet, you hurt yourself,” I realize that you already understand things that took us grown‐ups generations to learn. You intuitively grasp the connection between technology and nature, between progress and responsibility, between individual actions and our collective future.
Remember this: Your generation's superpower isn't just your comfort with technology—it's your capacity to see possibilities where others see problems. You understand that artificial intelligence isn't something to fear but a tool to help heal our world. You know that virtual reality isn't an escape from life but a way to explore and create new ones. You recognize that extending human life isn't about living forever but about having more time to make a difference.
As you grow up in this Age of Intelligence, hold onto your sense of wonder. Keep asking “why?” and “why not?” Let your imagination soar, but keep your heart grounded in compassion. You might reshape genes, command quantum computers, or engineer new forms of life—but always remember that the greatest technology is worthless without wisdom to guide it.
You may face challenges we can't even imagine yet, but you'll have powers we can barely dream of to meet them. You might heal our planet, unite our species, and take humanity to the stars. You might even redefine what it means to be human. And through it all, remember that every great achievement in human history started with someone just like you—someone who dared to imagine something new.
The Age of Intelligence isn't just about smart machines or endless lifespans. It's about growing wise enough to use our talents and gifts well. It's about understanding that being human isn't about staying the same but choosing how we change. And now, that choice is in your hands.
Dream big. Be bold. Stay curious. And most importantly, be kind—to each other, to our planet, and to whatever new forms of intelligence we may meet along the way. Your journey through this Age of Intelligence is just beginning, and it promises to be the greatest adventure humanity has ever known.
With love, hope, and endless faith in your potential,
—Steve and Ja‐Naé (Max’s parents)
P.S.—And yes, you might really live to see it all. How amazing is that?
How to Read This Book
There are several ways to read this book. Here are three approaches to digest this book, depending on the outcomes you are looking for.
Approach #1: You are interested in exploring where we are and what lies ahead, using this as a reference as SuperShifts™ start to impact your life.
If this is you, then we recommend reading the following chapters:
For some background: Introduction and
Chapter 1
If you want to understand the overall Age of Intelligence and the first 50 years:
Chapters 2
and
3
are a fun read
Skip around and read whatever is piquing your interest
Approach #2: You have a baseline knowledge of how these shifts occur, but you are interested in understanding and leveraging the tools you need to navigate the future for yourself and your organization.
If this is you, then we recommend reading the following chapters:
For some background: Introduction and
Chapter 1
Transform Model:
Chapters 4
and
14
SuperShifts™: Pick 3–5 SuperShifts™ of your choice (
Chapters 5
–
13
)
Understanding you and your organization:
Chapters 15
–
17
Approach #3: You deeply understand how these shifts impact humanity, and you desire to understand how to navigate these shifts to create a better future.
If this is the reason you're reading this book, then read it all the way through. There's much to understand, and we offer several tools to help you navigate these SuperShifts™.
Prologue: Just Another Ordinary Day
April 16, 2040, 5:50 AM
The sun hadn't yet peeked over the horizon when Emma Sinclair's neural implant gently roused her from sleep. Opening her eyes, she heard the gentle words, “Good morning, Emma,” from her personal AI assistant, Eve. “Good morning, Eve,” she thought to herself. Eve responded without her saying a word and disturbing her husband, who was still sleeping. Her retinal viewer, synced with her neural implant, showing the bedroom's smart surfaces coming to life, and displaying her schedule for the day alongside global news headlines. Emma sighed, “Another day, another ethical minefield.” She glanced at the headlines: “AI‐Driven Resource Distribution System Faces Global Backlash.” This meant that today's ethics conference would be particularly challenging. The latest advancements in AI had once again outpaced regulatory frameworks, leaving society scrambling to adapt. She had a keynote to deliver and needed to incorporate this into her presentation. She mentally told Eve, “Review my presentation, incorporate any relevant information into it, and make sure you cite everything; let me know when it is ready for me to review.” She walked down the hall to make coffee.
As she walked past the bed, her husband, James, stirred. His implant was already feeding him data from the eco‐regeneration project he'd been nurturing for months. A smile played on his lips as he processed the information—the reforested area was thriving, exceeding even the most optimistic AI‐generated predictions. He was going to present his findings at COP45 next month in Geneva. He arose and said, “Good morning, Fiona.” Fiona replied, “Good morning, James. For your morning briefing, I have last night's scores for your teams, a few news reports on climate crises in Jakarta and Miami, the Water War conflict in Sudan, and some video messages from your work colleagues. Would you like me to begin?”
“No, not right now. I need coffee,” he thought. She replied, “OK, great. Just let me know when you want me to begin.”
6:32 AM
Down the hall, seventeen‐year‐old Sophie's alarm chimed softly. She groaned, rolling over in bed. “Five more minutes,” she mumbled to her room's AI. “Sophie, your history exam is in three hours. Your optimal study window begins in 15 minutes,” the AI reminded gently.
Sophie sighed, sitting up. “Fine, fine. Let's get started.”
Her fingers danced through the air as she manipulated holographic study materials. She was getting quizzed by her AI history teacher, Caesar, who was leveling up to more challenging problems. James walked by and could hear her say, “Stop! These are too hard,” but Caesar replied, “If you want to pass, Ms. Sophie, you must go beyond what is expected of you.” Her upcoming history exam would be unlike anything her parents had experienced in their school days. Instead of memorizing dates and events, Sophie would be judged on her ability to navigate and interpret immersive historical simulations.
Eleven‐year‐old Oliver lay in bed in the room next door, deep in conversation with his AI tutor, Mochi. It was his favorite food, so he created an avatar that looked like a floating dough ball with eyes and a funny smile. It was adorable; to an outsider, it might have looked like the boy was talking to himself. However, he was processing the animated discussion about quantum mechanics and responding in real‐time with an advanced language model adapted specifically to Oliver's learning style and interests.
In Grandma's part of the house called “MeMa's Space,” Grandmother Margaret was already fully dressed, her eyes focused on something unseen as she guided a class of students worldwide through a virtual tour of ancient Rome. She had been up since 4 a.m. teaching a class on the other side of the world. Her hands gestured gracefully, manipulating the shared virtual environment with the ease of someone half her age. As James walked down the hall toward the kitchen, he could hear from her room, “Now, if you'll direct your attention to the Colosseum,” her hands gesturing gracefully to manipulate the shared virtual environment. “Notice the intricate system of tunnels beneath the arena …”
7:00 AM
As the Sinclair family converged in the kitchen, the house's systems hummed to life around them. The smart fridge displayed its contents on a nearby screen, a notification blinking: “Produce delivery scheduled for 2 PM.” Fresh, locally grown produce would be delivered by drone later that day. James would have it no other way, and since the genetic food wars of the 2030s left most BigAg companies bankrupt, the best way to source healthy food was to go local. Emma was already on her second cortado. It became her favorite drink years ago when she and James met and were both studying in Madrid. It was the perfect amount of a double espresso and equal parts milk to give it the proper kick to start the morning. The coffee maker, affectionately called “Drip,” had a connected AI to the family's home AI system and brewed each family member's perfect cup, adjusting caffeine levels and flavor profiles based on individual health data and preferences. Emma glanced out the window at the city beyond. The skyline blended gleaming skyscrapers and lush vertical gardens, a testament to humanity's efforts to merge urban development with environmental restoration. “Mom,” Sophie called, her voice tinged with anxiety, “do you think they'll ask about the fall of the Roman Empire in the sim? I feel like I haven't prepared enough for that scenario.”
Emma turned from the window. “Honey, remember, it's not about memorizing facts. They want to see how you interpret and respond to the historical context. You'll do fine.” James chimed in, “That's right. And Oliver, are you ready for your field trip to the quantum computing lab today?” Oliver's eyes lit up. “Yes! My AI tutor says we might get to see a demonstration of quantum supremacy!”
Margaret smiled at her grandson's enthusiasm. “The world you children are growing up in… it's simply marvelous.”
As she sipped her perfectly brewed cortado, Emma wondered what new ethical dilemmas the day would bring and how the decisions made today would shape the world her children and grandchildren would inherit. Little did she know, this seemingly ordinary day in 2040 was about to become a turning point, setting in motion a chain of events that would challenge their understanding of technology, society, and what it means to be human in this new age of intelligence.
8:31 AM
Emma checks her neural interface one last time as the Sinclair family gathers in the foyer, preparing to disperse for their daily activities. “My air taxi's on schedule. I should make it to the conference with time to spare,” she says.
James nods, shouldering his eco‐tool kit. “It's a perfect day for reforestation. The drones are predicting optimal planting conditions.”
Sophie and Oliver head for the door, their school bags automatically adjusting for optimal weight distribution. Sophie's fingers dance through the air, still manipulating invisible study materials. “Wish me luck on that history sim,” she says nervously.
Oliver bounces on his toes, excitement radiating from him. “Can't wait for the quantum lab tour! Do you think they'll let us touch anything, Dad?”
James chuckles. “Probably not, but the holo‐displays should be incredible.”
“Have a wonderful day, everyone,” Margaret calls from the living room, immersed in her next virtual class. “I'll be touring the Parthenon this afternoon if anyone needs me!”
8:33 AM
As the Sinclair family heads out for their day, their devices and implants suddenly interrupt with a harrowing echoing message heard from everywhere. Their neural implants buzz simultaneously, and holographic displays spring to life around them.
“Emergency Alert. Global AI Network Anomaly Detected.”
The family freezes, exchanging confused glances. Emma says, “Eve, broadcast my implant message to the living room.” “Yes, Emma,” Eve continues, “Critical systems worldwide are experiencing unexplained behaviors. Global resource distribution, climate control networks, and major urban infrastructure grids are all affected. Origin unknown. Threat level: Severe.”
Emma's hand flies to her temple as her ethics board implant buzzes insistently. James's eco‐tool kit chirps with urgent notifications about erratic behavior in global eco‐regeneration systems.
Sophie's educational platform flickers and crashes before her eyes. “Everything's going dark!” she exclaims.
Oliver's eyes widen in fear. “Mochi? Mochi, are you there?” His AI tutor remains ominously silent.
Margaret appears in the foyer, her augmented reality glasses dark in her trembling hands. “I've seen that look before,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “Not with this technology, but … it's happening. You've all been preparing for this, but I thought it was far off in the future. I guess the future is now.”
As the family exchanges worried glances, the lights in their home flicker and dim. Outside, they hear the first sounds of confusion and panic spreading through the neighborhood.
Emma straightens, her face set with determination. “Whatever this is, it's big. And it's going to change everything.” She looks at each family member in turn. “Our plans for the day have changed. We need to be ready … for anything.”
James nods with resolve, reaching for Emma's hand. “Together. Whatever comes.”
Introduction
We stand at the precipice of an unprecedented shift in human history. As the glow of the Industrial Revolution fades, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture—a juncture defined not by endings but by vibrant new beginnings. Many historians believe the world rises and falls in 200‐year cycles. In that case, we can see that the last 200 years have shaped everything from the layout of our cities to the structure of our educational systems and the rhythm of our daily lives. But the old 200‐year cycle is ending. For example, we no longer must sit at a desk in an office building from 9 AM to 5 PM (or later). People no longer want to sit for hours listening to someone lecture them in a classroom. These centralized factory‐based models no longer work for our society.
The Beginning of a New Era
The rise of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), fusion energy, and quantum computing marks the beginning of a new era where the limits of possibility are constrained only by our imagination. Organizational leaders now rely on advanced technologies they never dreamed of, with direct network effects like blockchain and cryptocurrency gaining value as more nodes join the network. However, the indirect network effects truly enhance the value of emerging technologies. As complementary products and services become available, these effects create robust ecosystems. For instance, as developers build apps and services for new platforms, these platforms become more attractive to users. For example, the growth in popularity of electric vehicles spurs investments in charging infrastructure and battery technology, further driving EV adoption.
Data network effects come into play when emerging technologies that leverage data and machine learning benefit from more users contributing data, thereby enhancing the quality of the products or services. For instance, AI language models become more intelligent and capable with more user data. Similarly, recommendation engines for e‐commerce and media platforms provide better suggestions as they collect more user data. This underscores the collaborative nature of technology development, making us feel connected and part of a larger community.
Developer network effects also play a crucial role as technologies with active developer communities creating apps, tools, and integrations become more valuable. Key examples include mobile operating systems, which gain value from large app ecosystems built by third‐party developers, and cloud computing platforms, which attract more users and developers as their service offerings grow through community contributions.
Each of these technologies has the potential to push the boundaries of what we consider possible. When used together, they can provide a foundation for radical change. Every new era is marked by imaginative thinkers, dreamers, and inventors who show us that the only limit is our imagination. This is not just a time for incremental change but for radical reinvention—a time to reimagine the way we think, work, and interact with one another. The potential of these technologies is not just promising; it's thrilling. They inspire us to look forward to the future with excitement and anticipation.
The Age of Intelligence
This new age is what we call the “Age of Intelligence.” It is a 200‐year arc that includes four 50‐year eras. The concept of 200‐year ages and 50‐year eras is a pillar of the Ages and Eras (A&E) Theory of change. Ages and Eras historians, business leaders, and thinkers look at the macro level of the past 1,000 years to identify the patterns and cycles of change. As we enter this new era, this book helps you dive deeper into the next 50 years to explain changes that will impact you—and your organization—now and in the future. What are the most significant changes coming to the world in the biotech sector? How will AI evolve? What will the energy and eco‐impacts of change be in the world? What about geo‐political and geo‐cultural shifts? All these coming changes will have a significant impact on people's lives and organizations around the world. Are you interested in living longer? Here's something to consider: For the first time, we might even be alive to witness the entire 200‐year age. Imagine what it might be like to be alive in 2240.
We are speeding toward more rapid technological evolution, and the world around us is at ever‐increasing speed. Change is difficult, but exponential change is more challenging for us to adapt to than it was in previous ages and eras. With this shift, we begin a new one marked by transformation, innovation, and boundless potential. To succeed in this new era of unparalleled technology, eco‐change, computing, and global shifts, we must collectively decide to change our systems and how we do business and change ourselves. While we will experience many of these shifts together, it will be essential to remember that they won't just be about societal changes or how these shifts will affect our companies or industries. These shifts will affect organizations, leadership, and each one of us. We can make a difference in the design and shape of our collective future.
As we stand on the cusp of this new age, we face a choice: to embrace the opportunities before us and actively shape our destiny or to cling to the comforts of the past and risk being left behind. The consequences of inaction are not just personal but societal. We risk stagnation, irrelevance, and a future that is not of our making. We need a new model to help us navigate this transformation. The time to act is now.
Why We Need a New Model
Over the last million years, humanity's evolution has been a biological and cultural evolution.1 Though we are biological creatures, our survival depends on our ability to develop as a culture2 progressively. Some scientists have noted that one of the most influential forces for humanity throughout its history has been the formation of alliances.3 Though ape species remain hierarchical, humans lean toward egalitarianism (i.e., ethical principles, social norms, and individual and collective attitudes promoting equality), leaving researchers to question what that means for the biological, social, and cultural evolution of humans3 and what that means as we continue to evolve. Though humans might be the “greatest evolutionary force” in the world,4 there have been consequences to human evolution. One of these consequences seems to be catastrophic environmental shifts, such as global warming,5 an abundance of pollution, chemicals that will never leave our soil, and the rapid extinction of species.
Runaway processes occur when systems experience excessive positive feedback, amplifying small changes into large‐scale, often unsustainable outcomes. These processes pose significant challenges across the interconnected systems of technology, manufacturing, economies, and the environment. In technology, unchecked resource consumption can destabilize systems, while overproduction leads to inefficiencies in manufacturing. Economically, hyperinflation disrupts entire nations, and environmentally, greenhouse gas emissions exacerbate climate change, threatening ecosystems and human survival.
Addressing these runaway processes requires identifying and disrupting feedback loops, implementing adaptive systems with self‐correcting mechanisms, and fostering resilience through diversification. Transparency is also crucial for detecting anomalies early. However, no single entity or nation can manage these issues alone, making collective, coordinated action essential to mitigating risks and creating sustainable solutions.
Our existing systems, whether referring to our internal business systems or our interconnected global food supply chain, are all designed to help us navigate significant changes but need to account for the intricate relationships between these systems and their cumulative impact on our world. They often focus on isolated problems without considering the broader context or long‐term consequences. By drawing lessons from scenarios across various domains, we can craft a comprehensive strategy that mitigates risks, enhances system responsiveness, and fosters sustainable growth and stability. This approach helps manage the risks associated with positive feedback loops. It harnesses their power for beneficial ends, inspiring us with the potential for positive change and progress. We need a holistic approach—a new predictive and transitional model—that integrates technology, society, and nature. This new tool to help navigate change must recognize the complex network of relationships we find ourselves in with nature and the reciprocal feedback loops that exist.6 It should account for human adaptability—neuroplasticity or the ability to rapidly learn and change—while addressing the rapid, human‐induced changes that may outpace our ability to adapt. Several futures are coming that could rapidly outpace the human ability to survive: global climate shifts, AI brains that can think independently, overwhelming global population displacement, or even mass extinction events caused by weather or famine. We need a new way to understand how to navigate—and hopefully prevent—these changes. We need a model to help us see our way through.
In the late 1960s, American architect and philosopher Buckminster Fuller observed that while humanity advanced technologically, it often did so for misguided purposes. He predicted that society faced a pivotal choice: either risk destroying life as we know it or work toward creating a sustainable model that benefits both humanity and the environment.7 A new transformational model offers a comprehensive framework for designing a better future, encouraging collaboration and coordinated action that balances individual and collective needs.
For a New Model, We Need to Change How We Think
As we enter the Age of Intelligence, it's becoming clear that our traditional ways of thinking are no longer sufficient. The way we approach building and running businesses is no longer sufficient. What we learn and our education model needs to be updated, more effective, and more. How we think about where we get our food, how we clothe ourselves, how we socialize, and how we build human connections are sufficient if we thrive in this new Age of Intelligence. The complex, interconnected challenges we face today in business and daily life require a new approach. Our current model for starting and growing businesses, building geopolitical systems, and building our society often treats problems in isolation, failing to account for the intricate relationships between technology, culture, and nature. This siloed approach leaves us ill‐equipped to address climate change, technological disruption, and social upheaval. Reinforced feedback loops amplify small changes into large‐scale effects, outpacing our ability to respond effectively. To put it bluntly, we do not know how to solve such a complex problem and have allowed ourselves to become victims.
As new technologies and social upheavals begin to occur at a pace never seen before, we will increasingly need to put our faith in collective intelligence—the idea that our combined knowledge and efforts are greater than the sum of their parts. These concepts may sound like science fiction, but success in navigating these rapid changes will rely on human collaboration and our interactions with AI and natural systems. We must adopt sophisticated architectures of intelligence like those that enable trillions of cells to cooperate within a single organism.8 Harris‐Braun and Brock9 elucidated that this transformation necessitates a framework where complex collaborations are as natural and efficient as biological processes. Additionally, as we explore quantum mechanics and put the theories to work, we will see giant leaps in technologies that will transform the very fabric of societal interaction.
Embracing these natural paradigms could revolutionize our technological infrastructures, making previously impossible problems like climate change or resource depletion solvable. The principles underlying quantum mechanics, such as entanglement and the non‐locality of particles, suggest a future where our societal systems operate on similarly fundamental yet profoundly interconnected levels. This emerging idea of a quantum society indicates that, like quantum particles, we are all fundamentally interconnected. This interconnectedness allows for new forms of problem‐solving and decision‐making that transcend traditional boundaries. By leveraging collective intelligence and quantum society principles, we can tackle complex global issues more effectively than ever.
To navigate the future effectively, we must embrace radically new ways of thinking grounded in the principles of collective intelligence and natural organizational patterns. This shift involves adapting technology to our needs and rethinking how we harness technological advancements harmoniously with natural systems to address complex, interconnected challenges. Our brains' remarkable neuroplasticity supports this transformation, enabling us to integrate technology and society seamlessly. This integration promises to transcend traditional constraints and unlock new potentials in human collaboration, governance, and societal development. By leveraging the principles of collective intelligence, we can create systems that mimic the efficiency and adaptability found in nature, fostering environments where innovation thrives, and solutions to global issues emerge organically. However, we must acknowledge that some human‐induced changes, especially environmental ones, may outpace our ability to adapt naturally. This underscores the urgency of the cognitive shift we advocate for, as it is crucial for our collective progress.10 Embracing these new paradigms will help us keep pace with rapid technological advancements and ensure that these innovations are deployed in ways that benefit humanity, preserving and enhancing the natural systems we depend on.
The SuperShifts™ of Change
This book synthesizes insights from various fields to construct a new model for humanity, composed of four interconnected parts: nature, the individual, the organization, and society. By integrating these pieces into a cohesive, holistic model, we comprehensively understand how we think individually and collectively and can incorporate nature into everything we do. This approach allows us to step back and scrutinize our thinking in real‐world contexts, revealing that human cognition is fundamentally changing. As we enter this new age of intelligence, we face both opportunities and risks, making our next steps some of humanity's most critical challenges.
However, this crucial topic needs to be sufficiently discussed and addressed holistically. The specialization prevalent in today's society hinders our ability to embrace changes in our collective intelligence and the need to create a network of systems for the future. The book aims to holistically describe how we think and understand the transition in our thinking processes, providing a clear view of the entire “world and beyond” and fostering a broader awareness of our cognitive realities. This is our moment to forge new paths, paradigms, and realities—to think, work, and live differently. We must imagine a different future than the one we are heading toward. The stakes are high; if we falter now, we risk squandering a once‐in‐a‐lifetime chance to shape our destiny and forfeit our agency in the march of progress. Embracing this integrated model can help us navigate complexities, leverage collective intelligence, and create sustainable systems aligned with natural processes, ensuring technological advancements benefit humanity. Our call to action is to rethink, reimagine, and reshape our future with a comprehensive understanding of our cognitive and societal landscapes.
This book explores five key paradigms of change that make up this book as shown in Figure I.1.
FIGURE I.1 The Five Paradigms for Understanding Change
This book's first paradigm of change is Ages and Eras, which focuses on the cyclical change we are experiencing. We look at macro history, the previous ages, and what is in store in this new age of intelligence. But what powers this change? The second one is what we call SuperShifts™ and is the main title of this book. There are nine convergence points in every aspect of our lives. Many of the challenges we face transcend the capabilities of individual entities or even nations to manage effectively. A new model that facilitates collective effort and shared responsibility is critical. To this end, this book's third paradigm of change is how to implement that change, which we call the Transform Model™. This innovative model synthesizes insights from various fields composed of four interconnected parts: nature, the individual, the organization, and society. Fourth is about navigating this change, which is our Spectrum Foresight™ Method. The Spectrum Foresight™ Method is a comprehensive, iterative, and inclusive framework for exploring multiple possible futures, designed to help organizations develop adaptive strategies that consider diverse perspectives and experiences. And finally, fifth is our Futures Operating System™, or FOS, which uses everything from the first four parts and utilizes a usable and actionable set of tools and systems to anticipate change.
It is impossible to ignore that we are in a full‐planetary emergency. But as we stand on the cusp of this new age, we have a choice: to cling to the familiar comforts of the past and risk being left behind and risk destruction, or to embrace the opportunities before us and shape our destiny as an inter‐planetary race that recognizes that we have everything we need not only to survive but to thrive. Not only thrive as humanity but as a part of a much bigger natural ecosystem. SuperShifts™ is more than just a book—it is a manifesto for change, a rallying cry for individuals, businesses, and society to embrace the future with open arms.
Why Us?
We believe that technology alone cannot solve our problems because the core issue lies in our behavior. Just as other species demonstrate resilience, we, too, can choose to be anti‐fragile and strive for survival. However, this will only happen if we adopt a holistic approach to thinking, actions, and existence. We must shift our tribalistic mindset to recognize that we are all part of the same tribe with a shared goal: survival and thriving. Achieving this goal is only possible with a symbiotic relationship with nature.
The primary concept we must understand is that we are facing a problem that technology alone cannot solve. In other words, technology, whether real or imagined, will not save us. Our salvation lies in changing our behavior. If we alter our behavior, we already have sufficient technology to save ourselves. Without this behavioral change, we will unlikely discover a magical technological fix to counteract our destructive habits. This perspective emphasizes the importance of focusing on survival rather than sustainability. Sustainability means finding technological fixes that allow us to continue business as usual without facing consequences. However, if humanity suddenly changes its behavior today, we could emerge after 2050 with most aspects of our world intact. While this is possible, expecting such a drastic shift is not realistic. Most of humanity is committed to business as usual. Therefore, we must focus on what we can do now to shorten the recovery period after an inevitable collapse. Reminiscing about Asimov's Foundation trilogy, recovery could take hundreds of years if we do nothing. But if we act now, we might significantly reduce this recovery time.
Our Journey Ahead
In this book, we will explore the abundant future humanity can give and a framework for creating it. You will decide what your critical path tasks are. By understanding where we've been and where we're going, you can start reshaping your thinking, work, and impact on the world. SuperShifts™ is your guide on this transformative journey.
Are you ready to embark on this journey together? Let's begin!
Notes
1.
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2.
Weber, G.W. (2023). Quantum leaps in human biocultural evolution and the relationship to cranial capacity.
Life
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3.
Gavrilets, S., Duenez‐Guzman, E.A., and Vose, M.D. (2008). Dynamics of alliance formation and the egalitarian revolution.
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4.
Palumbi, S.R. (2001). Humans as the world’s greatest evolutionary force.
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5.
Scheffer, M., Carpenter, S., Foley, J.A. et al. (2001). Catastrophic shifts in ecosystems.
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6.
Svensson, E.I. (2017). On reciprocal causation in the evolutionary process.
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(1): 1–14.
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7.
Buckminster Fuller, R. (1969).
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8.
Harris‐Braun, Eric . 2022. “Grammatic Capacities and the Evolution of Complex Adaptive Systems.” Ceptr. October 20, 2022.
https://ceptr.org/whitepapers/grammatics
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9.
Harris Braun, Eric, and Arthur Brock. 2015. “Revelation.” Ceptr. March 6, 2015.
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10.
Galesic, M., Barkoczi, D., Berdahl, A.M. et al. (2023). Beyond collective intelligence: Collective adaptation.
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.
PART IDawn of a New Age: The Coming SuperShift™
CHAPTER 1The Precipice of Change
We are standing at the precipice of a new era in human history, a time of unprecedented change and transformation driven by the exponential advancement of technology. The world is changing faster than ever before, and the implications are profound, not just for society but for every individual. In the past, when we read visions of the future set 100 or 200 years ahead, it was easy to dismiss them as abstract thought experiments with little bearing on our own lives. After all, most of us assumed we wouldn't be around to see these visions of the future come to pass. However, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, robotics, and other emerging fields is poised to reshape every aspect of our lives, from how we work and learn to how we relate to one another and even ourselves as a species.
This new age is called the Age of Intelligence™, when the boundaries between human and machine, natural and artificial, will blur as never before. It is an age of enormous possibility and promise but also one fraught with risks and challenges that will fundamentally require us to rethink our social, economic, and political systems. Navigating this uncharted territory will demand all of our ingenuity, wisdom, and resilience as we seek to harness the power of these new technologies for the betterment of all while mitigating their potential harms.
The Industrial Revolution's Legacy
To fully grasp the significance of this new age, it is essential to understand the historical context from which it emerges. The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries marked a profound shift in human civilization, as the rise of mechanized manufacturing, steam power, and new forms of transportation and communication transformed every aspect of society. Its impact was far‐reaching and profound. On an economic level, it gave rise to new forms of production and trade as factories and global trade networks replaced traditional cottage industries and local markets. This led to an explosion of wealth and productivity and new forms of inequality and exploitation. The gap between rich and poor widened, and working conditions in factories and mines became increasingly harsh and dangerous.
However, the Industrial Revolution led to a new working class, educational opportunities, and shifting social structures. The traditional aristocracy gave way to a new bourgeoisie of industrialists and merchants and a growing urban proletariat of factory workers and laborers. This period also saw the emergence of new political ideologies and movements as leaders explored ideas from liberalism and socialism to nationalism and imperialism. It was a time of significant change as people of every social and educational level grappled with the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
But at the heart of the Industrial Revolution were the new mechanical innovations that laid the groundwork for the subsequent technological transformations. The development of new materials like steel and concrete, new energy sources like coal and oil, and new manufacturing techniques like the assembly line and interchangeable parts set the stage for the rapid advancements of the 19th, 20th, and early 21st centuries. From the rise of the automobile and the airplane to the development of the computer and the internet, the technologies that define our modern world can all trace their roots back to the innovations of the Industrial Age.
A Pivotal Moment in Human History
The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point in human history, but the upcoming Age of Intelligence promises to be even more transformative. The convergence of AI, biotechnology, and robotics will create intelligent systems that surpass human capabilities, from problem‐solving to physical feats. These technologies will not only transform industries but also blur the lines between biological and synthetic intelligence, ushering in a new era of human–machine collaboration. While this shift brings extraordinary potential for progress, it also presents profound risks. Intelligent systems could help solve critical global challenges, such as disease, climate change, and space exploration, while expanding human creativity and discovery. However, they also threaten widespread unemployment, economic disruption, and ethical dilemmas around AI's role in society. As machines take over tasks traditionally performed by humans, we must consider the implications for privacy, freedom, and democracy.
The pace of technological change means the future is arriving faster than ever before. Radical life extension and cognitive enhancement, once the stuff of science fiction, are becoming reality. Innovations like gene therapy and nanotechnology could extend human life indefinitely, raising questions about what it means to live in a world where superintelligent AI, space colonization, and new life forms are within reach. Beyond life extension, breakthroughs in robotics, bioengineering, and neurotechnology are reshaping the human experience. All of these seismic changes are what we call SuperShifts™, or massive convergences that are altering how we live, work, and even see the world.
To navigate these disruptions, society must embrace a collective approach that harnesses technology for the greater good. Rather than serving narrow corporate interests, technologies must empower communities and foster broad participation. Collaboration and shared knowledge demonstrate our innate capacity for collective innovation. Structuring technology to promote empathy and shared understanding can help ensure a more equitable and sustainable future. Ultimately, the Age of Intelligence presents both challenges and opportunities. By steering technological development responsibly and with collective intent, we can shape a future that fosters prosperity, sustainability, and equity. This requires innovation, adaptation, and a commitment to using our tools for the benefit of humanity, ensuring that these transformative technologies serve the greater good.
