Books
We are living through one of the most interesting, and potentially one of the most challenging, times in human history. Science and technology are accelerating at breakneck speeds, and providing the means to utterly transform the future that lies ahead of us. At the same time, we are grappling with the challenge of demanding ever-more from an already over-stressed planet, within a global society that sometimes seems bent on self-destruction.
If we’re to build a better future — a more sustainable, just, and vibrant future — everyone needs to be a part of the process. But in today’s increasingly complex world, how can we wrap our heads around what it means to innovate responsibly, to develop and use new technologies ethically, and to be co-creators of the future we aspire to?
Several years ago, I made the decision to tackle this challenge head-on — not through impenetrable academic papers and esoteric research projects (although I still do this), but through making the complex challenges and the amazing opportunities we face as accessible as possible to people from all walks of life.
As part of this, I write books — not dense academic books, but books that are meant to be read and enjoyed, and that provide intriguing new insights into the future that lies ahead of us, and how we’re connected to it.
I hope you enjoy them!
Future Rising
A Journey from the Past to the Edge of Tomorrow
What is the future, how are we connected to it, and what is our responsibility to it?
In Future Rising, Andrew Maynard presents a compelling vision of the future and our relationship with it that will inspire you to think differently about what lies before us.
A must-read for anyone looking for hope and inspiration in today’s increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Andrew Maynard, a tech geek with a big heart, takes you on a journey from the big bang to the present. He implores the reader to understand our relationship to technology and plan ahead so that when the future rises to meet us we are prepared to make it a future of which we can be proud.
Dr. Kelly Weinersmith
Co-author of Soonish
Written in an engaging and accessible style, Maynard explores topics ranging from art and creativity to memory, intelligence and potential threats ahead in a series of short essays. This book could easily be enjoyed in short bursts, but more likely, readers won’t be able to put it down once they start.”
Ramona Pringle
Director of Creative Innovation Studio and Associate Professor, Ryerson University
A deeply researched book that will make you question the morality of technology, and how science has shaped the world today. Maynard’s incisive take on cutting edge problems make this a rewarding experience for anyone questioning what the future will look like.
Zara Stone
Journalist and author of The Future of Science is Female
Films From The Future
The Technology and Morality of Sci-Fi Movies
How can we develop and use increasingly powerful technologies ethically and responsibly
In Films from the Future, Andrew Maynard takes readers on a thrilling and often-surprising journey of discovery through the world of emerging technologies, and the challenges of getting them right.
Using twelve science fiction movies as a kick-off point, Films from the Future explores the benefits, risks and responsible development and use of everything from “resurrection biology” and cloning, to smart drugs, brain-machine implants, artificial intelligence, and more.
Films from the Future takes the reader on a fascinating, thought- provoking exploration of the most compelling and confounding ideas in popular sci-fi films of the past thirty years — but with a twist! Maynard unwittingly gives us an inspiring road map for how to think creatively about solving the problems of the future and what it means to be human.
Charlie Oliver
CEO, Tech 2025
What an unexpected and compelling combination of art and science. Using creativity, from the minds of filmmakers, to examine the potential pitfalls of technology, to show humanity a better path — pure genius!
Danielle Feinberg
Director of Photography at Pixar
With the insightful use of science fiction movies, Andrew Maynard raises some deep philosophical issues about who we are and want to be as human beings while graphically illustrating what could go badly wrong, and he raises the difficult question “Is there research that shouldn’t be done and are there technologies that shouldn’t be developed?”
Neal Lane
Former science advisor to President Bill Clinton