Download Falter Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? Bill McKibben 9781250178268 Books

Product details Hardcover 304 pages Publisher Henry Holt and Co. (April 16, 2019) Language English ISBN-10 1250178266

Falter Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? Bill McKibben 9781250178268 Books Reviews

• This book should be required reading for everyone—it is by turns sobering, infuriating and eye-opening and written throughout in clear, conversational (and even at times humorous) prose that manages to make a scientific study read like a page turner. Bill McKibben begins Falter with a survey of the symptoms of climate change that are currently threatening our planet; although I was familiar with these issues on some level already, he marshals so many frightening examples and statistics that the urgency of the situation hit me like never before. Part 2 is a look at how we got here (the infuriating part), detailing the missed opportunities and—more insidious—the deliberate misinformation and misdirection on the part of corporations and politicians that squandered 50 years during which we might have forestalled the devastating effects of climate change we are living with now.
  
  McKibben then shifts from environmental threats to a discussion of more existential threats to our very humanity itself, such as genetic engineering and artificial intelligence (AI). This turned out to be the most fascinating part of the book for me—I was particularly riveted by anecdotes from Silicon Valley that would be risible were they not so frightening. Having laid out the problems in the bulk of the book, McKibben injects a (muted) note of optimism with a final section of proposed solutions such as solar panels and non-violent political action.
  
  As I said, everyone, regardless of their politics, should read this book (although I do wish McKibben had resisted a few political comments which—while I am in complete agreement—might alienate some readers). Not an easy topic, but a necessary discussion.
• Bill McKibbin was an early, eloquent and effective voice in drawing attention to the reality of climate change. For that, we all owe him a lot. Unfortunately, this book adds little to the ongoing discussions of what to do and detracts from his legacy. First, it is weak journalism. In discussing science, rather than go to primary sources (peer-reviewed research papers), he quotes the popular literature. Just look at what passes for citations at the end of the book They are virtually all magazines and newspapers. So McKibbin here is a tertiary source First there are the real data from the scientist; then there are reported and interpreted data from a reporter; and then there is McKibbin. This is weak, derivative reporting. It is especially a problem when he wades into new topics (for him) genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. These chapters are superficial; there are many good books out there on these two topics. He adds nothing. Second, while opinion is certainly appropriate and McKibbin is passionate, he often lapses into ad hominem attacks on people he disagrees with, be they politicians or oil company executives. One has the feeling that he is saying, "I'm an important guy and it's OK for me to call someone names". This adds little to discourse and detracts from his ultimate message. Throughout the book, he looks back at his 30 years of advocacy, expressing wonderment at how it has all transpired and expressing confidence in the new, younger leaders in the movement to combat climate change. Time to pass the torch.
• I’ve recently found myself reading much more on this topic. Although I will say the book takes quite a negative outlook, I think it does a great job at the end of summing up the beauty of life, and the love we all share. It’s just a shame that not everyone feels the same.
  
  Regardless of where you fall on the ideas of tech, politics, climate change, or genetics - this book is absolutely amazing and a gook I will highly recommend to all of my friends and family.
  
  Thanks for the read,
  
  Best
• I admire Bill McKibben for his activism against CO2 emissions and catastrophic climate change. I share his values and worldview, for the most part, as far as I can tell. But "Falter" is not particularly useful. It did not tell me anything I didn't already know, or believe. (One small exception is the reversal of the Flynn Effect of rising I.Q. -- I'll have to look into that.) For a much better update/overview of the climate change crisis, I recommend Facing the Anthropocene (2016 -- see my review).
  
  Like McKibben I am up to speed with the latest climate science, and I know things are bad and getting worse, heading toward ecocide. Like McKibben I know we are up against the power of a small group of wealthy capitalists and the Fossil Fuel Industry. I don't see arguments as necessary when it comes to genetic engineering -- limits are clearly needed to avoid the world of Gattaca. Likewise A.I. -- whatever his faults, Elon Musk is right on that one. Who hasn't seen the Terminator films? I agree with McKibben that immortality is not to be desired. The nature of being human would be eradicated if Ray Kurzweil's dream of life-extension came true. McKibben argues for the crucial importance of LIMITS -- our capability *not* to pursue endless growth and every technological innovation.
  
  Moving to the "what are we for" conclusion, of course I support solar energy! And mass nonviolent action will clearly be part of the solution to the climate change crisis -- bravo to 350.com and all the other activists and organizations fighting the good fight!
  
  However, McKibben is not radical enough. He supports a kinder, gentler, decentralized capitalism. It is a pleasant, genteel vision, a sort of global network of Shires. But we will need ecosocialism to defeat Fossil Capital, and that will require fierce struggle.
• This is a wonderful book, by one of our great science writers, on climate change, artificial intelligence, income inequality, and the merits and perils of unconstrained growth and technological advance. It's a sobering read, but ends with a (guardedly) hopeful message. Highly recommended.