The Extension of Man
The Extension of Man
J.D. Bernal
Paul Graham
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?"
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The Extension of Man

The extension of man: A history of physics before 1900

J.D. Bernal
By
J.D. Bernal
3.6
9
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Extension of Man," J.D. Bernal masterfully explores the profound relationship between human evolution and technological advancement. With an astute eye for detail and a visionary's foresight, Bernal weaves through the past, present, and future of human capabilities as expanded and extended by the tools we create. From the flint axes of our early ancestors to the boundless possibilities of future technologies, Bernal illustrates not just how we shape our tools, but how our tools, in turn, shape us. His insights delve into the essence of what it means to be human in a world where the lines between man and machine, biology and technology, are increasingly blurred. Bernal's narrative is both a celebration of human ingenuity and a cautionary tale about the ethical and existential challenges that accompany our technological prowess. Through a blend of historical analysis, philosophical inquiry, and speculative science, "The Extension of Man" challenges readers to consider the direction in which we are moving. Are we on a path toward a more enlightened, empowered humanity, or are we headed towards a dystopian future where our creations outpace our understanding and control? Bernal does not offer easy answers but instead provides a rich, thought-provoking exploration of what it means to extend ourselves beyond our natural limits. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humanity in an increasingly technological world.

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Released
1972
15 Apr
Length
317
Pages

1

recommendations

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One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?"
In my own field, x-ray crystallography, we used to work out the structure of minerals by various dodges which we never bothered to write down, we just used them. ThenLinus Paulingcame along to the laboratory, saw what we were doing and wrote out what we now callPauling's Rules. We had all been usingPauling's Rules for about three or four years beforePaulingtold us what the rules were.
— J.D. Bernal, The Extension of Man

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