PRESS RELEASE: NEW BOOK – Technology vs. Humanity: The coming clash between man and machine

Read the exclusive preview PDF: Technology-vs.-Humanity- Gerd Leonhard Preview

In his latest book ‘Technology vs. Humanity’, futurist Gerd Leonhard once again breaks new ground by bringing together mankind’s urge to upgrade and automate everything (including human biology itself) with our timeless quest for freedom and happiness. Before it’s too late, we must stop and ask the big questions: How do we embrace technology without becoming it? When it happens—gradually, then suddenly—the machine era will create the greatest watershed in human life on Earth.

Digital transformation has migrated from the mainframe to the desktop to the laptop to the smartphone, wearables and brain-computer interfaces. Before it moves to the implant and the ingestible insert, Gerd Leonhard makes a last-minute clarion call for an honest debate and a more philosophical exchange.

In ‘Technology vs. Humanity’ Gerd looks at:

Is Digital Obesity the next big pandemic? Why doesn't ‘Big Data’, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence have the kind of global policies and standards we demand of far similar technological revolutions such as nuclear power? Is this the end of work-as-we-know-it? Will we all be eating Printed Food in the future? Will the next generation live to be 200?

The urgent need for Digital Ethics – before Silicon Valley and its cohorts assume mission control for the species previously known as homo sapiens

The imminent clash between technology and humanity is already rushing towards us.  If we are indeed the last fully ‘human-only’ generation on Planet Earth, shouldn't 2016 see the start of a conversation about where all this is leading?

In the book, Gerd asks us; what moral values are we prepared to stand up for—before being human alters its meaning forever?

Gerd Leonhard is a new kind of futurist schooled in the humanities as much as in technology. In his most provocative book to date, he explores the exponential changes swamping our societies, providing rich insights and deep wisdom for business leaders, professionals and anyone with decisions to make in this new era.

Presenting the kind of big-picture analysis once practised by Greek philosophers, Technology vs. Humanity challenges us as humans to remain toolmakers rather than become toolmade.

‘Technology vs. Humanity’ by Gerd Leonhard is published 8th September by Fast Future Publishing.

Gerd Leonhard is available for interview and articles.  For media enquiries please contact Chantal or Sophie at Panpathic Communications – Chantal@panpathic.com  / +44120 8544 0091 or Sophie@panpathic.com  / +44 7815 860 082

About Gerd Leonhard

Listed by Wired Magazine as one of the top 100 most influential people in Europe (2015), Gerd Leonhard’s work focusses on the future of humanity and technology, digital transformation, big data, automation, AI and robotics, media, content, marketing and advertising, telecommunications, culture and tourism, banking and financial services, government and leadership. In his keynotes, presentations, workshops and advisory sessions Gerd often addresses topics such as digital Darwinism and the challenges of digital transformation, the redefinition of human-machine relationships, the future of work and jobs, privacy in the era of big data, the sharing economy, and many more. His presentations are renowned for a hard-hitting and provocative yet inspiring, humorous and motivating style.

Gerd is a much sought-after speaker, having presented at more than 1500 events in 50+ countries since 2005. His clients include Google, Sony, UBS, Mastercard, Unilever, Lloyds Bank, WWF, Nokia, The Guardian, Telkom Indonesia, Siemens, RTL, ITV, BBC, France Telecom, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, MTN, The Financial Times, DDB, Ogilvy, Omnicom, The EU Commission, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, VISA, and many others. Gerd Leonhard is a member of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA, London). He resides in Zürich, Switzerland.