The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World
$17.82
Description
Book Synopsis: From the bestselling, award-winning author of 1491 and 1493—an incisive portrait of the two little-known twentieth-century scientists, Norman Borlaug and William Vogt, whose diametrically opposed views shaped our ideas about the environment, laying the groundwork for how people in the twenty-first century will choose to live in tomorrow's world. In forty years, Earth’s population will reach ten billion. Can our world support that? What kind of world will it be? Those answering these questions generally fall into two deeply divided groups--Wizards and Prophets, as Charles Mann calls them in this balanced, authoritative, nonpolemical new book. The Prophets, he explains, follow William Vogt, a founding environmentalist who believed that in using more than our planet has to give, our prosperity will lead us to ruin. Cut back! was his mantra. Otherwise everyone will lose! The Wizards are the heirs of Norman Borlaug, whose research, in effect, wrangled the world in service to our species to produce modern high-yield crops that then saved millions from starvation. Innovate! was Borlaug’s cry. Only in that way can everyone win! Mann delves into these diverging viewpoints to assess the four great challenges humanity faces--food, water, energy, climate change--grounding each in historical context and weighing the options for the future. With our civilization on the line, the author’s insightful analysis is an essential addition to the urgent conversation about how our children will fare on an increasingly crowded Earth.
Details
Are you concerned about the future of our planet and how it will sustain a population of ten billion? Look no further than The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World. In this groundbreaking book by acclaimed author Charles Mann, you'll discover the fascinating stories of Norman Borlaug and William Vogt, two scientists whose opposing views on the environment shaped the way we think about our world today.
As Mann explains, Borlaug, a pioneering researcher, believed that innovation and technological advancement could save humanity from widespread famine and starvation. His cry, "Innovate!", echoes throughout the pages of this book, reminding us of the immense power of human ingenuity and the potential for everyone to win. On the other hand, Vogt, a founding environmentalist, warned that exceeding Earth's limits would lead to our ultimate downfall, advocating for a more conservative approach. His mantra, "Cut back!", serves as a cautionary reminder that our prosperity may come at a cost.
Delving into these diverging viewpoints, Mann explores the four major challenges faced by humanity: food, water, energy, and climate change. With historical context and a balanced perspective, he offers valuable insights into the options we have for the future. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to engage in the urgent conversation about our children's prospects on an increasingly crowded Earth.
Don't miss out on the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the choices we face. Order your copy of The Wizard and the Prophet today and join the conversation on how our world will shape the lives of future generations. Click here to get your hands on this eye-opening book!
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