Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Science Essays, Futurism, Popular Science, Nonfiction

Book Review:
In ''Change! 71 Glimpses of the Future,'' the prolific Isaac Asimov temporarily steps away from fiction to don the hat of a futurist, and the result is a captivating series of intellectual probes into tomorrow. This collection of 71 short essays showcases Asimov's unparalleled ability to take complex scientific and social trends and extrapolate their potential consequences with stunning clarity and logic.

The book's power lies in Asimov's method. He approaches the future not with wild fantasy, but as a scientist, examining the seeds of change already present in the 20th century and nurturing them to see what they might become. Covering topics from computers and space exploration to population dynamics and education, each ''glimpse'' is a self-contained lesson in critical thinking about progress. As he writes, his role is to ''reconnoiter the territory up ahead,'' and he performs this duty with characteristic wit and wisdom.

While some predictions may feel dated to a modern reader, the true value of the book is not in perfect accuracy, but in the timeless exercise of applying a rational, hopeful, and humanistic lens to the unknown. It is a masterclass in how to think about the future. For fans of Asimov's non-fiction, students of futurism, or anyone who enjoys seeing a brilliant mind at work, ''Change!'' is a rewarding and thought-provoking read that remains relevant in its call for mindful stewardship of our collective tomorrow.