The World, the Flesh and the Devil: An Enquiry into the Future of the Three Enemies of the Rational Soul

by J.D. Bernal, McKenzie Wark (Introduction)

Overview

Written by the pioneering scientist, theorist and activist J. D. Bernal, this futuristic essay explores the radical changes to human bodies and intelligence that science may bring about, and suggests the impact of these developments on society. Bernal presents a far-reaching vision of the future that encompasses space research and colonization, material sciences, genetic engineering, and the technological hive mind. In his view, it will be possible for the conditions of civilization to reach a state of materialist utopia. For all three realms—the world, the flesh, and the devil—Bernal attempted to map out the utmost limit of technoscientific progress, and found that there are almost no limits.

With a new introduction by McKenzie Wark.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786630926
Publisher:	Verso Books
Publication date:	01/23/2018
Series:	Radical Thinkers
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

John Desmond Bernal (1901–1971) was one of the United Kingdom’s best-known and most controversial scientists. He published extensively on the history of science.

McKenzie Wark is the author of The Hacker Manifesto and other books and teaches at the New School in New York.

Editorial Reviews

It is perhaps the most remarkable attempt to predict the future of scientific possibility ever made, and certainly the most stimulating. On reading it again, I am astonished to see how many of my own concepts and ideas I really owe to Bernal!”
—Arthur C. Clarke

“I think this book is perhaps the best short essay about the future of science ever written. It has a gem-like quality.”
—Derek J. de Solla Price

“A stellar masterpiece of cosmic speculation.”
—Bruce Sterling

From the Publisher