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

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. Deemed by Arthur C. Clarke to be "the most brilliant attempt at scientific prediction ever made", The World, the Flesh and the Devil is most famous for having been the first to propose the so-called Bernal Sphere, a type of space habitat intended for permanent residence. Written by one of the most well-known and controversial scientists of the twentieth century, this futuristic essay explores radical changes to human bodies and intelligence, as well as suggesting their impact on society in the future. It includes far-reaching visions of the future of space research and colonisation, material sciences, genetic engineering and near-technology, as well as the idea of a universal brain of the species to be created by technological means. In Bernal's view, it will be possible for the material conditions of civilisation to reach a state of materialist utopia on earth. For all three realms, the world, the flesh and the devil, Bernal attempted to map out the utmost limit of technoscientific progress of which he could conceive, and found that there are almost no limits. Introduced by McKenzie Wark "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."--Back cover A pioneering book proposing a transhumanist vision of the future, from one of the most influential visionary scientists of the twentieth century