World-Historic Changes in 2025
Explore the three world-historic tipping points shaping our future in 2025, including AI, clean energy, and bioengineering, and their transformative impact on society.
An Extraordinary Moment in History
We are living in an extraordinary moment in history. In 2025, we are witnessing the scaling of world-historic, game-changing technologies. However, this period is also marked by significant societal and economic challenges. History shows that such moments of transformation occur in 80-year cycles, and we are now at the cusp of another major shift.
The Technology Adoption Curve
New technologies follow a predictable adoption curve. Take Uber as an example: what began as a novel idea quickly revolutionized the transportation industry, rendering traditional taxis obsolete. We are currently in the middle of such a transition, where old systems are dismantled as new technologies take their place.
Post-War Era Lessons
The post-World War II era serves as a historical parallel. From 1945 to 1970, America experienced a period of unprecedented innovation and economic growth. The GI Bill, the interstate highway system, and significant investments in education transformed society. This era demonstrates how societies can rebuild and innovate after periods of conflict and stagnation.
The Gilded Age and the Civil War
Another historical example is the period following the American Civil War. The Homestead Act, land-grant universities, and the expansion of the railroad system revolutionized the nation. These advancements laid the foundation for modern America, showcasing the potential for rapid progress after periods of turmoil.
The Founding Era
The Founding Era (1787-1815) marked the creation of modern America. Inspired by the Enlightenment, this period introduced fundamental systems that still shape our society today. It highlights the transformative power of ideas and innovation during times of change.
The Age of Artificial Intelligence
The arrival of generative AI, exemplified by ChatGPT in November 2022, is a world-historic moment. AI represents a fundamental shift in human capabilities, akin to the advent of the Bronze Age or the Industrial Revolution. This technology will amplify our mental powers in ways we are only beginning to imagine.
The Rise of Clean Energy
Clean energy is another transformative technology. Unlike traditional energy sources, clean energy is not a commodity but a technology that becomes cheaper and more efficient over time. Solar panels and electric vehicles are just the beginning of this energy revolution, which promises to deliver abundant, sustainable power.
The Revolution in Bioengineering
Advances in bioengineering, particularly CRISPR technology, have revolutionized our ability to edit genomes. This technology enables us to create lab-grown meat, cure genetic diseases, and design organisms for specific purposes. The cost of sequencing the human genome has dropped from $3 billion to $100, making bioengineering more accessible than ever.
Building a 21st Century Civilization
These technological advancements are the foundation for building a 21st-century civilization. We are witnessing the early stages of a shift from financial capitalism to sustainable capitalism, from representative democracy to digital democracy, and from nation-states to global governance. This is the challenge of our time, and understanding its scale is crucial for shaping a better future.
