The document outlines six theses emphasizing the urgent need for positive technological change to address existential dangers like nuclear disasters and climate change. It argues that humanity's prehistoric emotional and medieval institutional frameworks clash with our advanced technology, creating risks needing to be corrected through wise tech use to enhance human nature. The call is for progress toward improved intelligence, well-being, democracy, and longevity by embracing a transhumanist perspective for a sustainable future.

1. Accelerating
A New Kind of Thinking and Science
For a Sustainable Future
David Wood – Chair, London Futurists – @dw2
Six theses

2. 1. We live in a time of existential danger
Nuclear disaster Bio-engineered pandemics
Infrastructure destroyed by cyber-hackingRunaway global warming
Rampant irrationality Rampant inequality

3. 2. We must go forward not backward
We might fondly imagine a
half-remembered past golden age…
Simpler?! Purer?!
The better world is one that has
embraced positive change
Progressive!

4. 3. Tech change is bound to accelerate
Infotech
Technoprogressive!
People
Technology
Education
Networks
Tools
Positive
feedback
cycle
Entrepreneurs
Engineers
Scientists
EducatorsDesigners
Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning
Biotech Nanotech Cognotech Robotics Cyborgs
Brakes
Accelerator
Steering
Vision
Values
Capabilities

5. 4. Humans: the problem and the solution
The real problem of humanity
is the following:
We have Paleolithic emotions,
medieval institutions,
and god-like technology.
And it is terrifically dangerous,
and it is now approaching a
point of crisis overall.
Edward O. Wilson, Harvard, 2009

6. 4. Humans: the problem and the solution
Accelerating
technology
More strength
More intelligence
More power
More corruption

8. 5. Wise use of tech -> better human nature
Transcending tendencies towards mental blind spots and collective stupidity
1. Super intelligence: significantly improved thinking capability
Transcending tendencies towards depression, alienation, vicious emotions,
and needless suffering
2. Super wellbeing: significantly improved states of consciousness
Transcending tendencies towards tribalism, divisiveness, deception, and the
abuse of power
3. Super democracy: significantly improved social inclusion and resilience,
whilst upholding diversity and liberty
Transcending tendencies towards physical decay and decrepitude
4. Super longevity: significantly improved physical health, including much
longer lifespans
Transhumanist!

9. 6. Human nature is part of a wider system
Individual
Social
International
Environmental
Cosmic
Political
Flourishing
RAFT 2035

10. 1. We live in a time of existential danger
6. Human nature is part of a wider system
5. Wise use of tech -> better human nature
4. Humans: the problem and the solution
3. Tech change is bound to accelerate
2. We must go forward not backward