BOOK TIPS
Books about the future, innovation and technology fascinate me. Besides being an author myself of the Dutch books Biohacking (2018) and Supermens (2020), I often lose myself in books. By reading books, I encounter novel concepts, ideas, successes, mistakes and philosophies.
Below is a list of the best books I’ve read so far on that particular topic by topic. Want to get a monthly insight with the latest book tips I have for you? Subscribe for my monthly newsletter!
Click directly through to the categories:
- Future top 6
- Futures research and Strategic Foresight top 6
- Technology top 6
- Impact of technology top 3
- Innovation top 6
- Science fiction top 12 (!)
Have fun reading! And let me know if you’ve read a book from the list and what you thought of it.
FUTURE
The Ministry for the Future – Kim Stanley Robinson
In this fictional story, you follow a kind of agency in Zurich, Switzerland, that was created to combat climate change. I think it is a sublime book because it highlights all kinds of sides of the problem as well as possible solutions. The biggest insight for me is the extent to which everything has to change. Technology alone will not get us there. For example: oil companies and nations still have billions of dollars worth of future oil, gas and coal on their books. If we stop using these fossil fuels, will they just write off these assets and make fat losses?
Web of Meaning – Jeremy Lent
In this fine book, Lent shows that dominant worldviews, such as scientific reductionism and capitalism, are often based on false or misleading assumptions. Drawing on science, insights from nature and lessons from indigenous peoples, he shows that many conventional wisdoms are actually wrong. His argument is that for profound change, we must look at the world in a fundamentally different way. More integral, holistic and connected (with each other, nature and the world). Sounds floaty, but the book is not.
Next Nature – Koert Van Mensvoort
Koert van Mensvoort has a special profile. He is an artist, philosopher and scientist. He is best known as the founder of the Next Nature Network (NNN), an organization that stands for a new perspective on the relationship between technology and nature. This book explains that philosophy in a clear way: nature and technology are not separate.
Swords, horses and germs – Jared Diamond
Required reading if you want to understand the current balance of power in the world. For example, the West’s current dominance can be explained by the large amount of easily domesticated crops and animals, combined with a number of other geographical factors. Among other things, this advantage led to the development of writing and political organization. These forces still apply today, therefore relevant to read if you want to understand the future.
Antifragile – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The opposite of fragility is not firmness, but antifragility. The outspoken economist Taleb argues that organizations and people should strive to become stronger through adversity. In addition to ideas, he shares strategies (such as the barbell strategy) in this complex and sometimes difficult to read book. In my opinion, this concept is important in our turbulent future.
Behave – Robert Sapolsky
Great book. My main take-away: the influence of biology on behavior is really nuanced. Genes, hormones and the structure of certain brain regions are important, but not all-important. Context is essential, from upbringing and environment to when you last ate or what you see (in a messy atmosphere, people become more conservative). The content feels dry at times, but the personal stories and fun jokes in between make this book very readable. Lesson: we as humans behave in a certain way, probably also in the future.
FUTURES RESEARCH & STRATEGIC FORESIGHT
Thinking about the Future – Peter Bishop & Andy Hines
A practical guide on how to approach the future. The book shows that the future is not one fixed path, but that multiple scenarios are possible. The authors present a method for thinking strategically about future developments. This allows you to deal more actively with foresight. Comprehensive and sometimes a bit scholarly.
Imaginable – Jane McGonigal
A book that shows how we can explore the future through collective imagination. McGonigal, game designer and futures researcher, reveals how, by thinking together about possible scenarios, we can arrive at surprising insights. The biggest point is that futures exploration is not a solo activity, but rather works when we bring together as many different perspectives as possible. A practical guide for anyone who does not want to predict, but wants to actively shape the future.
Same as Ever – Morgan Housel
A book that completely reverses the way we look at the future. Housel argues that rather than looking forward, we should look backward. By understanding what patterns were inevitable in the past, we can say something about the future. It’s about constants in human behavior: our inability to assess risk, how crises drive innovation, and our need for stories. A book that shows that the future is often a repetition of old patterns, only in a new guise. Recommended!
The Signals are talking – Amy Webb
A practical guide on how to systematically recognize emerging trends before they disrupt your business. Webb shows that the future does not appear suddenly but becomes gradually visible at the edges of society. The biggest insight is that you don’t have to guess what’s coming – you can learn to methodically watch for the signals that are already there. A fine book: it offers concrete tools to spot opportunities and threats early on.
The Art of the Long View – Peter Schwartz
A classic book on scenario planning that is still relevant today. Schwartz clearly explains how to systematically explore different futures to make better decisions. The biggest insight is that it is not about predicting THE future, but about being prepared for different possible futures. This is essential for organizations: the method helps you look beyond the obvious developments.
Superforecasting – Philip Tetlock & Dan Gardner
A fascinating book about why some people are exceptionally good at predicting events. Through a large-scale research project, the authors discovered that “superforecasters” – from filmmakers to plumbers – often outperform experts with access to classified information. The biggest insight is that good forecasting is not about genius or complex models, but a combination of broad research, probability thinking and a willingness to change course. For futurists, this is gold: these methods help you make better strategic choices in uncertain times.
TECHNOLOGY
Life 3.0 – Max Tegmark
Very accessible book on the advances in artificial intelligence. How automation will change our lives, whether we should fear a race in automatic weapons (the answer: yes) and whether machines will replace human life. Fine writing style, with a grounding you would expect from a physics professor. The prologue about the Omega team was especially tasty.
Co-intelligence – Ethan Mollick
How do we deal with AI when it will soon be all around us? Mollick shows that AI is not just a technological tool, but a fundamental shift in the way we work, think and collaborate. Perhaps the greatest insight is that we should not see AI as a threat or replacement, but as an intelligent partner with whom we can partner. Not a technological apocalypse, but a collaboration between human creativity and AI. Sober, practical and optimistic.
The Inevitable – Kevin Kelly
One of my favorite future thinkers is technology philosopher Kevin Kelly. In this book, he describes 12 unavoidable trends for the future. Without claims about the exact impact on our lives, but at a higher level of abstraction and yet without being vague. Nice to mirror current developments against his ideas. His handwritten personal message at the front of the book completes it for me.
The Singularity is Near – Ray Kurzweil
Silicon Valley messiah Ray Kurzweil argues that the singularity is near. In the 21st century, artificial intelligence will surpass the human intellect. In this book he substantiates his predictions and emphasizes that the transformation to an artificial life form is a logical step.
Technology vs. Humanity – Gerd Leonhard
In this book, I noticed that Gerd Leonhard, as a Swiss, represents the European school of futurists, if one can speak of such a school. Indeed, he focuses more than his American colleagues on the social and cultural impact of technological change. The key message: we need morality and ethics in order not to let ourselves be pushed aside by toxic technology (companies).
A fascinating dive into the geopolitical struggle surrounding semiconductors, where technology, power and national interests converge. Miller reveals how microchips have become the new strategic commodity, more crucial than ever oil or uranium. The book shows the intense rivalry between America and China, with Taiwan as a crucial link in global chip production. Perhaps most important insight is how small technological preliminaries can shift entire economic and military power relationships. A compelling story of how something as small as a chip can determine the future of nations.
IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY
Future Politics – Jamie Susskind
To what extent do we want our lives to be governed and controlled by powerful digital systems? Written by an inspired British lawyer and you can tell: eloquently written, clear construction of persuasive arguments and understated humor. He juxtaposes the impact of technological developments with political concepts such as power, freedom, democracy and justice. Not only relevant for politicians, administrators and civil servants, but for everyone.
Your job is about to disappear and this is the solution – Andrew Yang
Artificial intelligence, robotization and automation are having an increasing impact on society. Although the former presidential candidate’s focus is on the U.S., it is also very relevant to the Netherlands and Europe. Very good: he makes concrete proposals, such as social service, human-centered capitalism and basic income. Reads away nicely.
To Save Everything, Click Here – Evgeny Morozov
With all the hosanna of utopian prospects through technological advancement, I thought it wise to read a counterpoint. Morozov certainly fulfills this: perceptive, sagacious and occasionally gruff, he overturns all sorts of fables and beliefs. This book made me look at quantified self differently and become more critical of online services I use.
INNOVATION
An illuminating book about the art of rethinking. Grant introduces four thinking styles and convincingly shows why the scientific approach – constantly challenging your own assumptions – works best in a rapidly changing world. The most striking insight: unlearning is often more important than learning. An essential book for anyone who wants to break through fixed patterns of thinking. For innovation teams, his message is crucial: only by continuously challenging your own beliefs will you stay ahead.
Wage shots – Safi Bahcall
Author Safi Bahcall is both a physicist and an innovation consultant. In this book, he shows companies create and implement breakthrough innovations. He does this using four rules of thumb (such as phase separation and dynamic equilibrium). He illustrates those rules with physical principles and practical examples. The book changed my view of entrepreneurship, renewal and innovation.
A profound book about the power of vulnerability, based on years of research. Brown shows that true courage is not about being invulnerable, but rather about daring to show your insecurities. The biggest insight for me is how crucial this form of vulnerability is for innovation and leadership: no innovation without openness. Especially her concrete examples of fail forward sessions make it practically applicable. For innovative organizations, this book is worth its weight in gold: it shows how a culture of psychological safety is the basis for innovation.
How Innovation Works – Matt Ridley
Innovation often follows a surprising pattern: not the great breakthrough of one genius, but a gradual process of trial and error by many people. Ridley compellingly tells how inventions like the steam engine or vaccines really came about. I found fascinating his observation that the best innovations usually emerge bottom-up, not through central planning. A book that gives short shrift to the myths surrounding innovation.
A refreshing perspective on effective management in the 21st century. McAfee shows how technology companies operate fundamentally differently than traditional organizations: more data-driven, more transparent and faster learning. The biggest insight is how these “geek principles” are becoming increasingly relevant outside the tech world as well. Because whether you run a school or a hospital, the principles of rapid feedback, openness and scientific thinking work everywhere.
Clear Thinking – Shane Parrish
This book unravels why we often get stuck in our thinking and how to get rid of it. Parrish combines insights from psychology, philosophy and decision science into a practical toolbox for better thinking. The biggest insight is that clear decisions don’t come from more information, but from better thinking models. Especially valuable for innovation teams, this book teaches you to recognize which mental models are blocking your progress.
SCIENCE FICTION
Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
Classic that got me thinking about the role of power and politics. In the deliciously new world of this book, Huxley sets up an optimal and standardized society in which all emotion (including sex, art and culture) has been eliminated. Can you still resist that? To what extent can you still make autonomous choices in it? To what extent does our present time already resemble that world? The book lingered in my mind for a long time.
The Expanse – James Corey
In the not-so-distant future, humanity lives divided in space: part on Earth, part on Mars and part in the asteroid belt. Although the characters are a bit flat at times, the storylines are compelling and the plot twists surprising. Fascinating is how despite technological advances, humanity still merges into tribal cultures and mutual conflicts in pursuit of power and domination. Also viewable as a series on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Nexus – Ramez Name
First part in a trilogy. Smoothly written story about technology featuring drinkable nanorobots that allow people to communicate telepathically or download skills. Dramatized and speculative elaboration of contemporary scientific developments without feeling like a fantasy story. Especially his attention to military, geopolitical and social consequences makes the series instructive. Wonderful example in which fiction has a great impact on my thinking about the future.
The Three-Body Problem – Cixin Liu
Science fiction trilogy about an alien civilization. An epic story with bizarre ideas and lots of scientific dialogue. It left me confused but fascinated. Nice aspect: the Chinese author weaves historical events and figures from his homeland into the story. With the next two parts of the trilogy, this is an epic on a cosmic scale. Impressive. In 2024, these books were filmed by Netflix.
Hyperion – Dan Simmons
Seven wayward pilgrims set off on a dangerous mission to the planet Hyperion. Science fiction with an unlikely amount of fantasy: super-intelligent systems, teleportation and a giant tree as a spaceship (really). Don’t just read the first book. In the second book Fall of Hyperion a captivating plot of an astronomical nature unfolds. All the separate storylines then come together.
This Perfect Day – Ira Levin
Dystopia in the same vein as Brave New World By Huxley. Residents are stunned by continuous administration of pharmaceutical drugs, and supercomputer UniComp seems to monitor and control everything. It is a perfect world: no aggression, sadness, regret, hatred, greed or poverty. At the same time, there are hardly any emotions, feelings or freedom. Main character Chip rebels. The plot twist toward the end was a pleasant surprise.
1984 – George Orwell
Many people see our current society as a kind of manifestation of Orwell’s image. The 1949 book is about an authoritarian world ruled by the Party. Most people know the quote “Big Brother is watching you,” but that does this classic short. It is a chilling sketch as we surrender all freedom and autonomy for control and security.
Dune – Frank Herbert
A wonderful mix of adventure, mysticism and leadership. Dune is set on the desert planet Arrakis. The main character is Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family that rules the inhospitable world giant sandworms and a special spice. This spice is extremely valuable because of its life-extending properties. The story was filmed in late 2020 by director Denis Villeneuve.
Oryx and Crake – Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood is best known for her filmed book The Handmaid’s Tale. Oryx and Crake is the first part of the MadAddam trilogy. This volume is an exciting story with absurd protagonists in an uncomfortable (but not unrealistic) future world. Besides being a nice read, this type of fiction helps me think about the impact of technological advances.
Neuromancer – William Gibson
This book came out in 1984, my birth year. Neuromancer is a fascinating book, with bionic limbs, artificial intelligences and computer hackers who can use their brains to log on to some kind of Internet. The main characters remain somewhat flat, but the book is one of the crown jewels of the cyberpunk genre for good reason. Groundbreaking for its time. I had a hard time putting the book down.
Snow Crash – Neal Stephenson
Snow Crash from 1992 is a classic of the cyberpunk genre. It is a wonderful mix of life in alternate (virtual) reality, computer viruses, an anarchic world and unusual characters such as the nuclear Russian villain. It feels like a bizarre satirical magnification of contemporary America. Blessed book to disappear into.
Exhalation – Ted Chiang
A collection of short stories, often with a technological or scientific element. Think virtual reality, free will, bioethics, artificial intelligence and quantum mechanics. In short, all topics I’m interested in. Chiang’s writing is fine: deliberate and precise. Sometimes it feels like the series Black Mirror, but in the form of a collection of stories. The author raises fascinating philosophical and ethical questions, without imposing it or depicting the future too negatively.
Thanks!
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