INVENTING THE FUTURE

Dennis Gabor published a book in 1967 entitled, “Inventing The Future”. In his book, he gives us an inspired vision of man's future, in the tradition of Wells, Haldane, Huxley and Orwell, although unlike some, he is optimistic. He sees for the first time how, through science, man can shape his natural environment. How he will actually shape it is largely a matter of free human choice, not the business of machines, nor of scientists, not even of psychologists; but the prerogative of inspired humanists, of poets and writers. It was man's ability to invent which has made human society what it is. This was a message ahead of its time and although the book received some recognition, I believe that in today's practice of planning, we are coming closer and closer to his concept.