
forbes.com
Deep Future": Transformative Technologies and Paradigm-Shifting Thinking
Pablos Holman's "Deep Future" highlights transformative technologies, contrasting incremental improvements ("shallow tech") with solutions offering 10x-1000x advancements ("deep tech"), exemplified by autonomous wind-powered ships, space-based solar power, and self-healing concrete.
- What are the key characteristics of "deep tech" as defined by Pablos Holman, and how do these solutions differ from incremental technological advancements?
- Pablos Holman's new book, "Deep Future," explores transformative technologies and challenges conventional thinking, focusing on "deep tech" solutions offering 10x-1000x improvements over existing approaches. He highlights examples such as autonomous wind-powered ships, space-based solar power, and self-healing concrete, showcasing how reframing problems can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
- How do the examples of autonomous wind-powered ships and space-based solar power illustrate Holman's concept of "deep tech" and its potential impact on specific industries?
- Holman contrasts "shallow tech" (e.g., drone weed delivery apps) with "deep tech" solutions that fundamentally reshape industries. His examples demonstrate how addressing large-scale challenges like climate change (self-healing concrete, space-based solar) and global health (malaria-eradicating lasers) requires thinking beyond incremental improvements. This involves identifying core problems, ignoring constraints, and focusing on the minimum viable solution.
- What are the potential societal and environmental implications of adopting the "deep tech" solutions presented in "Deep Future," and what challenges might arise in implementing these solutions at scale?
- Holman's work emphasizes the importance of a "possibilist" mindset, advocating for bold, transformative solutions rather than incremental ones. The book's case studies suggest that significant advancements are possible using existing technologies, reimagined to solve major global issues. Investing in such "deep tech" solutions offers substantial potential for long-term positive impacts on various sectors, including energy, shipping, and infrastructure.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is overwhelmingly positive towards Holman and his projects. The headline and introduction establish him as an expert and the article consistently highlights the potential benefits of the technologies he champions, while downplaying or omitting potential challenges or criticisms. The repeated use of phrases like "paradigm-shattering" and "transformative" strongly influences the reader's perception.
Language Bias
The language used is largely enthusiastic and positive, employing superlatives such as "epochal," "transformative," and "monstrously hard." While this tone may be appropriate given the subject matter, it lacks the neutrality expected in objective reporting. The use of terms like "boogeyman stories" to dismiss concerns about new technologies exhibits a clear bias towards technological optimism.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Pablos Holman's perspective and the technologies he's involved with. While it mentions other contributors to these technologies, it doesn't delve into alternative approaches or dissenting opinions. This omission might limit the reader's ability to fully assess the feasibility or potential downsides of these projects. For example, the environmental impact of launching solar panels into space is not discussed.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear dichotomy between "shallow tech" and "deep tech," potentially oversimplifying the spectrum of technological advancements. Many technologies could fall into a grey area between these two extremes, and the article doesn't adequately address this nuance.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. While there is a lack of female representation in the examples provided (all are male inventors or entrepreneurs), this could be due to the specific technologies discussed and not a conscious editorial choice.
Sustainable Development Goals
The book explores solutions like self-healing concrete, which reduces carbon emissions by 10-50%, and space-based solar power, a clean energy source. Autonomous wind-powered shipping also drastically reduces fuel consumption, a major source of emissions. These directly address climate change mitigation.