On the Verge

Rebecca D. Costa

• Publisher: RosettaBooks
• Year: 2017
• eBook ISBN: 9780795350603
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Social Aspects in Computer Science
• Index: Technology & Engineering

The author of The Watchman's Rattle "has done it again. On the Verge  shows how predictive technologies and science are redefining modern leadership" (George Mitchell, former Senate Majority Leader).
 
"There can be no greater advantage than certainty of the future. Not in nature. Not in business. Not in governance." 
So begins Rebecca Costa's much-awaited exploration of  foresight: "the crowning achievement of human ambition." According to Costa, advances in Big Data, predictive analytics, genomics, artificial intelligence, and other breakthroughs have made it possible to pinpoint future results with mind-blowing accuracy—cracking the door to what Costa calls  predaptation:  the ability to adapt before the fact. Never before has the information needed to avert danger, get the jump ahead of others, or prepare for the inevitable been so clearly within grasp.
 
Through fascinating real-life examples, Costa reveals how technology has brought nations, businesses, and individuals to the edge of clairvoyance. Yet, our ability to  act on foreknowledge often falls short—causing leaders to squander the advantage of preemption. To counteract this failure, Costa illuminates 12 principles of adaptation, and  predaptation, used to succeed in fast-moving environments. In the spirit of the best in popular science,  On the Verge is a landmark examination of big-picture forces affecting society today. Costa's unique sociobiological perspective, combined with her ability to blend humor, breaking science, and insightful personal stories, distinguishes her as one of the most important thought leaders of our time.
 
"If you have an insatiable curiosity about the impact of innovation on our world ahead and how the future can be manipulated, you will love this book."—John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and President of Pepsi-Cola

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Dedication
• Preface
• Chapter One: Foresight
• Chapter Two: To See Or Not to See
• Chapter Three: Jumping the Jar
• Chapter Four: Unintended, But Not Unanticipated
• Chapter Five: Predaptation
• Chapter Six: The Invisible Tether
• Chapter Seven: Bioleverage
• Chapter Eight: A Prescient Mind
• Chapter Nine: ForeWorld
• Acknowledgments
• Notes