Big History and the Future of Humanity

Reflecting the latest theories in the sciences and humanities, the new edition of Big History and the Future of Humanity presents an accessible and original overview of the entire sweep of history from the origins of the universe and life on Earth up to the present day. Placing the relatively brief period of human history within a much broader framework—one that considers everything from vast galaxy clusters to the tiniest sub–atomic particles—Big History is an innovative theoretical approach that opens up entirely new multidisciplinary research agendas. Noted historian Fred Spier reveals how a thorough examination of patterns of complexity can offer richer insights into what the future may have in store for humanity.   The second edition includes new learning features, such as highlighted scientific concepts, an illustrative timeline, and comprehensive glossary. By exploring the cumulative history from the Big Bang to the modern day, Big History and the Future of Humanity, Second Edition , sheds important historical light on where we’ve been—and offers a tantalizing glimpse of what lies ahead.

Fred Spier is Senior Lecturer in Big History at the University of Amsterdam. He also teaches big history at the Eindhoven University of Technology and Amsterdam University College. He is the author of The Structure of Big History: From the Big Bang until Today (1996) and a founding member and President of the International Big History Association.