What should we be worried about? : real scenarios that keep scientists up at night

Drawing from the horizons of science, today's leading thinkers reveal hidden threats that often go unnoticed, while addressing the false fears that distract us. John Brockman, publisher of Edge.org, posed a critical question to influential minds: What scientific concerns should we truly be worried about? The responses encompass diverse fields such as neuroscience, economics, philosophy, and biology, presenting 150 ideas that can transform our understanding of the world. Contributors include Steven Pinker, who highlights real risk factors for war, and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who warns of a coming virtual abyss. Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek discusses missed opportunities to avert global catastrophe, while Seth Lloyd calculates the potential of a financial black hole. Other thinkers, like Alison Gopnik and Nassim Nicholas Taleb, examine the loss of childhood and the superior risk understanding of firefighters compared to economic experts. Matt Ridley addresses the resurgence of superstition, and Jennifer Jacquet raises concerns about human-induced environmental damage. Douglas Rushkoff and Nicholas Carr reflect on the implications of a homogenized human experience and the "patience deficit," respectively. Additionally, experts like Helen Fisher, Lawrence Krauss, and Susan Blackmore explore the fate of humanity and the universe. This collection invites readers to confront pressing issues that are often overlooked.