This session will take a systems and strategy view of human progress, accelerating technological change, global economic convergence, and more. We will survey the data: what are the actual facts and figures concerning the quality of life, the distribution of wealth and income, the rate of technological progress and other even fuzzier social goods. We will contrast doomsayer with doomslayer views on the future. This session is especially for those interested in global dynamics, the prospects for humanity worldwide. And most important, we will ask how to begin tackling these issues while at MIT, in other words, how to make the most of your time while at the Institute.

For more info, drop Joost a line at jpbonsen@alum.mit.edu