The fourteen award-winning essays in this volume discuss a range of novel ideas and controversial topics that could decisively influence the course of human life on Earth. Their authors address, in accessible language, issues as diverse as: enabling our social systems to learn; research in biological engineering and artificial intelligence; mending and enhancing minds; improving the way we do, and teach, science; living in the here and now; and the value of play.
 
The essays are enhanced versions of the prize-winning entries submitted to the Foundational Questions Institute (FQXi) essay competition in 2014. FQXi, catalyzes, supports, and disseminates research on questions at the foundations of physics and cosmology, particularly new frontiers and innovative ideas integral to a deep understanding of reality, but unlikely to be supported by conventional funding sources.

Introduction (A. Aguirre, B. Foster, Z. Merali).- How to save the world (S. Hossenfelder).- Humanity is much more than the sum of humans (T. Bolognesi).- Crucial Phenomena (D. Dewey).- The Leverage and Centrality of Mind (P. Estep III, A. Hoekstra).- A Participatory Future of Humanity (D. Rickles).- The Cartography of the Future: Recovering Utopia for the 21st Century (R. Searle).-Enlightenment is not for the Buddha alone (T. Singh).-  Back to the Future: Crowdsourcing Innovation by Refocusing Science Education (T. Norsen).- Recognizing the Value of Play (J. Dickau).-  Improving Science for a Better Future (M. Khalil).- How to avoid steering blindly: The case for a robust repository of human knowledge (J. Niemeyer).- The Tip of the Spear (G. Gantz).- U-turn or u die (F. Mercati).- Smooth seas do not make good sailors (G. Parry).

Anthony Aguirre

Brendan Foster

Zeeya Merali