The Potentialist by Ben Lytle

HUGE APOLOGIES for the ridiculous slowness in publishing this review. Having finished the book 18 months or so ago (autumn 2022), I wanted to digest the content and try to come up with a fair summary - there is sooooo much thought-provoking stuff in this book - but writing the actual review continued to be put back on the "To do later..." pile of actions, sorry. 

Lytle states that this is his attempt at summarising his experience and life lessons for the next generation of his family and that there are another two books in the works - these have not yet been published when I'm writing this (March 2024), but I do hope they reach an audience outside of his immediate family!

The book discusses the potential impact of rapid technological advancements on human life in the next 30 years and Lytle argues that these advancements will fundamentally change what it means to be human. Advancements in automation and medicine will blur the line between human and machine - humans will increasingly rely on technology to augment their bodies and minds.

As a result, people will likely live longer, healthier lives and be more productive. In the not so distant future most of our lives will take place in a digital world where physical location will become less important - these are not science fiction predictions but rather based on the work of scientists and futurists. Lytle offers suggestions for navigating the challenges and opportunities of this new era.

The traditional work model will be significantly different. People will have more choices in how and where they work. Technology will allow people to work remotely, which will enable a better work-life balance and more flexibility in terms of where people choose to live. Careers will likely be longer, with people having multiple jobs, employers, and even entrepreneurial ventures throughout their working lives. An important skill for success in this new reality will be the ability to collaborate effectively with others, as the future of work will be more dynamic and individualised than the traditional model. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships will also be a crucial skill going forward. 

He also touches on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. To lengthen life expectancy we should take care of our bodies, this includes a healthy diet, moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol consumption, and never smoking.

According to Lytle, the traditional definitions of success, e.g. wealth, fame, power, social status, and appearance, are flawed. Instead, he advocates for a more personal definition of success, based on our own values and aspirations. This definition should be centred around what brings us fulfilment and a sense of accomplishment. Look at YOUR potential.

Lytke has summarised his 10 new world realities, which will redefine life and careers in the next thirty years. These can be found on his website: https://potentialistfuture.com/principles/

 The Potentialist by Ben Lytle is available now.

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