The current generation is destined to see a world that will be completely different from ours. Taking a real leap into the future, famous science fiction writer Bruce Sterling talks about how the world will change in the next fifty years. Taking Shakespeare's famous monologue as a basis, Sterling devotes each chapter of his book to one of seven scenes in the drama of human life: childhood, school, love, war, politics, work and old age. Looking at the problem from several angles, Sterling shares with readers his witty and unexpected observations about the role of biotechnology, information networks, the army, advanced technologies and much more in the emergence of posthumanity. He also analyzes the work of other futurists (Kevin Kelly, Lawrence Lessig, and Stuart Brand) and introduces the reader to political movements that could provoke future wars. At the same time, the writer touches on many pressing issues of our time, including genetic research, global warming, and bioterrorism.