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Key Lessons From A Brief History of A Perfect Future

How federal leaders can help create a better tomorrow

A Brief History of a Perfect Future describes a pathway to invent a grand future for the world we can proudly leave to future generations. Lighting this path are seven technological advances expected to rapidly improve by 2050: computing, communication, information, genomics, energy, water, and transportation. These advances comprise the Laws of Zero: the reality that certain key drivers for mankind’s progress are heading toward zero cost and widespread availability. The authors share how we can combine them, starting now, to build a future that will enable billions to thrive and create a happier, healthier, and better society.

Written by Chunka Mui, Paul Carroll, and Booz Allen’s Tim Andrews, the book paints a vision of how the world could look if we start now and experiment our way toward taking full advantage of these technological marvels. The authors draw on a key lesson learned from personal-computing pioneer Alan Kay: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

The future, of course, won’t be perfect—but what if we can make it more so? Innovations can take decades to put into action, but government, civic, and individual leaders can seize this moment to envision a much better world 30 years in the future, igniting advancements to deliver value for future generations. If we know where many of these advances are taking us, couldn’t we begin now to experiment? For example, shouldn’t we be considering how cities could be rethought based on driverless cars and other technological wonders quickly becoming a reality? Why wait 30 years to start learning when we can already see the outline of what’s coming?

We’ve seen federal innovation change the world with the creation of the internet, the emergence of GPS, and the enablement of rapid vaccine development to combat COVID-19. In A Brief History of a Perfect Future, the authors explore what it will take to create a better tomorrow for us all.

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Key Lessons from A Brief History of a Perfect Future

The Case for Optimism

Despite our many global challenges, we take encouragement from the fact that the world is becoming a much better place. Poverty is down significantly by historical norms. Life expectancy has fully doubled in the past 100 years. Educational levels continue to rise, even in developing countries. Crime is down. These broad gains justify optimism, and they hint at what will continue to become possible during the next 30 years.

The Laws of Zero enable society to tackle some of our biggest challenges: widely available and affordable health care, climate security, enhanced and more convenient government services, a more resilient electrical grid, and many others.

We Each Have a Role

The federal government plays a fundamental role by establishing the regulatory rules of engagement, funding and conducting basic research, and sparking new markets. And it’s not just the federal government. State and local governments will also have a big role to play, and they’re huge drivers of both the supply and demand for technology through their policy, regulatory, and procurement choices.

Business and associated organizations will play their crucial role bringing innovations to market, as companies chase the trillions of dollars of valuation that exists in today’s markets. Individuals also have an opportunity to do their part, as citizens, family members, consumers, employers, and employees.

Inventing the Perfect Future is not simply relegated to one group or organization. It’s a choice that belongs to all of us.

Start Now

Perhaps the biggest lesson from the book? That even now, we’re writing our future history.

We can take a cue from the technology sector, where big accomplishments are realized by thinking big, starting small, being willing to take measured risks, and iterating rapidly toward success. Whether ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of citizens or boosting national competitiveness, Booz Allen works with leaders in civil government to support their public service missions to help create the perfect future.

Science and technology, through the Laws of Zero, have provided us with leverage on the universe. Let’s use it wisely as we invent a great future together.

Watch our 60-second overview of Booz Allen's Tim Andrews, Chunka Mui, and Paul Carroll's new book, A Brief History of a Perfect Future.

Praise for A Brief History of a Perfect Future

“A Brief History of a Perfect Future reminds us that the future is our choice. It inspires the bold thinking and creativity required to change our world for the better. This is a must-read for public and private sector leaders with the awesome opportunity to shape the trajectory of progress.”

- Kristine Martin Anderson, President, Booz Allen's Civil Sector

“A Brief History of a Perfect Future takes a future-back approach in which commonly perceived constraints on the future state are released, permitting the starting point of that perfect future.  I really liked the illuminating stories, how this feels a logical extension of the authors’ previous books, and the great writing paired with the imaginative Law of Zero concept.  A compelling, interesting read that is also quite a bit of fun!”

- James Madara, MD, CEO, American Medical Association

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Key Lessons From A Brief History of A Perfect Future

How federal leaders can help create a better tomorrow