Of Ants and Men
Cover illustration by Hilary Green
An internationally renowned researcher from Monash University is set to launch his new book, Of Ants and Men, on Tuesday 28 October.
From the Faculty of Information Technology, Professor David Green’s book likens humans to ants and explains that just like ants who unknowingly build an anthill, humans also unknowingly create unwelcome social trends and crises from unintended side effects of our actions.
The book discusses recent research into the complexity of human society and warns us that new technologies have unpredictable impacts on society.
Professor Green said many of society's problems arise from side effects of everyday decisions and actions by individuals.
“Unconscious trends are an important contribution to the book, they have played a crucial role in creating major social issues of our time, especially the way new technologies are transforming our society,” Professor Green said.
“An example of this is with the introduction of labour-saving devices into people's homes which led to a cascade of social changes, including huge increases in the numbers of women in the workforce, fast food, and single parent families.
“Another example is the improvements to healthcare during the 20th Century, the improvements reduced infant mortality but the unplanned side effect was a runaway population growth and the problems of overcrowding we see in many countries today,” he said.
Professor Green said that other technologies, especially automation and telecommunication, are having equally huge effects now.
“Perhaps most disturbing are new technologies being introduced faster than ever, so even greater social disruption is just around the corner,” he said.
In the book, Professor Green discuss the importance of the way people interact with each other, and with the world around them.
“Think of everyday questions such as why do I misplace my keys? Or why do I always end up in the slow queue?” he said
“The answers to questions like these help to explain some of the biggest problems society face today. Problems like these happen because we fall continually back on mental recipes for coping with the world around us.”
Of Ants and Men will be launched at the Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, 4-5pm on Tuesday 28 October.
If you wish to attend please RSVP by 24 October to Christina.Branton@monash.edu