Catch-42

Felix Holzapfel

Mai 2021 · Quovabiz Inc.

Über dieses E-Book

A gripping thriller about the most important technologies and challenges of our time

“Fire, printing, industrialization, the atomic age, the Internet—all these are nothing compared to the hurricane of change unleashed by climate catastrophe, systemic crisis, and the merging of human and artificial intelligence.” 

With these words, Dan sets out on the hunt for the key to save humanity. He finds himself catapulted from his bleak everyday life into the future of WeYou where humanity, the We, is fighting for survival. Meanwhile, in the virtual Real World, a place of unlimited possibilities, life revolves around individual happiness, the You. Dan discovers the disasters and imponderables that lie ahead—but also the possibilities AI, genetic engineering, quantum computers or robots offer for the future. The knowledge to solve the greatest challenges of our time already exists; we just need to use it properly—but is there enough time for Dan to rewrite the history of our future?

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“We added some new letters to the alphabet of life. Catch-42 turns these new letters into a fascinating story about technology, our society, and future.” —Floyd E. Romesberg, Chemist, Synthetic Biologist, TED Speaker

“In Catch-42, Felix Holzapfel spins his deep understanding of today's most important technology trends into a gripping narrative about choice, ethics, and the nature of humanity—and shows us that the future will truly be what we make it.” —Greg Verdino, Futurist, Author of “Never Normal”

“Creative, inventive, an enjoyable read. Stretched my thinking with an outstanding understanding of emerging technologies and what's possible today, coupled with a futuristic mindset that challenges the reader to explore what's real and what's right.” —Michael Fulton, Academic Director of Digital Executive Education at The Ohio State University

“Like it or not, technology will rapidly change our world. Catch-42 demonstrates why it is so important that all of us get involved in the decision-making process that is nearly upon us.” —M. Sean Coleman, Author of “Netwars: The Code”

“A breathtaking mix of science, technology, and philosophy. The result: A fascinating story with a daring and thought-provoking look into the future of humankind.” —Idris Mootee, Entrepreneur, Investor, AI evangelist

“Catch-42 is not a classic page-turner but a demanding idea-turner. The novel covers many trending topics and important current questions. You might need some time to read it, but it’s worth every second.” —Brett Greene, Founder, New Tech Northwest

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felix Holzapfel was born in 1978 in Darmstadt, Germany. He is an entrepreneur and recognized expert in technology and marketing. Thinkers360 recognized Felix Holzapfel as a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Digital Transformation. While Holzapfel has published several books about technology, trends, and the shift in our media landscape, Catch-42 is his first novel.

To learn more, visit www.felixholzapfel.com.

Bewertungen und Rezensionen

Endlich mal wieder ein Buch mit neuen Impulsen und einer richtig guten Idee. cAtCh-42 ist ein unheimlich spannend geschriebenes Buch, welches sich nicht so einfach in ein Genre pressen lässt: "A glimpse of a future that may be right around the corner." - Oder wie Otto Scharmer sagen würde: "Was man von der sich abzeichnenden Zukunft lernen kann." Gekonnt verbindet Felix Holzapfel hier neuartige Technologiefelder zu einer gemeinsamen Story und denkt mögliche Entwicklungen weiter. Dies alles wird souverän in die persönliche Geschichte des Hauptprotagonisten Dan eingewoben und kreiert so einen aufregenden Plot voller Wendungen, der den Leser jederzeit im Bann hält. Von Bewertungen sehe ich ansonsten ab, aber hier vergebe ich die 5***** voller Begeisterung!

Combine the status quo in science and technology with today’s social challenges, extrapolate into the future, and you get Catch-42. The book feels like George Orwell’s 1984 or Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World for our times. The story is about Dan, an ordinary guy who has a dream that takes him to a future world. After an ultimate disaster, humanity finally learns its lessons and creates a universe of balance and harmony in which everyone's dreams can come true. This superficially perfect world is based on breathtaking breakthroughs in AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, and robotics. The author does a great job of explaining the status quo in these technologies and how they converge. For instance, thanks to Catch-42, I finally learned the basic principles of quantum computers and why they may be a fundamental game-changer; what is possible in the fields of AI and what's most likely to come; that post-evolutionary forms of life are no longer theoretical ideas but have already turned into reality; and that it's up to all of us to better prepare for the changes ahead. Although some of the book's ideas seem far-fetched, the author illustrates very well why a few of them may be closer than we think. The story is full of unexpected twists and made me sometimes feel like reading not a book but watching a Christopher Nolan movie. Highly recommended!

Felix hat es geschafft, wissenschaftliche Fakten, Kreativität, erzählerisches Geschick und visionäres Denken in einer packenden Geschichte zu vereinen. Oft dachte ich: "Ja, so könnte es sein.". Sowohl ein Weckruf als auch ein Hoffnungsmacher. Danke für das tolle Leseerlebnis.

Autoren-Profil

Thinkers 360 recognized Felix Holzapfel as a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Digital Transformation. During the last two decades, Holzapfel has been privileged to support many global players on their way to the digital age. While he has published several books about technology, trends, and the shift in our media landscape, Catch-42 is his first novel and a book he has wanted to write for a long time. Having sold his digital marketing agency to one of the world’s leading IT services providers, he now has time for this passion project.  

To learn more, visit www.felixholzapfel.com.