Why the next 25 years could surpass anything in modern memory | Peter Leyden: Full Interview
Why the Next 25 Years Could Surpass Anything in Modern Memory | Peter Leyden: Full Interview
In an era rife with transformative technologies, Peter Leyden leads us through a compelling exploration of our current historical moment, dubbed “the Great Progression.” As we stand on the threshold of 2025, Leyden argues that innovations in artificial intelligence, clean energy, and bioengineering could birth unprecedented advancements that reshape society fundamentally.
Reflecting on the past, Leyden highlights how previous epoch resets, such as the post-Civil War era and the post-World War II boom, provide valuable lessons as we navigate the challenges of our time. These transitions often involve dismantling outdated systems to make way for new, sustainable frameworks.
Leyden identifies three pivotal tipping points: the rise and potential ubiquity of AI, the rapid scaling of clean energy technologies, and the revolution in biological engineering. Each of these domains presents incredible opportunities for abundance, from democratized access to knowledge and resources to innovations that may redefine food production and healthcare.
However, with progress comes risk, and Leyden cautions against complacency. He posits that as old structures falter, humanity must reinvent itself to channel these technologies toward a vision that works for the majority. As we look to the future, we stand at a crossroads—one that may define the trajectory of civilization for generations.
Join Leyden in this thought-provoking interview as he pivots between cautionary tales and optimistic projections, urging us to seize the moment for transformative change.
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“Old systems of the past are collapsing, and new systems of the future are still to be born. I call this moment the great progression.”
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Up next, We are living through a slowdown in human progress | Jason Crawford ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6ebqoan4SE
We are at a tipping point. In the next 25 years, technologies like AI, clean energy, and bioengineering are poised to reshape society on a scale few can imagine.
Peter Leyden draws on decades of observing technological revolutions and historical patterns to show how old systems collapse, new ones rise, and humanity faces both extraordinary risk and unprecedented opportunity.
0:00 We’re on the cusp of an era of progress
0:37 The Great Progression
1:08 What was the ‘Long Boom?’
4:56 How often do these epoch resets happen?
6:12 3 Tipping points
6:39 Artificial Intelligence
7:13 Clean energy technologies
7:32 Biotechnology
9:00 The 80-year cycle
13:27 The Gilded Age
17:50 The Founding Era
22:46 The new enlightenment
32:18 The clean energy revolution
37:13 Bioengineering the genome
39:43 Industrial production vs biological engineering
47:40 What will the future think?
Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/series/full-interview/great-progression-2025/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description
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About Peter Leyden:
Peter Leyden is a longtime tech expert and thought leader on the future. He came to San Francisco to work with the founders of WIRED magazine at the beginning of the digital revolution and has followed the front edge of technological change every step since—including into the AI revolution today.
In addition to being an influential writer and author, Leyden is a keynote speaker who has explained the implications of new technologies and the positive possibilities to come to audiences throughout America and Europe on a monthly basis over the last 25 years.
Leyden also founded several startups that pioneered fields transformed by new technologies and currently advises senior leaders in strategic foresight through his company Reinvent Futures.
You can read Peter Leyden’s writing at http://peterleyden.com
About Big Think
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Video “Why the next 25 years could surpass anything in modern memory | Peter Leyden: Full Interview” was uploaded on 12/05/2025 to Youtube Channel Big Think