“A fascinating, provocative case that the metaverse will not merely transform our virtual experience—it may actually enrich the quality of our lives” (Adam Grant)—from the visionary co-founder of one of today’s most innovative technology companies
“This important book offers a highly persuasive argument that the metaverse, a new kind of virtual world, marks a profound next stage in this long human quest for fulfillment through creation.”—Chris Anderson, head of TED
The concept of “the metaverse” has exploded in the public consciousness, but its contours remain elusive. Is it merely an immersive virtual reality playground, one that Facebook and other platforms will angle to control? Is it simply the next generation of massive multiplayer online games? Or is it something more revolutionary?
As pioneering technologist Herman Narula shows, the metaverse is the latest manifestation of an ancient human tendency: the act of worldbuilding. From the Egyptians, whose conception of death inspired them to build the pyramids, to modern-day sports fans, whose passion for a game inspires extreme behavior, humans have long sought to supplement their day-to-day lives with a rich diversity of alternative experiences.
Rooting his vision in history and psychology, Narula argues that humans’ intrinsic need for autonomy, accomplishment, and connection can best be met in virtual “worlds of ideas,” where users have the chance to create and exchange meaning and value. The metaverse is both the growing set of fulfilling digital experiences—ranging from advanced gaming to concerts and other entertainment events and even to virtual employment—and the empowering framework that allows these spaces to become “networks of useful meaning.”
Bloomberg Intelligence recently predicted that the metaverse will become an $800 billon industry by 2024. But its implications, argues Narula, will lead to far more awe-inspiring possibilities than a spigot of cash. The arrival of the metaverse marks the beginning of a new age of exploration—not outward, but inward—with the potential to reshape society and open the door to a new understanding of the human species and its capabilities.
Rigorously researched and passionately argued, Virtual Society is a provocative and essential guide for anyone who wants to go beyond superficial headlines to understand the true contours and potential of our virtual future.
Herman Narula is the co-founder and CEO of Improbable, a London-based technology company. He holds a computer science degree from Cambridge.
“Rooted in history and psychology, Herman Narula presents a provocative guide for anyone who wants to go beyond the headlines and understand the metaverse and the true potential of our virtual future.”
—J.P. Morgan’s nextlist 2023“Expansive . . . Narula even argues that the metaverse could be superior to real life, providing the sense of purpose and fulfillment that most people’s jobs in meatspace—the old cyberpunk term for the physical world—signally fail to provide. His diagnosis of the problem is persuasive.”
—The Wall Street Journal“If the best way to predict the future is to build it, Herman Narula is holding quite the crystal ball. In this book, he gives you a look inside and establishes himself as a thought leader on the future of humanity and technology.”
—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife “Brilliant . . . This is an important book brimming with big and convincing arguments.”
—Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive“Too often, technologists propose a grand vision of the future without much consideration of the past. I am delighted to see that this is not the case with Herman Narula. His highly impressive book,
Virtual Society, weaves together perspectives of human history and psychology, placing new developments in digital technology within them.”
—Jürgen Renn, director of the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science“This mind-expanding, vitally important book blows through superficial takes, showing us where we might be heading.”
—Marc Andreessen, co-founder and general partner of Andreessen Horowitz“More than a projection into the future, Herman Narula’s vision offers new and compelling answers to the most ancient and important questions: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?”
—Bennett Miller, Academy Award–nominated director of Moneyball, Capote, and Foxcatcher
