The Demogra-fate Hypothesis by Nguyen Ba Thanh examines the phenomena of Earth’s population aging and population in some places shrinking. He writes that everything, including the entire universe, will eventually age, decline, and die. His hypothesis is that population aging may be an example of all the life cycles in the universe. As an example of chapter titles, one asks if humans will exist until the universe itself ends. Another addresses future technology and wonders if it will make societies prosperous. An appendix provides a list of articles that delve into more detail about many of his most important points.

This book will make you think. What I liked the most about it is the author asks a lot of questions and doesn’t necessarily answer them. Author Nguyen Ba Thanh, who works as a trend analyst, is clearly highly intelligent and insightful, yet he writes in a way that everyone can understand. In addition to the clear writing, he includes cartoons that help make the points he is discussing. For example, when writing about how technology is transforming our lives and will continue to do so, a cartoon says, “Artificial intelligence has gone too far. The refrigerator just texted that the dishwasher is talking behind my back.” This is just one example of how the author addresses important and difficult issues so that all readers will both enjoy and learn from them. I’ve read similar books and articles, but this one is much more perceptive and readable. The Demogra-fate Hypothesis is highly recommended for anyone who’s interested in the future of our planet.

Is it possible that progressive aging and low birth rates lead to the slow and inevitable disappearance of humanity and other intelligent species in the universe? Nguyen Ba Thanh's short but very interesting The Demogra-Fate Hypothesis is an excellent book to find food for thought for this question. Everything is analyzed here. Among the many topics, the author reflects on the low birth rate and the progressive aging of the global population, how having children is planned rather than needed for survival (the comparison with past centuries is unavoidable), and how technologies could influence our lives. He also wonders whether the intervention of politicians could change anything. In the end, what will be the fate of our species? Are we here for a reason, or will we disappear without a chance to have our say?

As the title itself says, The Demogra-Fate Hypothesis does not give a definitive solution but opens the way to reflections that all of us should do. Nguyen Ba Thanh tackles one of the most delicate and popular themes of recent years and carefully analyzes it from every point of view. His study is lucid and detailed, and there is not a single passage in the text that does not invite reflection. The Demogra-Fate Hypothesis is a book that is thoroughly researched and consistent. I am convinced that it deserves to be read and reread by anyone who considers themselves a reasonable and intelligent person. I have rarely found a book whose universal value can be compared to this.

A worthwhile read even for the most jaded of readers.