Lyndon is Professor in Computer Simulation and Machine Vision at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol.
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In his book he encourages us to 'reach for the stars' and to realise a new Golden Age for humanity – by finding the wisdom to avoid destroying ourselves in a nuclear Armageddon and instead focus on the future.
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He lives in Somerset with his family and two cats.
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Find out more in the video below:
Lyndon is Professor in Computer Simulation and Machine Vision at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol.
​
In his book he encourages us to 'reach for the stars' and to realise a new Golden Age for humanity – by finding the wisdom to avoid destroying ourselves in a nuclear Armageddon and instead focus on the future.
​
He lives in Somerset with his family and two cats.
​
Find out more in the video below:
Now available as a book on Amazon and audiobook on Audible
The book is available here on Amazon.
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You can read a sample of the book here without signing in or installing an app.
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The new book has been released as an audiobook by Audible. The price of the book is set by them, but if you would like to hear it for less, this link might be worth using. This would give you access to Audible for the first month for free (£7.99/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime). During this period, you could download the audiobook version of book along with a special PDF file that includes all of the illustrations. Happy listening!
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You may leave a rating or review here on Amazon.com or here on Amazon.co.uk.
Why You Can't Catch a Rocket to Mars: Some Personal Reflections on Science and Society
This is a book about what has been holding back science and technology for many years, and what we can do about it.
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If you have any interest in science and technology, and its effects on society - and more specifically your future life (and who hasn't?), you will find this book engrossing and enlightening.
Making use of quotations and allusions to figures in popular culture, it is a very engaging book that you will not be able to put down nor stop thinking about. You will wonder why we don’t hear more about how modern technologies can revolutionise our lives. You will understand why we need to spend more time and effort on looking to the future rather than agonising over the past.
And you will never view Sherlock Holmes or Star Trek in the same way again!
Reviews
The book has a 5-star review rating on Amazon. Here are some of the reviews:
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"A kaleidoscope of scientific and social reflections"
★★★★★
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Sebastian, 20 February 2021 - verified purchase
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"Some books are linear, dry and unimaginatively limited to one subject. Not this one. This book takes you on a colorful whirlwind journey from space elevators to victorian engineering, challenges of research funding, Brexit, deadly viruses, the application of AI in grassland management, shampoo packaging design, close encounters of the third kind and Schrödinger's cat. All peppered with entertaining digressions involving more often than not Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek, the Greek islands and a plethora of British scientists, inventors and political figures.
Combining scientific rigor and a witty colloquial language, this is the work of Somerset based talented renaissance man and Arthur Conan Doyle enthusiast, Lyndon Smith - university professor, researcher, AI guru, author, gifted illustrator and all in all accomplished engineer.
If you ever found yourself wondering why the progress of science might be hindered, if you are interested the challenges of applied research in modern day Britain, the prevalence of mathematical modelling and niche analysis over synthesis and big idea thinking, this is the perfect book for you. Warmly recommended!"
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"Intriguing"
★★★★★
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Muhammad Khalid Saifullah, 12 January 2021 - verified purchase
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"I am a reader of this book from US and I found this book to be really intriguing, so much so that I read half of it in a single day. The book contains Prof. Lyndon Smith's views on the current state of science and what was actually expected, for this current age, some 100 years ago. The author mentions these aspects with the numerous examples from every field of life. Conservatism (opposition to change or innovation) in science and research these days, publishing the same research done earlier by someone, reluctance to accept people who are forward thinkers and shows interest in fields outside of their expertise, are the many reasons highlighted. And, not to forget, a brief overview of machince learning and Artificial Intelligence makes it even more indulging. I would highly recommend this book to everyone who likes to read thoughtful books."
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"A whirlwind tour of topics centered around engineering"
★★★★★
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Carol German, 13 January 2021 - verified purchase
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"Lyndon is a key academic speaking out on a host of issues confronting the engineering and academic communities. He shares insights on academic administration, proposal and research processes, flying to Mars, and cancer treatments based on aspirin and vitamin C. At times the insight is deeply focused on the UK, but at other times it reaches across society in general. It is amazing to see the range of topics embraced by this analysis of how technology and science interact and challenge society. There is much to be learned and I suspect this should become a series akin to that provided by other famous science writers. Each chapter provides new perspectives."
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"A Superb Christmas Present (One I would like to receive myself)"
★★★★★
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R W Sutton, 22 December 2020 - verified purchase
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"I purchased this book for my son Alistair at Christmas and having glanced at the content prior to wrapping it, found myself totally immersed and unable to put it down and complete the operation. The author presents a deep, fascinating insight into so many areas of this high academic topic with humility, plain language and above all, dry humour. Carefully adorned with quotes from grandees such as Gene Roddenberry and Stephen Hawking, I found the book to be an inspiration and a panacea for the doomsday scenario of Covid 19 and Brexit presently being postulated by the BBC and other media outlets. Thank you Lyndon, when is your next book being launched?"
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"An intriguing read"
★★★★★
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William F Smart, 3 February 2021 - verified purchase
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"Don't be misled by the title, this book is a serious and well researched examination of the issues faced, albeit written in an easy and conversational style. Professor Smith takes us through a myriad possibilities as to why one cannot catch tomorrow's Bristol to Mars flight as easily as we can catch the Bristol to York Intercity service. Reading through a variety of fascinating subjects, digressions and illustrations we gradually realise that the book is modelled on Professor Smith's favourite author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. And in keeping with any good Sherlock Holmes mystery, we are given tantalising clues as to the answer, only to have our embryonic conclusions snatched away as another clue or possible scientific or political explanation unfolds. For the scientifically enquiring mind there are some excellent examinations of subjects such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and convolutional neural networks from an author who has practical everyday experience of such matters and consequently writes with real passion on the subjects. Einstein's theories of relativity and speed of light travel come in for challenging examination, whilst for those considering a doctoral research career in Physics there is some excellent advice, particularly the need for your thesis to 'generate impact'. Nor does Professor Smith hold back on his views and frustrations with various aspects of society and politics as he paints an unvarnished picture of issues holding back scientific progress in the western world.
So, whether you're a fan of Star Trek, Sherlock Holmes or scientific enquiry, you will find this book a very worthwhile read, although the absence of a bibliography means you should keep your smart phone to hand for the frequent references and items of curiosity you will want to read more about."