[This Week's Books] 'The Era of Designing Aging Has Arrived' and Others

The Era of Designing Aging Has Arrived

The authors, experts respectively in aging science, digital healthcare, and IT, introduce aging not as an 'inevitable natural phenomenon' but as a 'controllable and designable subject.' Advances in science and technology have brought many changes. AI (artificial intelligence) analyzes medical images to detect hidden signs of aging and suggests personalized disease prevention measures. It is said to detect changes such as decreased vascular elasticity or brain atrophy faster than humans. This book examines both the possibilities brought by cutting-edge science and technology and the ethical issues and practical challenges behind them. (Park Sangcheol et al. | Maeil Business Newspaper)

Understanding the Science of Earthquakes Without Shaking

The author, recognized as an earthquake expert, argues that the Korean Peninsula is no longer an earthquake-safe zone. While it is true that there have been relatively no large earthquakes due to its location within the Eurasian Plate, historically, earthquakes estimated at magnitude 7 have occurred, and the crustal environment of the Korean Peninsula has been changing since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. In particular, the author warns that there is an 80% probability of a major earthquake of magnitude 8 occurring within 30 years in the Nankai Trough region stretching from Tokyo to the waters off Kyushu. The book provides a detailed analysis of earthquakes in the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas. (Written by Hong Taekyung | Gimyoungsa)

Why Does My Speech Cause Misunderstandings?

Fixed language habits create a 'blind spot of speech' that even the speaker is unaware of. People try to clarify actively or reduce their words out of fear of mistakes, but neither method is the answer. The author proposes a minimal formula for delivering necessary words gently. The book teaches how to handle situations without embarrassing the other party, such as a client employee who stubbornly denies clear facts or an overly meddlesome senior’s crossing-the-line advice. Conversely, it also introduces ways to appropriately express affection and offer sincere comfort through speech. (Written by Kim Yunna | Namueui Maeum)

The Illusion of Optimization

The pursuit of efficiency obsessed with producing optimal results pressures modern people to achieve "more, better, and faster." The author cites large-scale American agriculture as an example. Mechanization has enabled mass sugar production on sugar beet farms in the Dakota plains, but the hidden costs such as soil pollution, chemical damage, and drinking water contamination are overlooked. Tracing the history of optimization, the author expresses concern that modern society has lost the space, scale, and flexibility to implement diverse farming methods to cope with crises. (Written by Coco Crum | Wisdom House)

Survival Guide for Space Travelers

Humanity’s challenge toward the unknown land of space continues. Space is gaining attention not only as an exploration target but also as a tourist destination and new habitat. However, space contains all kinds of dangers that can take life at any moment. In the vacuum of space, the human body swells to twice its size, and threats from black holes and quasars exist. Micrometeoroids moving at 30,000 km/h are also dangerous. Paul Sutter, an astrophysicist and senior advisor at NASA, introduces the various dangers humans will face in space and the possibilities beyond them. (Written by Paul Sutter | Ort)

Slow Living for the Powerless

The author, who suffered from depression starting in their early twenties and lost the entire decade to it, introduces the 'slow living method' realized after nine years of effort. Depression is difficult to overcome by will or circumstances, and complete recovery is practically impossible. The author advises accepting flaws as they are and living accordingly. Slow living is a way of life with lowered expectations, using only as much energy as 'the neighborhood people' would have for you. The author encourages aiming not for recovery but for a slightly better state than now and introduces 50 practical methods. (Written by Derasang | Sejong Books)