Sheetal Lonkar

From Progress to Presence: Rethinking the Future in "Genome to Om" Genome to Om really made me reflect on where we are headed as a society. While I deeply appreciate the comfort and progress that modern science and technology have brought us, this book highlights something we often overlook—the fact that all this advancement hasn’t necessarily made us healthier, happier, or more at peace. What stood out to me is how the authors challenge the current scientific worldview and propose something much broader: a shift towards metascience. They argue for a more holistic approach that doesn’t just rely on data and discoveries, but also includes ethics, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of life. I found the contrast between “Genome” representing modern science and “Om” symbolizing universal consciousness really powerful. The book doesn’t reject science—it actually celebrates it—but it also warns us of the unintended consequences that come with unchecked progress. It asks deep, meaningful questions about our purpose, the origin of life, and the future of humanity. I found the idea of transitioning from the Anthropocene to an “Omcene” era particularly fascinating—a future where technology and inner wisdom coexist. Overall, Genome to Om offered me a refreshing perspective. It’s not just a critique of where we are, but a hopeful vision of where we could go if we align scientific growth with timeless human values. It made me think differently about how we define progress—and what it really means to live well.