Thomas Friedman, a journalist for The New York Times, argues in his book that technological innovation has connected the world. And he sees this as a "flattening" of the world, as the global playing field is being leveled to include more input and contributions from nations outside the "industrialized West".

According to Foreign Policy magazine, "Friedman doesn't just report on events; he helps shape them". The winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, he has covered monumental stories from around the globe for The New York Times since 1981. With clear and compelling language, Friedman discusses the opportunities and challenges that "accelerations", including technology and connectivity, present. He also explores solutions — on a local and global level — to ensure the future of work, skills, income, and prosperity.

He has written seven books since 1989 that have sold 10 million copies in 40 different languages. They include "From Beirut to Jerusalem," "The Lexus and the Olive Tree", "The World is Flat" and, most recently, his latest bestseller, "Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations," in which Friedman offers a blueprint for overcoming the stresses and challenges of a world being transformed by technology, globalization, and climate change.

Friedman is a frequent guest on programs such as "Meet the Press," and "Morning Joe." He was featured in Showtime's climate change documentary series "Years of Living Dangerously," executive produced by James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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