N=8 Supergravity, and beyond

Abstract

This contribution gives a panoramic overview of the development of N=8 supergravity and its relation to other maximally supersymmetric theories over the past 40 years. It also provides a personal perspective on the future role of this theory in attempts at unification.

Invited contribution to the book "Half a century of supergravity", eds. A. Ceresole and G. Dall'Agata, 22 pages. V2: minor corrections, references added. v3 more references added