“Man’s relationship with
technology is complex. We always invent technology, but then technology comes
back and reinvents us.”
These lines from Where
Will Man Take Us? capture the essence of the book. In the 7 million years since
our descent from the tree, we have evolved more than any other species. But
never in our history has the transformation been this rapid or its consequences
so dramatic.
As we
speak, our biology is merging with technology to trigger birth of a new
species. Emerging technologies are redesigning us to such an extent, that we
might soon seek to be more than just human. We might soon have god-like powers
and wish to wield them.
Where
Will Man Take Us? looks at the primary drivers of this change – artificial
intelligence, bio-engineering and nanotechnology. It looks at how in our quest
to bring human-like cognition to AI, we are forced to look at ourselves and
answer some of our oldest questions – what is it to be human, what is
self-awareness, what is consciousness.
AI’s
ability to crunch data and math’s ability to find patterns, could also help us
unravel some of our greatest mysteries – astrology, aliens, the secret to
unbroken eternal happiness. The book also looks at the advancements in genetics
– the ability to edit the genome truly marks the beginning of man’s next
avatar.
All of
this is impacting some of our greatest ideas and institutions. Love, sex,
marriage, jobs, currency, privacy, democracy – all of these are changing around
us. Each of us, is part of this monumental transformation.
This
generation now has the ability to bring a quantitative, algorithmic, scientific
lens to questions that man has used philosophy and religion to answer, since
forever. This unbelievably exciting time, is what you will read about in Where
Will Man Take Us?
My review:
Cover:
It is bright and beautiful. I loved the combination of yellow
and black and how subtle yet attractive the cover is designed.
Title:
The title of the book makes you wonder what the book is
actually about, is it about the future or maybe the past of human beings, etc.
Plot:
The plot of the book is unique as I’ve never
read a book on Artificial Intelligence, Science and technology.
It is a well- researched book.
The Author has made this sci- fi an interesting
read.
The quotes and style of writing of the Author
make this a more interesting one.
A highly recommended book for all the tech-
lovers.
My ratings: 5 out of 5 stars.
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