Books Like...
'You Look Like a Thing and I Love You' by Janelle Shane is a humorous and insightful introduction to artificial intelligence. The book explains how AI works and why it's making the world a weirder place through examples and analogies that are both entertaining and informative. Shane's writing style is approachable and engaging, making complex topics accessible to readers, even those new to the field of AI. The book covers the inner workings of different AIs, their peculiar behaviors, and the potential pitfalls and limitations of the technology.
Shane's book is filled with humorous examples of AI mishaps and failures, illustrating the capabilities and shortcomings of machine learning systems. The content is presented in a fun and engaging manner, with running jokes that help connect different themes throughout the book. Readers will find the book to be a quick and enjoyable read, suitable for both those with little knowledge of AI and those familiar with the subject. Shane's mission to make AI more accessible shines through in the book's clear explanations and relatable insights into the world of artificial intelligence.
If you liked You Look Like a Thing and I Love You, here are the top 17 books to read next:
'How to Create a Mind: The Secret of Human Thought Revealed' by Ray Kurzweil delves into the secrets of human brains and explores the possibilities of reproducing human thought through Artificial Intelligence. Kurzweil argues that memories are stored as sequences of patterns, emphasizing the brain's core capability of recognizing patterns over processing logic. The book discusses the hierarchical organization of the neocortex and projects the construction of artificial equivalents of human brains with emotions and consciousness. Kurzweil also touches upon the evolution of the human brain, the structure of the neocortex, and the potential for machines to surpass human intelligence.
The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating, challenging readers to think deeply about the nature of human thought and the future of Artificial Intelligence. Kurzweil's theories on thinking, pattern recognition, and the architecture of the brain are presented in a detailed and informative manner, drawing from his vast knowledge in computing and technology. The book also explores philosophical concepts, the divide between Western and Eastern worldviews on faith, and the potential implications of AI advancements on society.
With the description of a molecule that could code the program of biology, a unifying theory of biology was now firmly in place. It provided a simple and elegant foundation to all of life. Depending o...'Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies' by Nick Bostrom delves into the potential risks and consequences of developing artificial superintelligence. It explores the concept of AI surpassing human intelligence and the possible outcomes of such a scenario. The author provides a thorough analysis of societal issues, including the control problem and the instilling of positive values in AI. Through a speculative and philosophical approach, Bostrom discusses the emergence of superintelligence, its form, trajectory, and the challenges in controlling and taming it.
We begin by looking back. History, at the largest scale, seems to exhibit a sequence of distinct growth modes, each much more rapid than its predecessor. This pattern has been taken to suggest that an...'The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology' by Ray Kurzweil delves into the concept of singularity, where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, leading to a transformative era. Kurzweil projects a future where technology, genetics, nanotechnologies, and robotics converge to enhance human abilities, potentially leading to immortality and super intelligence. The book explores the accelerating rate of technological change, the potential benefits and risks of advancements, and the possibilities of a future where humans and machines merge.
Kurzweil presents his ideas in a mix of hardcore materialism and whimsical debates, providing a comprehensive review of ongoing research and future possibilities. Through imaginative scenarios and engaging dialogues, the author navigates complex scientific concepts in a clear and accessible manner, offering readers a glimpse into a future where technology and biology intersect to redefine human existence.
I am not sure when I first became aware of the Singularity. I’d have to say it was a progressive awakening. In the almost half century that I’ve immersed myself in computer and related technologies, I...In "Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence" by Max Tegmark, the author delves into the past, present, and future of humanity in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Tegmark explores the rise of AI, from Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) to Super Intelligence, and prompts readers to imagine the implications of such advancements on society. The book presents scenarios of a world where AI surpasses human intelligence and the challenges and opportunities it presents, urging readers to critically engage with these concepts.
Aside from their AI breakthroughs, one of the recent projects that the Omegas had had the most fun with was planning how to make money as rapidly as possible after Prometheus’ launch. Essentially the ...'A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Murder in Ancient Rome' by Emma Southon is a humorous yet insightful exploration of Roman homicide, shedding light on the lives of both famous and ordinary individuals in Ancient Rome. The book combines historical accuracy with a snarky writing style, making the ancient world relatable and engaging for readers. Southon's ability to humanize historical figures and events, while also highlighting the societal barbarism of the Roman Empire, creates a compelling narrative that delves into the violence and complexities of life in Ancient Rome.
The book provides a fresh perspective on Roman history, challenging readers to reconcile traditional admiration for the Roman Empire with its darker aspects. Through a blend of pop culture references, humor, and well-researched content, Southon navigates the nuances of murder vs. homicide in Roman society, leaving readers with a profound understanding of the all-encompassing violence that characterized life in Ancient Rome.
Like a band playing its biggest hit first, we start with the reason you probably picked this book up. We start with that colossus bestriding the narrow world, the big hitter of Roman murders, a big hi...Readers find 'Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb to be a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of antifragility, challenging traditional views on volatility and resilience. Taleb presents his ideas in a mix of personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and critiques of economic and financial theories. The book introduces the concept of antifragility as the quality that allows systems to benefit from volatility, rather than just being robust or fragile. Taleb's writing style is described as blunt, entertaining, yet at times confusing, with a mix of self-promotion and unique perspectives on risk management and unpredictability.
To see how alien the concept is to our minds, repeat the experiment and ask around at the next gathering, picnic, or pre-riot congregation what’s the antonym of fragile (and specify insistently that y...'What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions' by Randall Munroe is a collection of bizarre and absurd questions taken seriously and answered with scientific analysis. Munroe, a certified engineer, delves into questions like creating a jetpack using machine guns, the power output of Yoda, and the consequences of a rainstorm dropping all its water as a single drop. The book is filled with wit, humor, and Munroe's trademark stick figure comics, making complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining to readers.
The book offers an engaging and educational exploration of various scientific scenarios, providing a mix of comedy and solid science. Munroe's ability to tackle ridiculous questions with thorough research and a sense of humor shines through, making it a fun and enlightening read for anyone interested in science, math, or simply asking absurd questions.
Based on the rates of correct guesses—and rigorous mathematical analysis—Shannon determined that the information content of typical written English was 1.0 to 1.2 bits per letter. This means that a go...- #8
Save:The Body by Bill Bryson takes readers on a captivating journey through the human body, exploring various organs, systems, diseases, and medical breakthroughs. Bryson's writing style is described as informative, humorous, and thought-provoking, making complex scientific information accessible and engaging for the layperson. The book covers a wide range of topics, from anatomy to medical history, presenting a comprehensive overview of the human body and its inner workings.
LONG AGO, WHEN I was a junior high school student in Iowa, I remember being taught by a biology teacher that all the chemicals that make up a human body could be bought in a hardware store for $5.00 o... 'The Silk Roads: A New History of the World' by Peter Frankopan is a comprehensive narrative of world history focusing on the regions from the Mediterranean to the Himalayas, and across Central Asia to China. It presents a new perspective on historical events, emphasizing the connections and exchanges that took place along the Silk Roads over centuries. The author weaves a compelling account of the history of the Middle East and Central Asia, shedding light on trade, news, and religious views that traversed the vast tracts that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.
offers insights into the impact of historical events on current affairs and explores the shifting balance of power between Europe, Asia, and the United States. It delves into the complexities of interactions and influences across different regions, highlighting the significance of the Silk Roads in shaping civilizations and world politics. The narrative provides a unique perspective on world history, challenging the Euro-centric viewpoint and offering a broader understanding of global events.
From the beginning of time, the centre of Asia was where empires were made. The alluvial lowlands of Mesopotamia, fed by the Tigris and Euphrates, provided the basis for civilisation itself – for it w...'The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a thought-provoking and challenging book that delves into the concept of unpredictability and rare events. Taleb challenges traditional economic and statistical models, highlighting the flaws in predicting the future and the impact of outlier events. The writing style is a mix of wit, insight, and arrogance, with the author often showcasing his erudition while criticizing prevailing beliefs and methodologies.
This is not an autobiography, so I will skip the scenes of war. Actually, even if it were an autobiography, I would still skip the scenes of war. I cannot compete with action movies or memoirs of adve...
