The Digital Radish Book Club: November’s top picks
Everyone is talking about AI. And rightly so. It’s going to be one of the most important debates of the next decade.
The technology is already transforming the way we live and work – but there’s an understandable divide over whether these changes are good for us or not.
As marketers we see cause for optimism. Alongside all the handy practical benefits, there are tons of innovative, big-picture positives that, if stewarded responsibly, are super exciting.
That’s why we’re dedicating this month’s book club to AI’s potential to bring about real change for the better. As always, let us know what you make of our selections.
What’s it about?
“Novacene” sets out a vision for an AI-driven future in which, far from becoming our overlords, they recognise that they are as dependent on humans as we will become on them. James Lovelock, famous for proposing the Gaia theory, predicts that humans and cyborgs will get along pretty well.
How does the author sum it up?
[The Novacene] is the name I’ve given to the new age of intelligent beings…These new beings will arise, like us, from Darwinian evolution, and they will need us to regulate the climate. This could be one of the most crucial periods in the history of the planet and perhaps even of the cosmos.” – James Lovelock
Why we love it
“What struck me about “Novacene” is that it’s surprisingly optimistic about the future, which I suppose is pretty reassuring. If AI really does become smarter than us – and that won’t take long – then it will be much better placed to solve problems we just can’t. Climate change might be the most urgent example.” – Ray Philp
What we learned
If there’s one really important lesson to take from “Novacene,” it’s that ingenuity and thinking differently can take us to surprising places. As a lifelong inventor, Lovelock, who passed away in 2022 aged 103, knew better than most how getting to grips with next-gen technology could transform conventional thinking about it, and this book on AI’s upsides is a brilliant example.
What’s it about?
Like “Novacene,” “Life 3.0” imagines how we might think of a future with AI in three distinct categories, including “Life 3.0” where AI will surpass human intelligence. Max’s book maps the possibilities and risks for society once artificial intelligence runs rings around us puny humans.
How does the author sum it up?
“The real risk with AI isn’t malice but competence. A superintelligent AI will be extremely good at accomplishing its goals, and if those goals aren’t aligned with ours, we’re in trouble… people don’t think twice about flooding anthills to build hydroelectric dams, so let’s not place humanity in the position of those ants.” – Max Tegmark
Why we love it
“One of the concepts of the book is “cosmic endowment,” which sounds a bit woo-woo, but it’s basically about thinking, ‘What will humanity’s legacy be to the universe once we build AI and it outlives us?’ One of the other points the book makes is about ensuring that we build AI grounded in human values, which is going to make or break our survival – so, no pressure.” – Ray Philp
What we learned
There’s no doubt that AI is going to be tricky to navigate. And Tegmark’s vision isn’t wholly positive – AI could decide, once it’s smart enough, to elbow us aside. But if we get the governance and implementation right during the early stages, the book argues, then AI could make transformational improvements to society. Which sounds amazing to us.
What’s it about?
“Megatech” is a collection of essays from experts about how technology, including AI, will shape the future – and how that future will shape us. Across sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy and construction materials, the book sets out lots of intriguing possibilities for just how far technology could evolve over the next quarter century.
How does the author sum it up?
“The impact of technology is only partly a matter of the innovations of scientists, geeks and entrepreneurs. The outcome by 2050 will also be shaped by governments, the strategies of companies and the choices of individuals.It is up to all of us to make the most of megatech.” – Daniel Franklin
Why we love it
“Really enjoyed the philosophical and practical debates about where ‘megatech’ is going to take us in the next 20 years – maybe the most relevant essays are about personal technology, which imagines augmented-reality glasses replacing mobiles, and how ‘megatech’ could transform the culture of work to be more adaptable and innovation-led.” – Ray Philp
What we learned
From textile-manufactured cars to app-driven agriculture, we’re on the cusp of lots of exciting innovation. When it comes to AI, the book compares its emergence to a marriage between humans and robots that requires compromise, patience and adaptability – which will eventually transform both parties beyond recognition.
Share your favourites with us
Do you have any podcasts, videos, blogs or even documentaries that you’d recommend to the Radishes? We’d love to hear from you – email us at hello@digitalradish.co.uk.