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toc's review
4.0
Another fantastic book by Ray Kurzweil with some deep insights into how's he constructed simple minds in his past work. My only complaint is that the insights were perhaps not deep enough. But I'm guessing that some of that is proprietary information. Too bad! Because I would love to attempt to duplicate some of his work.
Regardless, it was an enjoyable read and I felt I learned quite a bit. And it's always worth reading the words of a feisty crackpot! (and I mean that in the best of ways)
Regardless, it was an enjoyable read and I felt I learned quite a bit. And it's always worth reading the words of a feisty crackpot! (and I mean that in the best of ways)
jankeselak's review
5.0
Mind-bending and amazingly written book on the current state of research on intelligence, consciousness and anatomy of human brain and its implications for research in AI, delivered by one of the most significant inventors and futurists of past decades. Will we have a human-level artificial intelligence in place by 2020 ? If yes, what will it look like? Whether or not you share Ray's optimism about the future, this a great read for all the geeks, philosophers and people interested in AI.
markproxy's review
5.0
A logical follow-up to Age of Spiritual Machines and The Singularity is Near, this book digs a little deeper into how strong AI can be achieved. It also responds to some of the criticism Kurzweil has received. If you find the detail a bit much to slog through, I recommend you at least read Chapter 9, "Thought Experiments On the Mind".
clneill's review
5.0
One of the best nonfiction books that I have read in awhile. As an economist (especially an ag economist) I found the information throughout the book intriguing and look forward to the future of computing power. I will say that I don't agree with all of his statments (I.e. people will sympathising with humanoid artificial beings because people are irrational in their behaviors) it is definitely worth the read. Also, he talks about some high level math and physics but simplifies it as well as it can be in my opinion.
orwellwasright's review
5.0
Started this in November but left it on a plane by mistake. Downloaded the eBook a couple weeks ago to finish it up finally. (Thanks to George RR Martin for distracting me so long)
mandi_lyell's review
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I think I can compare Kurzweil's ease of explanation and encouragement of understanding to that of Michio Kaku...I love reading both of these authors. They seem to really focus on making things clear to the average reader.
Kurzweil has a rather intelligent way of putting his ideas in layman's terms, and I think this is important because it shows that he truly understands what he is promoting. He is very optimistic about humanity, (and sometimes this enthusiasm is a little ambitious, I think...) Of course, I am no scientist, but my interest in his theories and the university which he sponsors has truly been sparked. I agree with most of his views, personally. He is difficult to debate on most discussions.
I recommend anyone read this book who is interested in Artificial intelligence, technology, singularity theories, conscious spirituality or any type of interest in human biology and evolution... Especially psychological and cognitive development. All of these doors are opened or knocked upon by Kurzweil and are quite inspirational and convincing.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Kurzweil has a rather intelligent way of putting his ideas in layman's terms, and I think this is important because it shows that he truly understands what he is promoting. He is very optimistic about humanity, (and sometimes this enthusiasm is a little ambitious, I think...) Of course, I am no scientist, but my interest in his theories and the university which he sponsors has truly been sparked. I agree with most of his views, personally. He is difficult to debate on most discussions.
I recommend anyone read this book who is interested in Artificial intelligence, technology, singularity theories, conscious spirituality or any type of interest in human biology and evolution... Especially psychological and cognitive development. All of these doors are opened or knocked upon by Kurzweil and are quite inspirational and convincing.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
nick_tucci's review
5.0
Best book I have ever read. Very informational and it really boggled my mind!
ilovewednesdays's review against another edition
2.5
There are some interesting ideas in here, but they're eclipsed by all of Kurzweil's bragging about his past predictions and inventions.
raj_page's review
4.0
I'd picked this book up assuming that it'd be just about artificial intelligence.
But along with AI, it also taught me the biology of a human brain, the definition of consciousness and the philosophy of life.
Read these lines:
True mind reading, therefore, would necessitate not just detecting the activations of the relevant axons in a person’s brain, but examining essentially her entire neocortex with all of its memories to understand these activations
How beautifully and simply, we understand how brain works with just this one line
And how about this?
At the far end of the story of love, a loved one becomes a major part of our neocortex. After decades of being together, a virtual other exists in the neocortex such that we can anticipate every step of what our lover will say and do. Our neocortical patterns are filled with the thoughts and patterns that reflect who they are. When we lose that person, we literally lose part of ourselves. This is not just a metaphor—all of the vast pattern recognizers that are filled with the patterns reflecting the person we love suddenly change their nature. Although they can be considered a precious way to keep that person alive within ourselves, the vast neocortical patterns of a lost loved one turn suddenly from triggers of delight to triggers of mourning.
Tell me if this is not the best definition of love you've ever read.
But along with AI, it also taught me the biology of a human brain, the definition of consciousness and the philosophy of life.
Read these lines:
True mind reading, therefore, would necessitate not just detecting the activations of the relevant axons in a person’s brain, but examining essentially her entire neocortex with all of its memories to understand these activations
How beautifully and simply, we understand how brain works with just this one line
And how about this?
At the far end of the story of love, a loved one becomes a major part of our neocortex. After decades of being together, a virtual other exists in the neocortex such that we can anticipate every step of what our lover will say and do. Our neocortical patterns are filled with the thoughts and patterns that reflect who they are. When we lose that person, we literally lose part of ourselves. This is not just a metaphor—all of the vast pattern recognizers that are filled with the patterns reflecting the person we love suddenly change their nature. Although they can be considered a precious way to keep that person alive within ourselves, the vast neocortical patterns of a lost loved one turn suddenly from triggers of delight to triggers of mourning.
Tell me if this is not the best definition of love you've ever read.