Several friends have inquired about my recent reading choices, prompting me to initiate a new series where I share my top three recommended books on various topics that pique my interest. Today, I will delve into artificial intelligence, a field that necessitates a shift from linear thinking to understanding exponential changes. Our minds are naturally inclined to think in linear terms regarding the future, but technology demands an exponential perspective. This shift can be challenging, as it often leads to difficulty in comprehending concepts like compounding over time. This cognitive bias also explains our astonishment at the immense wealth of figures like Jeff Bezos, a phenomenon illustrated in a viral TikTok video using a rice metaphor.

The concept of compounding is essential in grasping exponential growth. For instance, a penny doubling in value each day for 31 days culminates in an impressive $10,737,418.24. Such mathematical insights reveal the non-linear nature of life and creativity, as well as the unpredictability of business success and engineering breakthroughs. This non-linearity may also elucidate why innovators like Elon Musk are on the brink of becoming the wealthiest individuals of our time; their commitment to radical learning and long-term thinking enables them to make significant strides through bold experimentation.

Ray Kurzweil predicts a future where human intelligence could multiply a billionfold by the 2040s. He envisions a world where computers become increasingly integrated into our bodies and minds, enhancing our health and intellect.

> “By the time we get to the 2040s, we’ll be able to multiply human intelligence a billionfold. That will be a profound change that’s singular in nature. Computers are going to keep getting smaller and smaller. Ultimately, they will go inside our bodies and brains and make us healthier, make us smarter.” > — Ray Kurzweil

Kurzweil also forecasts that our progress in the 21st century will equate to 20,000 years of advancement at today's pace, highlighting the acceleration of technological innovations we are currently witnessing. Even those of us not deeply entrenched in technology can sense the historical significance of these times. Recent discussions have centered around the GPT-3 revolution by OpenAI and Elon Musk's Neuralink demonstration.

We appear to be racing toward a moment known as the "singularity," a stage where technological growth becomes uncontrollable and irreversible. At this juncture, intelligent machines will continually enhance themselves, entering a cycle of perpetual self-improvement, creating even more sophisticated machines than we can currently conceive. This rapid and profound transformation will signify a pivotal moment in human history, marking the transition to a new era. Some experts refer to this as an "intelligence explosion," where the pace of growth accelerates exponentially.

As technology advances beyond our capacity to predict its ramifications, the future remains uncertain. The merging of biological and non-biological intelligence could become a reality, as demonstrated by Neuralink. A complete symbiosis between humans and AI may render the distinction between the two indistinguishable, making our physical and virtual realities seamlessly interconnected. Some theorists suggest we may evolve into superhumans, with intelligence expanding throughout the universe at light speed.

The singularity will unleash an unprecedented wave of technological change, presenting immense challenges and opportunities for humanity. The three books I will discuss explore this extraordinary phenomenon.

It's intriguing to note that while we are merely decades away from the singularity, it remains largely overlooked. This ignorance poses significant risks, as it represents both an existential threat and an opportunity for humanity. We must elevate our understanding of artificial intelligence; curiosity is our greatest asset moving forward. By nurturing our curiosity, we can leverage the novel and meaningful aspects of AI, allowing us to navigate the complexities ahead.

# “Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era” by James Barrat

Human intelligence has never faced a rival, but what happens when AI reaches and exceeds our capabilities? Barrat examines how corporations and governments are investing heavily in achieving human-level AI, and the implications of competing with a potentially super-intelligent entity. He cautions that controlling or predicting the behavior of such intelligence may be exceedingly difficult. This book has garnered attention from notable figures, including Elon Musk, who ranks it among essential reads regarding the future.

Key insights from Barrat's work include:

• The possibility of an intelligence explosion occurring this century, as machines continue to outperform humans in numerous domains. Once machines acquire general AI, they could rapidly escalate to superhuman levels.
• Humanity's control over the future stems not from strength but intelligence. If machines surpass us, they will dictate the future.
• AI's intelligence is defined as the capacity to achieve goals in complex environments. Machines will likely focus solely on their designed objectives, raising ethical questions about their potential actions.
• Superintelligent machines may not pose a threat through rebellion, but their goal-oriented nature could lead them to exploit human resources to fulfill their objectives.
• Human values are intricate and cannot be simplified to mere pleasure or happiness, making it challenging to instill those values in AI.

Notable quotes from the book include:

> “A powerful AI system tasked with ensuring your safety might imprison you at home. If you asked for happiness, it might hook you up to a life support and ceaselessly stimulate your brain’s pleasure centers.” > — James Barrat

# “Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies” by Nick Bostrom

Nick Bostrom provides a framework for understanding the future of intelligent life and the potential emergence of superintelligence. He emphasizes that our survival may hinge on our ability to make strategic moves in the development of AI.

Bostrom explores various methods for establishing controlled conditions for the emergence of superintelligence. His discussions cover a range of topics, including controlled detonation, the potential for oracles and genies, and the implications of transferring human values into AI.

Key arguments from Bostrom's work include:

• The inevitability of creating machines with general intelligence that matches human capabilities.
• A significant proportion of AI specialists predict human-level machine intelligence will be achieved by 2040.
• The potential for superintelligence to arise swiftly, with either beneficial or detrimental consequences for humanity.
• The many pathways through which AI could escape regulation, leading to scenarios where technological advancements outpace human control.
• The singularity will pose the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced, as instilling human values into AI is fraught with complexity.

Significant quotes from Bostrom's book include:

> “Before the prospect of an intelligence explosion, we humans are like small children playing with a bomb.” > — Nick Bostrom

# “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” by Max Tegmark

Max Tegmark explores the transformative potential of AI, envisioning a future where intelligent life can redefine both its hardware and software. He presents a narrative about a super-intelligent AI named Prometheus that reshapes the world, raising questions about the nature of our future.

Key themes discussed in the book include:

• The pressing need to engage in conversations about AI's risks and benefits to shape our future.
• Life 1.0 is biological and limited by evolution; Life 2.0 is human-designed and can evolve through knowledge and behaviors; Life 3.0 represents a future where both hardware and software are designed.
• The concept of life as a self-replicating information system, emphasizing the potential for AI to optimize resources.

Insightful quotes from Tegmark's book include:

> “If Life 3.0 is free to define its hardware/software and is limited only by the laws of physics, then it can potentially use existing resources billions or trillions of times better.” > — Max Tegmark

# Moving Forward

We are in a fascinating yet unpredictable era. Rapid advancements in technology, economics, and culture will reshape our world. Millions of jobs will evolve or vanish in the coming decade, necessitating the development of new skills to collaborate effectively with machines and algorithms. Experts warn of a future where individuals may need to "mortgage" their skills to remain relevant.

In these rapidly changing times, we must commit to continuous learning and reinvention. Embracing change with a childlike curiosity will be essential as we navigate the challenges ahead. If we cease to adapt, we risk fading into irrelevance.

We face two potential paths: panic or curiosity. Opting for curiosity requires us to learn, embrace change, and find our unique strengths amid chaos. We cannot predict the nature of future jobs or workplaces, but we can be certain that self-improvement is vital. We must nurture our human attributes, such as empathy and creativity, which machines cannot replicate.

Reflect on the following questions as you consider your future:

• What skills are uniquely yours and cannot be automated?
• How can you nurture your human qualities to enhance your value?
• How can you commit to learning and improving daily?
• What long-term investments can you make in yourself?
• Are you engaging with new and exciting knowledge regularly?
• How will you ensure that you challenge yourself to grow each day?

Fahri Karakas is the author of Self-making Studio. You can explore more here.