The Fourth Age

Smart Robots, Conscious Computers, and the Future of Humanity

By: Byron Reese

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

As we approach a great turning point in history when technology is poised to redefine what it means to be human, The Fourth Age offers fascinating insight into AI, robotics, and their extraordinary implications for our species. “If you only read just one book about the AI revolution, make it this one” (John Mackey, cofounder and CEO, Whole Foods Market).

In The Fourth Age, Byron Reese makes the case that technology has reshaped humanity just three times in history: 100,000 years ago, we harnessed fire, which led to language; 10,000 years ago, we developed agriculture, which led to cities and warfare; 5,000 years ago, we invented the wheel and writing, which lead to the nation state.

We are now on the doorstep of a fourth change brought about by two technologies: AI and robotics. “Timely, highly informative, and certainly optimistic” (Booklist), The Fourth Age provides an essential background on how we got to this point, and how—rather than what—we should think about the topics we’ll soon all be facing: machine consciousness, automation, changes in employment, creative computers, radical life extension, artificial life, AI ethics, the future of warfare, superintelligence, and the implications of extreme prosperity.

By asking questions like “Are you a machine?” and “Could a computer feel anything?”, Reese leads you through a discussion along the cutting edge in robotics and AI, and provides a framework by which we can all understand, discuss, and act on the issues of the Fourth Age and how they’ll transform humanity.

New perspectives and lot of future possibilities

Very thought provoking! This is a masterpiece from Byron. Gives a whole lot of new perspective to human life, human goals and purpose , human evolution. This tells us how AI and robotics has potential to change trajectory of human civilization for ever. Best read for someone who want to understand AI potential in a non technical way. The downside of AGI highlighted as a likelihood can send chill down your spine. Book is filled with a lot of meaningful information.

Humanity

Great facts that everyone must know about equipment, computers, social behavior and our possible future! Educate yourself and make a difference today. Enjoyed the narrative and philosophy. We are all in this together, Humanity

El tema es fascinante

La historia del libro es llevada de una manera muy fácil de entender y bien planteada.

Your beliefs of AI and society discussed here

Whether you believe that AI is benevolent or malevolent, you're probably wrong. This book provides an introspective framework to expose your biases, challenge your assumptions, and help you understand your current position on AI compared to the positions of other AI luminaries.

Awesome insights and summaries of our potential.

This book is chock-full of food for thought. you almost have to stop the book every 5 minutes to think about what was just said. you could even listen to this book was someone else and getting many topics to discuss in more detail. this book has a high re-listen value. I'm sure there were some topics that I missed while thinking of one's prior to. great stuff