Quantum Supremacy

How the Quantum Computer Revolution Will Change Everything

By: Michio Kaku

Narrated by: Feodor Chin

Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An exhilarating tour of humanity's next great technological achievement—quantum computing—which may supercharge artificial intelligence, solve some of humanity's biggest problems, like global warming, world hunger, and incurable disease, and eventually illuminate the deepest mysteries of science, by the bestselling author of The God Equation. • “Expertly describes and rectifies common misconceptions about quantum computing."—Science

"[Kaku's] lucid prose and thought process make abundant sense of this technological turning point.”—The New York Times Book Review

The runaway success of the microchip may finally be reaching its end. As shrinking transistors approach the size of atoms, the phenomenal growth of computational power inevitably collapses. But this change heralds the birth of a revolutionary new type of computer, one that calculates on atoms themselves.

Quantum computers promise unprecedented gains in computing power, enabling advancements that could overturn every aspect of our daily lives. While the media has mainly focused on their startling potential to crack any known encryption method, the race is already on to exploit their incredible power to revolutionize industry. Automotive makers, medical researchers, and consulting firms are all betting on quantum computing to design more efficient vehicles, create life-saving new drugs, and streamline businesses. But this is only the beginning. Quantum computing could be used to decode the complex chemical processes needed to produce cheap fertilizers and unleash a second Green Revolution; create a super battery that will enable the Solar Age; or design nuclear fusion reactors to generate clean, safe, renewable energy. It may even unravel the fiendishly difficult protein folding that lies at the heart of as-yet-incurable diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s. Already, quantum computers are being put to work to help solve the greatest mystery in science—the origin of the universe.

There is no single problem humanity faces that might not be addressed by quantum computers. With his signature clarity and enthusiasm, Dr. Michio Kaku, who has spent his entire professional life working on the quantum theory, tells the thrilling story of this exciting scientific frontier and the race to claim humanity’s future.

©2023 Michio Kaku (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Kaku spends much of [Quantum Supremacy] recounting the history of computing, bringing listeners back to the Turing machine and the invention of transistors as crucial foundations. That mind-blowing future is the focus. . . . [Kaku's] lucid prose and thought process make abundant sense of this technological turning point.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Expertly describes and rectifies common misconceptions about quantum computing—a technology regarded by experts as one that is likely to have profound societal implications. . . . Kaku deftly navigates the relevant scientific landscape. . . . Lucid. . . . Kaku excels at developing understandable metaphors for the complexities of quantum mechanics and computing. . . . Well written and accessible, offering readers a comprehensive overview of quantum computing, its underlying principles, and its potential.”—Science

“A renowned physicist explains the mind-blowing potential of quantum computing. Translating complicated scientific concepts into language that lay readers can understand is an art. Kaku, a professor of physics at the City University of New York, is one of the best practitioners. . . . Kaku examines how quantum computing could profoundly affect biotechnology, medicine, energy, food production, and environmental modelling—virtually every aspect of human activity. . . . The author pauses occasionally to provide summaries, which is important given the inherent complexity of the subject. As always, Kaku’s enthusiasm is contagious, and this latest book is an important guide to a crucial part of the tech future. An informative and highly entertaining read about the computing revolution already underway.”—Kirkus Reviews

Kaku hits home run!

Outstanding! As usual Michio explains the unexplainable. If half the stuff he talks about happens it will completely revaluation medicine. Great read!

Quantum computers for dummies

With only a basic understanding of science, I now want to get involved with quantum computing. Is there room in science for dummies?

awesome

awesome listen for those people who are interested in the future in AI quantum computers and the human race.

Started well, but got repetitive.

I enjoyed most of it, but then there was the last 3 chapters or so.
I was already familiar the the quantum computing topic, however the review of the topic at the start of the book, was well done and somewhat thought provoking. The performance was engaging.
There were a chapter or two that got into possible futures for quantum computing, that were very interesting.

Then came the last 3 or 4 chapters. The narrative became, in my opinion, repetitive and academic. Yawn. Also, I really felt like Michio was 'phoning in' his performance of it for these chapters. The narration felt pretty flat by this point.

Honestly, it felt like the publisher came along and said, "Hey Michio, add a couple more chapters please. Make sure they are real preachy about medicine and global warming." It just felt like padding at this point. The last 30 mins were also pretty good, and I felt like they were written with the original book submitted (in my theory).
The preceding few chapters could be cut out completely, in my humble opinion, as they were unbelievably boring, even to a geek like me.

Timeless!

My 4th time reading this. By timeless, I mean it has great historical references. Great ideas for your next read in biographies,school subjects, etc. after historical research, also plenty to learn about futuristic science. Whether it’s physics math technology or people, you get a lot of future projections from this read. Everything is brilliant in explanations and elaborate for any age group.
X @geniusmarcus

Amazing!

This book was absolutely fasinating. The depth it goes into how and why these therories have come about and the way that they may be implemented in the future was very enjoyable to learn about. It makes you feel excited for the possiblities of the future!

A Challenging but Worthwhile Read

So much of Michio Kaku’s exposition is fascinating and informative, but a number of explanations are too esoteric for the average reader.

This would be better consumed in print

Fascinating, subject, good narration but as someone without a big scientific background, I think this would’ve been a better book to read than to listen to

Possibilities of quantum computing

More on how it works and less about application And how it can work with your application

Time well invested

Great mix of history, technology, and use case examples that helped me understand challenges and opportunities