Superintelligence

Paths, Dangers, Strategies

By: Nick Bostrom

Narrated by: Napoleon Ryan

Length: 14 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Superintelligence asks the questions: What happens when machines surpass humans in general intelligence? Will artificial agents save or destroy us? Nick Bostrom lays the foundation for understanding the future of humanity and intelligent life. The human brain has some capabilities that the brains of other animals lack. It is to these distinctive capabilities that our species owes its dominant position. If machine brains surpassed human brains in general intelligence, then this new superintelligence could become extremely powerful - possibly beyond our control. As the fate of the gorillas now depends more on humans than on the species itself, so would the fate of humankind depend on the actions of the machine superintelligence.

But we have one advantage: We get to make the first move. Will it be possible to construct a seed Artificial Intelligence, to engineer initial conditions so as to make an intelligence explosion survivable? How could one achieve a controlled detonation?

This profoundly ambitious and original book breaks down a vast track of difficult intellectual terrain. After an utterly engrossing journey that takes us to the frontiers of thinking about the human condition and the future of intelligent life, we find in Nick Bostrom's work nothing less than a reconceptualization of the essential task of our time.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2014 Nick Bostrom (P)2014 Audible Inc.

It's a worthwhile slog

I kept hearing about this book from podcasters like Sam Harris and multiple YouTubers. My ex GF (who has a senior AI role as a large corporation) had read it and warned me that it was a hard read. She was right. The content is outstanding, but I repeatedly had to relisten to sections and look up words that i did not understand.

The narration is not helpful as it's slightly robotic.

This may sound negative. However, it's one of the most important books I've studied. Its moved my understanding forward with a giant leap. Strongly recommended, but with real caution.

Don’t read this at your own peril.

This book is so insightful and relevant I got it here to read it twice and I consider this book to be essential reading material for anyone in this age who seeks to to understand AI, progress, and where the future may be headed.

I recommend reading this twice and years apart as well, as in my second read through I am learning as much as I did in my first.

Oddly this books makes me appreciate my humanity more than I had before. Things we may take for granted such as sight, sound, and sensation seem to be worth more than a million autistic thoughts about math a second.

What ifs of AI explored beyond the expected

I had been meaning to read Superintelligence for years. There it sat in my Audible cue, after it had sat in my suggested reads. Finally, after we went back to in-person instruction in March & I had to drive again,cI began to dig in. As comprehensive in scope as it is in addressing "The Control Problem," it's probably best if I purchase a hard copy and take better notes. Whether or not Superintelligence ever comes to fruition or not, the questions the author explores are worthy of deeper reflection.

Superintelligence is not a fun speculative read like Max Tegmark's Life 3.0, or some of Ray Kurzweill's works. It reads more like a mechanic's trouble shooting guide, following what if scenarios relentlessly.

Therein lies its value. Nick Bostrum has outlined the scope of the AI / Superintelligence control problem & charted possible solutions to prevent a superintelligebce from turning on its human creators.

I will find a hard copy. I will take better notes. These questions simply are not going away anytime soon.

Lots of info, little harder to get through but I made it!

Took a bit to get through but lots of great info! I feel more prepared to think further into things related to AI.

Thorough, Thoughtful, & Balanced

Loved this book! Considers nearly every aspect of the topic. Beware though. It requires focus and a high comprehension level as well as an essential understanding of the topic. Not light reading.

The most important book I've read in a long time

Fascinating and important. Vastly more funding and intellect is needed into solving the AI "control problem" and developing safe AI.

WHO CHOSE THIS NARRATOR?

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I'm trying to make the most of this recording.

What did you like best about this story?

It's a well written book with just enough clarity for the lay person.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He's not a bad narrator, but seems more suited to historical fantasy novels than science writing. Get Scott Brick on the case!

Did Superintelligence inspire you to do anything?

Try to read it in print!

Distinctive and narrow

I liked the distinctive nature of the topic and angle. Bostrom shows that methodical reasoning can lead us towards answers to many questions around super intelligence. The part about whole brain emulation was new to me.

when AI?

dense but makes you think ai is inevitable but when and how and if the current Humanity can support it, that is a no now, so when?

good konext for a good book, but did not nail it

To much ai hysteria and biased asumptions. Could a have been more neutral in the stance on super intelligence and AI