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.

informative

loved it. a great read . Can recommend. many new thoughts on the whole AI concept.

Great

This book was fascinating. Full of many facts and thought provoking ideas. A great book if you like technology and computers.