Emergence

A Memoir of Boyhood, Computation, and the Mysteries of Mind

By: David Sussillo

Narrated by: David Sussillo

For fans of Educated and Invisible Child, David Sussillo combines memoir and cutting-edge neuroscience to tell the story of his unlikely journey from group homes and drug-addicted parents to the scientific elite—exploring why, and how, he managed to succeed against all odds.

David Sussillo has made a career at the cutting edge of neuroscience and technology—yet his path there was anything but a straight line. Born to drug-addicted parents in New Mexico, he navigated a childhood marked by violence and neglect. But a seed was planted at the unlikeliest of places—the local arcade.

What follows is a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation, from the chaotic corridors of group homes to the halls of Columbia and Stanford. Along the way, Sussillo takes readers on an illuminating tour of the century-long dance between neuroscience, physics, and computation that has laid the groundwork for neural networks—the technology that drives modern artificial intelligence. As he advances in the field, working to demystify these networks, he also begins to pursue an answer to a more personal question: why, and how, did he succeed against all odds?

Emergence radiates heartbreak, humor, and scientific wonder, inviting readers on an unforgettable journey that bridges the personal and the profound, revealing how intricate complexities arise from simple beginnings.

Incredible memoir that made me reflect

"To understand our own story, sometimes we need to hear it reflected in others" - Chapter 28

I couldn't stop listening to this captivating story filled with nerdy references and scientific pondering but sometimes Emergence caught me off guard with a hard hitting life lesson. These caused me to pause and reflect so I could really take it in. This book has improved my life and if you're reading this, you're considering reading Emergence which I'd deeply recommend. go ahead, dive in!

Captivating!

This book was hard to put down and I found myself disappointed to finish. David’s story is so incredibly inspirational- and definitely one that needed to be told. I found myself unexpectedly connected to so much of what he shared.

The author is a neuroscientist and talks about his research throughout the book, however his ability to weave his personal narrative with complex ideas makes this book accessible and captivating without watering down either part. You don’t need a background in or desire to learn neuroscience to appreciate it.

I highly recommended this book for anyone who has ever wondered how their past shapes who they are, and who they’re still becoming. I’ll definitely be doing a lot of self reflection as a result of this book!

Excellent Book and phenomenal narration

I love memoirs, but sometimes wonder why it matters , other than source of inspiration. This book tells a great story and teaches you about how the mind works and how AI resembles the thinking mind in a way that is pleasing and understandable.

A beautifully woven memoir

I’m finding it hard to explain how this book seemed to magically weave stories of childhood trauma with the interior functioning of video games, self-driving cars and neural networks. I could evoke concepts of systems theory, chaos, and synergy—but I instead I just urge you to read it.

Inspiring and moving

Remarkable account of personal resilience alongside an elegantly framed, unique perspective on modern neuroscience. Beautifully read by the author himself.