Humans Need Not Apply

A Guide to Wealth and Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

By: Jerry Kaplan

Narrated by: John Pruden

Audie Award, Business/Personal Development, 2017.

After billions of dollars and 50 years of effort, researchers are finally cracking the code on artificial intelligence. As society stands on the cusp of unprecedented change, Jerry Kaplan unpacks the latest advances in robotics, machine learning, and perception powering systems that rival or exceed human capabilities.

Driverless cars, robotic helpers, and intelligent agents that promote our interests have the potential to usher in a new age of affluence and leisure - but, as Kaplan warns, the transition may be protracted and brutal unless we address the two great scourges of the modern developed world: volatile labor markets and income inequality. He proposes innovative, free-market adjustments to our economic system and social policies to avoid an extended period of social turmoil. His timely and accessible analysis of the promise and perils of artificial intelligence is a must-listen for business leaders and policy makers on both sides of the aisle.

©2015 Jerry Kaplan (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This accessible and timely work is suitable for technology enthusiasts and those readers with an interest in the application of robotics and AI to the workforce of the future." ( Library Journal)

A must listen

This is very informative, and very well delivered. I appreciate this information based approach, because it helps you to think critically about the topic. And we really need to start having this conversation.

Enjoyed this book

I found this book fascinating and enlightening. If I had to critique it, I'd say a few chapters were possibly waffled a bit with unrelated details. But for the most part, very informative. Thanks

A must read to understand the coming AI shift.

An entertaining and thought provoking look into the logical and inevitable future when artificial intelligence is part of our every day lives, making decisions for us. You probably wonder - What will it be like?

If you have a car, you already know.

Your ABS breaks are a form of artificial intelligence algorithm that take your decision making power away from you. You slam on the brake, but the computer only takes that as a suggestion to stop. The computer prioritizes a controlled over stopping time/distance to stop.

The book starts with an eye opening summary of the existing algorithms that already make decisions for us like what to watch or listen to, posts to read online, what route to take driving home, and even what price to pay for products.

We then teleport into the future and learn about the moral and logistical challenges of owning AI autonomous helpers that will be able to act as our agents.

TIP: incorporate your AI servant as it's own entity to be indemnified in case it gets into an accident or commits a crime, the same way taxi companies do today.

How will the legal system in the future cope with AI servants and autonomous driving cars? For that we get a history lesson in slavery, the "corporations are people" lobbyist movement, and some musings on how the legal system might shift to adapt to autonomous AI corporate agents.

There's a very informative and educational history of Amazon and Jeff Bezos, explaining how they are already using artificial intelligence to optimize every aspect of shopping - from robots replacing people, to deep learning algorithms determining how much you will pay for a TV at 5 am vs 10 pm, based on your recent shopping history, your demographics and your search history.

There's a whole section on the economics of how we will be affected by AI depreciating the majority of simple jobs like driving, serving, construction, etc.

The author proposes and interesting shift in the value of jobs vs being productive in society, and explores how our lives might change dramatically if the government takes a proactive approach to compensating for the coming exodus of human jobs with creative financial stimulus programs.

That's just a sample of the artificial intelligence juiciness in this book. A must read for futurists & early technology adopters.

Liked it

It may be a little bit shorter ( 2 - 3 chapters in the end may be shorter), but the information and vision provided is broad, and cover a lot of specialization in industry and life.

Lots of good ideas in this book

Lots and lots of broad trends identified. My only wish is it to be longer.

Worth the read for investors.

Think of it as the memoirs of a Stanford AI Lab original. it's worth the time if you are honing your understanding of things to come.

Runs off the rails in the most magical way

Any additional comments?

I was expecting a knowledgeable recount on AI that's what I got, but something else came along for the ride. At first, I found Kaplan's prelude on economic and political strategy off-putting. When those topics are finally exposed towards the end of the book, something very special happens. They create an empathic response that very few other books on the subject manage to do. Whether the arguments are scientific, philosophical, or ethical, there's a real emotional connection there. An important way of thinking and feeling about AI, devoid of the doomsday lore, makes this book truly unique.

Past Present Future

The book articulates the relationship of man and machines very well. There is clarity on the journey we have taken with machines, and machines with us and gives a glimpse into the symbiotic future of man and machine.

Surprisingly Stimulating

I started this book with an open mind and no particular interest in artificial intelligence or anything tech based. But it kept me through every twist and turn in our advancement and left me thinking of what the future could look like. This is more than conspiracy theory, it’s good for thought. Well done.

A memoir

This book is like a memoir of experiences the author has had and that he tries to connect with current developments in machine learning and AI. Everything is described or exemplified so extensively it really goes beyond the point. He misses many opportunities to establish connections or discuss repercussions, instead focusing on describing or exemplifying everyday actions or facts.

I expected a strong analysis of future possibilities, which it does not contain. The book does provide some insight, in a way that's a bit like watching The Jetsons.

John Pruden's performance is good, but the way he reads it ends up emphasizing the strong anecdotal aspect of the book.

I wouldn't recommend it if you're a researcher or practitioner of the field. I think it has little to add to the discussion as a whole, especially for its price.