The Fourth Age

By: Byron Reese

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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 led to the nation state.

We are now on the doorstep of a fourth change brought about by two technologies: AI and robotics. The Fourth Age provides extraordinary background information 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, 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.

©2018 Byron Reese. All rights reserved. (P)2018 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

A Big History Story of AI

What did you love best about The Fourth Age?

I am about a 3rd of the way through the book. I really like how the book gives a perspective of big history and tells a 100,000 year history of AI. I have read a number of AI books and this book complements those books very well.

Not so good

He barely mentions Ray Kurzweil, that says it all. To me, the most important thing that happens after uploading is merging with the ai and expanding our consciousness, and there is no discussion of that.

Really loved this book

Now that I'm through Fourth Age, I'm sad it's over. The book is a journey through philosophy of mind and human potential. Really enjoyed it.

Impressive Thinking Awe Inspiring

One of the greatest works on the impact, potential and risks of applied technology of our time. Written in a highly engaging style this masterpiece provides fuel for thought regarding a vast array of topics that will shape our immediate, near and long-term circumstances. I am better for having listened to it.

A thought provoking read

I enjoyed this book that examined philosophical questions regarding our future and Technology. the author explored these questions without talking down to the audience and without any personal bias. if you spend time wondering what the next 25 years will look like you will be interested in this book.

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.

great opinions if you also have an 80 IQ

this book has not aged well. this author is a Marxist holding his breath for a utopia where no one eats meat and everyone sits around stoking their egos. this is a fifth graders understanding of AI, sprinkled with the authors idiot ideology.

Terrible disappointing

In the first chapters I thought I would get a fair overview… inconsistent data and opinionated statements started challenging my critical thinking. By the end I was tired and sometimes irritated by the author’s biased expressions about progress and the totalitarian role of engineering to shape the future of humanity.

I have read much better books and resources to understand where we stand.

Fascinating existential discussions

Fascinating existential discussions as pertaining to AI Robots. Interested enough to read latter half again.

Es interesante y revelador.

Tuve que escucharlo para realizar un trabajo de la universidad, gran error. Este es un libro para sentarse tranquilo a escuchar y pensar.
El libro te da opciones, te muestra las diferentes realidades, y luego te lleva por un viaje en el que te guía por diferentes futuros.

One of the best books I've come across.

A real gem. A book not withstanding its subtitle, a book uncovering what it means to be human.Not an easy task to undertake. But a task I would say achieved with conspicuous talent.

Interesting

It was interesting and easy to go through, with practical examples and logic ideas. Good read.

Absolutely brilliant, filled by realistic optimism

A book with real potential of changing mindsets. Easy to understand yet deep and thoughtful.