What to Think About Machines that Think

Background

Published in 2015, “What to Think About Machines that Think” is a collection of essays edited by John Brockman in which leading scientists, philosophers, engineers, and writers explore the implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The contributors offer a wide range of perspectives on whether machines that can think will enhance or threaten human civilization, with topics spanning ethics, consciousness, intelligence, creativity, and societal impact. Some essays warn of existential risks while others emphasize the potential for AI to augment human capabilities. The book does not present a unified view but instead encourages readers to grapple with complex, sometimes conflicting ideas about the role of thinking machines in our future.

What to Think About Machines that Think
What to Think About Machines that Think

My Thoughts

This was a very interesting read to hear what we were thinking about machine thinking a decade ago. Oh, how things have changed…

Still, most of the existential fears still exist and are only augmented by the leaps made in recent years by a largely uninformed public. As I write this, we are creating courseware to teach AI concepts to the novice user on a mass scale. This has likely colored my thinking as I was reading through the book.

The benefits are plain and the abilities we are handed on a silver platter are downright amazing. However, it will take nothing away from the simple fact that we, as the users, still need to think. We still need to understand what tool we are using and the repercussions of the use of that tool. To quote Dr. Jordan Peterson when speaking on the subject of man’s ability to be terrible, “Just because we can bite, doesn’t mean that we should.” I feel the same with respect to AI. There will be bullies and victims. There will be fallout from short-sighted endeavors and actions. However, we will have to wrestle with the implications of this new augmentation of our Information Age.

Recommendation

Dated but a great read for comparison

Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI

Background

Published in 2024, “Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI” by Madhumita Murgia explores how artificial intelligence is already shaping lives around the world, often without consent or awareness. Drawing on global case studies, the book examines the social, economic, and political impact of AI systems on ordinary people, particularly those marginalized by race, class, or geography. Murgia highlights how decisions once made by humans, such as hiring, policing, and access to welfare, are increasingly delegated to algorithms, leading to outcomes that can be opaque, biased, and difficult to contest. Through personal stories and investigative reporting, the book reveals how individuals are monitored, categorized, and sometimes harmed by systems designed to optimize efficiency or profit, raising critical questions about accountability and human rights in a digital age.

Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI
Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI

My Thoughts

I’m not really sure what the public sees so I’m not certain if the content was public knowledge or not. I’ve been following this topic pretty closely for years so none of it came as shocking as I believe the author may have expected. There certainly is global inequality in pay and safety. I am fortunate to live in the United States and my quality of life is amazing. That is easily taken for granted, which is why I’m a huge proponent of people traveling, more particularly the young adults.

What I believe was missing from the narrative is, what would have been better for these people? There are several case studies in the book about people who are barely making ends meet and who have been taken advantage of by the evil corporation. Yet, each one of them wants to keep their job. There isn’t a better alternative and while I’m certain they would love to paid more, the fact is they are willing to work for the pay they are offered. Since most of this work gets contracted and subcontracted down to the lower levels, the evil corporation has very little to do with their pay. They could easily double or triple what they pay for the same service and the money would never reach that worker. The middle men will happily take the difference and turn around and ask for more.

I honestly believe we are living at one of the best times in history in terms of human rights and quality of life. However, it isn’t equal. It isn’t fair. I believe it will get better, but it will come slowly over time.

Regardless, these issues need to come to the forefront of our collective consciousness. It is important these stories are told so we can move on to bigger and better. There really is no free lunch so the amazing benefits we reap today had to have come from somewhere.

Recommendation

A little heavy handed but not bad.

Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old

Background

Published in January 14, 2025, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman by Brooke Shields is a memoir in which the actress reflects on entering middle age and challenges prevailing cultural attitudes toward women of her age. Through candid storytelling, Shields explores personal milestones, including her experiences as a child star, her marriage and divorce, health struggles like a grand mal seizure, and her evolving identity as a mother of adult daughters, while weaving in research on ageism, women’s health, and midlife empowerment. She critiques societal invisibility of women over fifty, recounts both intimate and painful events, such as inappropriate remarks from doctors and harassment in Hollywood, and celebrates newfound confidence, autonomy, and perspective.

Brooke Sheilds is Not Allowed to Get Old
Brooke Sheilds is Not Allowed to Get Old

My Thoughts

This book was OK. I’m not really much of a Brooke Shields fan but I was interested in what she had to say. I didn’t know this was her 3rd book, but given the subject matter of the first two, I was glad I started with this one.

Like many child celebrities, she seemed to have a hard childhood full of uncommon and uncomfortable experiences. Her narrative of how she used to be a people pleaser and now just doesn’t care seemed to be a little over the top and I felt like she was trying to persuade herself more than anything. Several of her stories made me want to dig into it more as they felt one sided or possibly misunderstood.

While I have nothing against her and wish her all the success in her ventures, I came away from the book a little less impressed than I was before.

Recommendation

I’d skip this one.

Resolute: How We Humans Keep finding Ways to Beat the Toughest Odds

Background

Published in 2023, Resolute: How We Humans Keep finding Ways to Beat the Toughest Odds by Benjamin Hall is a memoir that follows the author’s recovery after being severely injured in a 2022 missile strike while covering the war in Ukraine as a Fox News correspondent. Building on his earlier account in Saved, this book expands on the physical and emotional challenges he faced after the attack, including the loss of limbs and the deaths of colleagues. Hall shares how acts of bravery, sacrifice, and support from family, military personnel, and medical teams helped him fight to return home and rebuild his life. The narrative underscores the enduring human capacity to persist through extreme adversity.

Resolute

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the book. I honestly haven’t heard the story so I was able to hear it from the author’s perspective without preconceived notions. Much of what he went through was horrendous, but the take away message was clear. If you have the right attitude, you can get through just about anything.

Hall used terms that really resonate with me, like post traumatic growth and just plain having a positive mindset. I have witnessed so many people become derailed at the first speed bump in their lives and others that seem to sail over just about anything to get to their goal. I’d much rather be one of the latter.

Recommendation

Great book and worth the read.

Co-Intelligence Living and Working wIth AI

Background

Published in 2023, Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick explores how artificial intelligence, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, is reshaping the way people learn, work, and create. Mollick, a Wharton professor, argues that AI is not just a tool to be programmed but a form of “co-intelligence” to collaborate with. The book outlines how individuals and organizations can engage with AI by experimenting directly with it, treating it as a creative and thinking partner rather than a traditional machine. He emphasizes a hands-on approach, encouraging readers to integrate AI into decision-making, writing, and problem-solving processes. The work also highlights the risks of misinformation and over-reliance, suggesting that human oversight and ethical considerations are necessary to use AI effectively.

Co-Intelligence Living and Working wIth AI
Co-Intelligence Living and Working wIth AI

My Thoughts

Much has discussion of AI has been swirling around my work as of late and this book was recommended by a coworker.

This was a really good book and very timely for me professionally. We are creating a distance education course on this topic and it gave me quite a bit to think about. In fact, I kept having to put the book down to write another note about something I wanted to try.

Recommendation

Great quick read! (Just over 200 pages.) It is worth your time to know more about AI.

Anne of Avonlea

Background

Published in 1909, Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery follows Anne Shirley as she begins her new role as a teacher at Avonlea’s local school while still living at Green Gables. At sixteen, Anne is determined to prove herself in her new position, facing both the challenges of instructing students and the expectations of her community. Alongside her teaching duties, Anne becomes involved in various civic efforts, including helping form the Avonlea Village Improvement Society. The story also introduces new characters, such as the mischievous twins Davy and Dora, whom Marilla adopts, and Anne’s deepening relationships with familiar figures like Gilbert Blythe and Diana Barry. As Anne navigates these new experiences, she continues to mature, learning from both triumphs and setbacks as she grows into adulthood.

Anne of Avonlea
Anne of Avonlea

My Thoughts

I didn’t like this one as much as Anne of Green Gables. Montgomery tried to keep the childlike feeling of the first, but it just didn’t quite come through. I think it may be that there were really three characters who had the same “imagination” as the original. (Anne, Paul, and Ms. Lavender.)

I was mostly bored through the book as it became a little formulaic. I doubt I will read any of the other Anne stories.

Recommendation

Not worth it. Leave off at the first book in the series.

Anne of Green Gables

Background

Published in June 1908, “Anne of Green Gables” follows Anne Shirley, an orphan mistakenly sent to siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island. Anne’s imagination leads her into mishaps and unexpected friendships at school and in the village, where local customs and expectations challenge her. As she navigates these experiences, Anne learns to adapt to her circumstances, form bonds with neighbors, and establish a sense of belonging.

Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables

My Thoughts

Though I’ve never watched it intentionally, simply by virtue of walking past our TV growing up, I believe I’ve seen the 1985 adaptation of this book several times. (All 3 hours of it.) My mother and sisters loved this movie and it was on frequently in my home. Needless to say, I didn’t think very much of it at the time.

However, time passes and the book was available. I wanted something different than the last run of David Baldacci books and this was certainly different.

I didn’t expect that I would like it as much as I did. Perhaps it’s the fact that I’ve raised a daughter or perhaps a little sentimental in my advancing years. Or maybe it is simply that I married a red head and believe she was very similar to Anne growing up. Either way, I enjoyed the book.

The book itself reads well for almost 120 years old. There are some phrases that would likely offend people today but no malice was intended. (They are Canadian after all!) The plot holds many moral lessons and opportunities for forgiveness and redemption in several characters.

I wasn’t fond of the ending, but it was left wide open for the sequel.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. I don’t know that I will read it again but it was a good read.

Mercy

Background

Published in 2021, Mercy by David Baldacci continues the story of FBI agent Atlee Pine as she closes in on the truth about her long-lost twin sister, Mercy, who was abducted when they were six years old. After uncovering clues in previous investigations, Atlee tracks Mercy’s possible fate to a remote town where she discovers a facility hiding disturbing secrets and a conspiracy involving a powerful family. The novel alternates between Atlee’s search and Mercy’s own experiences after years of captivity and escape, bringing both narratives together as the sisters confront the people responsible and uncover the truth about their past.

Mercy
Mercy

My Thoughts

It’s over! I’m very thankful I can now move on to other stories without the whining of Atlee Pine. I was pleasantly surprised that this book wasn’t quite as bad as the last couple in the series. While still over the top and and fairly unbelievable, the book did tie up the loose ends. I appreciate that in a series. Of course, I would expect Atlee and now Mercy to make their cameos in books going forward.

Recommendation

If you’ve read the other books in the series, this one is a must. However, if you are considering the series, skip this one.

Daylight

Background

Published in 2020, Daylight by David Baldacci continues the story of FBI agent Atlee Pine as she pursues the mystery of her twin sister’s abduction decades earlier. During her investigation, she crosses paths with John Puller, a military investigator probing a case involving drug trafficking and organized crime. Their separate missions become entangled when they discover overlapping leads tied to powerful political and criminal forces. As they delve deeper, the two confront dangerous adversaries and long-buried secrets, ultimately forcing Pine to reckon with disturbing revelations about her past and those connected to it.

Daylight
Daylight

So I had higher hopes for this book. It was full of ridiculous whining and improbable things happening. Everything in the story is motivated by Atlee’s sister’s disappearance when she was 6. She uses the story to one-up everyone she meets and as permission to do whatever she wants. Perhaps I read this too soon after that terrible book by Glennon Doyle, but I have a hard time thinking David Baldacci actually wrote this trash.

Oh well, on to the last book in the series.

Recommendation

Don’t read it. Get out while you can!

Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth

Background

Published in 2022, Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth by Joseph E. Davis examines how the idea that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance—specifically low serotonin—became widely accepted despite limited scientific evidence. The book traces the origins of the serotonin theory, its adoption by the pharmaceutical industry, and its persistence in public understanding through advertising and medical practice. Davis argues that this narrative shaped not only psychiatric treatment but also cultural perceptions of mental health and selfhood. He also explores the consequences of framing complex emotional and social problems as biological disorders, and how this framing influenced the expectations and experiences of those diagnosed and treated under this model.

Chemically Imbalanced The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth
Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth

My Thoughts

We live in a capitalist system and there is so much money to be made in the pharmaceutical industry. It seems more and more people are asking tough questions and taking a closer look at the studies that our assumptions are based on. Given all that we know about the lies about the opioids that are coming out right and left, we shouldn’t be too surprised that they might have lied about mental illness being a chemical problem that could be fixed with a pill.

Honestly, I feel like most people already knew antidepressants were about as effective as placebos. That’s not a great selling point. Particularly when the logistics of a patient getting prescribed these medications involve months of changing around the dosages and moving from drug to drug trying to find something that works.

I love they updated to the DSM to include clinical judgment in 2022 rather than simply diagnosing everyone that is sad as “Depressed” even after a significant life event. It would make sense that a person would exhibit depressive symptoms following the death of their spouse or being fired from their job. What doesn’t make sense is to give them chemicals to change the functioning of their brain. But, that’s what we as a society decided to do.

In short, I’m all in for informed decisions. Let’s have a conversation about how these drugs actually work and the likelyhood of their success. I’m on the side that these drugs aren’t worth the side effects. However, that was my opinion before reading the book.

Recommendation

Not a bad read. However, the author comes off as a little defensive.