Path to Singularity

Reviews / Votes

Wheeler takes the reader on an expansive exploration of the intersection of technology and humanity, and avoids Bohr's dilemma that "it is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future." Rather, Wheeler prepares the reader to be aware of the rapid changes that are now on-going, leading the reader to understand that it would be unwise not to think about this future. A highly informative and unsettling book. -- Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics, former Vice Chancellor of the Australian National University This fine book is timely and should be widely read. Advanced technology- bio, cyber and AI-can be our salvation; it can also trigger devastation that cascades globally. The footprint of the world's growing and more demanding population could change the climate and devastate our environment. It's crucial that all citizens, mindful of these global dangers, campaign to ensure a safer world. This comprehensive, clear and authoritative book is just what's needed to raise awareness of these issues. -- Martin Rees, UK Astronomer Royal, author of If Science is to Save Us and On the Future: Prospects for Humanity By the nature of the job, astronomers think big thoughts about immense spans of space and time. J. Craig Wheeler, one of the top astronomers of his generation, thinks big thoughts about everything, with deep insight and crystal clarity. It's all on display in this wonderfully wide-ranging and terrifically accessible book about science, technology, and the future of humanity. Everybody should read it! -- John P. Holdren, Harvard University, Science Advisor to President Obama 2009-2017 Dr. Craig Wheeler explores the boundless potential and peril of exponentially advancing technologies including computers, AI, robotics, EVs, gene editing, spaceflight, and more in an approachable and compelling way to educate, caution, and inspire. Drawing on decades of scientific and technological expertise, Wheeler navigates the complex landscape of progress, revealing both the opportunities and the dangers that lie ahead. This timely and essential book empowers readers to grasp the intricacies of our rapidly evolving world and become proactive participants in shaping our future. -- Jay Boisseau, PhD, Executive Director of the Austin Forum on Technology and Society Accessible to the casual reader and deeply engaging for the expert, Craig Wheeler marvelously captures the knowledge tsunami that has led to modern robotics and AI and the ways they will exponentially transform our society. The Path to Singularity gives entree into the mind of scientists and roboticists as we grapple with these new emerging forms of intelligence. Through its coverage of the essential history, insights, and questions of AI, this book is sure to become required reading for my students. I can think of no better book to give students the exponential mindset needed to think beyond the ideas of right now and understand the space of possible futures that will have far-reaching societal impact. -- Chad Jenkins, Professor of Robotics and of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and leader of the Laboratory for Progress (Perceptive Robotics and Grounded Reasoning SystemS) at the University of Michigan