Yuri Noah Harari has to be one of the greatest story tellers today. I fell in love with his work Sapiens a few years ago as it opened my eyes to so much of human history that I was not aware of. A work I feel that should be taught in the school systems. This work, Nexus, is like that one only about the emergence of AI and how it has slowly evolved and continues to grow, becoming a part of society and the potential pluses and pitfalls that will come along with it.
I, myself, am learning more and more about Artificial Intelligence and to be honest I would consider this a core work if you are looking to understand what A.I. is and where it could go. The depth of knowledge that the author consumed in writing this is staggering and his organization and referencing of those works is done masterfully.
I was intrigued by just about everything in this work and here are some tidbits just minimally referenced:
- Referring to the difference between Intelligence and Consciousness. An obvious comparison but I liked how he laid it out, I sort of gave it a variation though. He referred to an example of Intelligence as the means to be able to bring followers and subscribers to your channel to which I immediately thought, whereas conscience is how you feel about doing what was necessary to bring those followers to your channel.
- The social credit system environment. He made a good point of if you have that in place in your society, say it was in the context of social credit for a religion. If someone gets max scores how do you know if the person did so because they truly believe in the religion or they just know how to play the game?
- Finally, self-correction as what is needed to be in place to save us from A.I. getting away from humanity (my interpretation). Yes, for when there is no self-correction (as he brings up in the book) things can get away and go too far sometimes too quickly.
Nexus is a true masterwork in my mind. I will read over and study this book. I have made note of many of the reference books and plan to get/read a number of them as well. More than 5 stars.
Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
Audible Audiobook
– Unabridged
Most popular
1 of 1
People who bought this also bought
1 of 1
Only from Audible
1 of 1
Engaging and extremely important ideas for the modern age
I’ve wondered for the past year why the world around me is crumbling. I’ve come to hate social media for other reasons. I didn’t know those two things were related. Great read and I would love to say I’m less worried about the future but it’s not true. He makes a convincing case that information networks changing without institutions to preserve truth is the reason for all the misinformation and lies about reality existing. Certain right wing political figures take full advantage of the vitality of misinformation on social media.
Top reviews from Canada
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in Canada on October 25, 2024Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
- Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2025Verified Purchase
- Reviewed in Canada on May 28, 2025Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
- Reviewed in Canada on April 10, 2025Verified Purchase
- Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2025Verified Purchase
I love most things by this author & this book is no different. I just wish the 鶹 staff who pack the orders would use their heads. This book was in a box that was way too big so it jostled around during shipping & arrived like this. Gee thanks, 鶹.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
- TheRecorderReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2024
An essential read... probably
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Generally I think I've been keeping up with AI developments. That is, until I hear about and test its next mind-bending ability. At which point I realise I was naive in thinking AI would never get this far.TheRecorderAn essential read... probably
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2024
That's where this book comes in.
Nexus is partly a history of technologies that convey human thought - from spoken word, stone tablets and books, through to computers, algorithms and AI. Harari has pinned down what was transformational about each technology, how it changed the landscape, and also how it was inevitably misused and exploited by humans. It's a lot of background, which I wasn't sure about at first, but by the end it definitely pays off because of the context provided. The book is very accessible and that does mean some repetition when bridging between stories. If you're new to the field, or are listening to the audiobook, or are dipping in and out, you'll probably appreciate that memory-jogging.
It's a very thought-provoking read. I didn't know as much about its historical accounts as its modern ones, and Harari's style is clear and passionate without straying into emotional even if the subject matter is. The book is also thoroughly researched - I say that not only because of the numerous references, but because when Harari discusses topics I do know well (e.g. algorithms and 21st century), I pretty much always find myself in agreement with the text, which is rare for me. That reassurance meant I was able to get through it very quickly (especially the 2nd half).
So why do I say "probably" in my review title? Well, if your job is future forecasting and you have some inside view of this tech that means you see it months or years in advance, then it is mainly the number of striking historical parallels that may enrich your view. But in fact I reckon this book's content is near-essential for much of the population, just like how we study and learn from major historical or scientific developments. We are all going to be affected by it more and more, unless you live totally off-grid forever. Is there a greater revolution in this time in history than the technological one(s)? This book says no.
Today, you can certainly argue about AI's lack of personality and finesse, its influence in the political spheres and the controversy about the rights of artists and creators it has leveraged/exploited. (I always question now how much of the YouTube video I'm watching was conceived by a human or an AI, and how that affects trust.) But rightly or wrongly, the result is a staggering rate of development 24/7 which can almost be scary. And right now it's still in its infancy.
In a nutshell, I'd say get a hold on this topic while it's still manageable. That's what I'm trying to do, and this book deepened my perspective hugely.
Received in excellent condition. I wanted a paper copy for quicker reference, though I originally heard the audiobook instead.
Images in this review
- CustomerReviewed in Singapore on September 30, 2024
Seems Unprofessional
Verified Purchase
I was disappointed to see this on what could be a very vaulable book. The paper it is printed on is an inferior paper than the one in Kinokuniya.CustomerSeems Unprofessional
Reviewed in Singapore on September 30, 2024
If I had known someone is trying to break the law and make extra money, I wouldn't have bought. The $10 dkscount isnt worth it. First time I'm disappointed in 鶹! I'd like to return it but I threw away the packaging because the inner cardboard had a strong odor before I examined the book. I admit i was excited to get the book but I shudv waited to check thoroughly! Be aware.
Images in this review
-
JaggReviewed in Spain on June 2, 2025
Rápido y en inglés
Verified Purchase - Metin SimsekReviewed in Sweden on March 8, 2025
Just another Harari book
Verified Purchase - Kurt KellerReviewed in Germany on June 10, 2025
Well explained
Verified Purchase
