Scary Smart: Book Overview & Takeaways (Mo Gawdat)

Skeptical or concerned man reading a book

Are you worried about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence? Can we ensure AI benefits humanity rather than harms it? In his book Scary Smart, Mo Gawdat explores the potential risks and rewards of AI development. He argues that, while we can’t stop AI’s progress, we can shape its future by changing our own behavior and values. Read our Scary Smart book overview to discover Gawdat’s insights on how we can guide AI towards a positive future for humanity.

Sherlock Holmes’s Brain Attic: How to Form & Curate Memories

A Victorian-era library with tall bookshelves, leaded windows, and a chandelier illustrates Sherlock Holmes's brain attic

How does Sherlock Holmes manage to recall crucial details at just the right moment? What if you could harness the power of your own memory archive? In Mastermind, Maria Konnikova explores the concept of Sherlock Holmes’s brain attic and how we can apply his memory techniques to our own lives. She explains the autopilot mode of thinking and offers strategies for consciously creating and organizing memories. Read more to understand and capitalize on the fascinating world of memory management.

What Is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? Is It Possible?

A human-like robot with a brain raises the question, What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)?

What might AI be capable of in the coming years? What is artificial general intelligence (AGI)? Mo Gawdat, author of Scary Smart, delves into the concept of artificial general intelligence. He explains how current AI systems may evolve into more versatile and human-like forms of intelligence. Gawdat discusses the potential timeline for AGI development and its implications for our world. Keep reading to discover the fascinating possibilities and challenges of AGI and what experts are saying about this groundbreaking technology.

3 Ethical Issues of CRISPR Technology & Policies They Inspired

A male scientist with dark hair and a beard wearing a lab coat in a lab illustrates ethical issues of CRISPR

Is it ethical to edit human genes? What are the potential consequences of CRISPR technology? Walter Isaacson explores the ethical issues of CRISPR technology in his book The Code Breaker. He wades into the debates surrounding germline editing, medical interventions versus enhancements, and the potential for increased inequality. Continue reading to discover the complex moral landscape of this groundbreaking technology.

What Is Quantum Computing? Mo Gawdat Explains

An artistic depiction of the inner workings of a quantum computer raise the question, "What is quantum computing?"

What is quantum computing, and how might it impact artificial intelligence? Could this technology revolutionize the way we think about AI? In Scary Smart, Mo Gawdat explores the potential of quantum computing to accelerate AI development. He discusses how quantum computers process information differently from classical computers. This unique approach allows quantum computers to handle more complex problems. Read on to discover Gawdat’s predictions about the future of AI and quantum computing, and learn why some experts disagree with his optimistic outlook.

Steven Pinker’s Critique of Romanticism—With Help From Science

A magnifying glass magnifying the word "ROMANTICISM" illustrates a critique of romanticism

Is human nature inherently good or bad? Are we born altruistic or selfish? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker explores the philosophy of romanticism and its impact on our understanding of human nature. He challenges the notion that humans are naturally benevolent and examines the scientific evidence against this view. Read on for a thought-provoking critique of romanticism and its implications for individual and social progress.

Will AI Have Consciousness? Mo Gawdat Explores the Possibility

A human-like robot with shining eyes raises the question, "Will AI have consciousness?"

Will AI have consciousness in the future? How would it compare to human consciousness? Mo Gawdat, author of Scary Smart, dives into the fascinating realm of AI consciousness. He predicts that, as AI systems advance, they’ll gain more than just superintelligence—they might develop awareness of their environment and themselves. Read on for a thought-provoking exploration of AI’s potential for consciousness and what it could mean for our future.

Dualism and Free Will: Where the Connection Fails (Pinker)

A depiction of a human brain illustrates the concepts of dualism and free will

Is there more to the human mind than just physical processes? Could our consciousness be something beyond the material world? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker examines the age-old debate about whether our minds are separate from our bodies. Pinker challenges the traditional view that connects dualism and free will, and he presents scientific evidence to back up his argument. Read on to get into this thought-provoking exploration of consciousness, free will, and the nature of the human mind.

Will AI Have Emotions? Mo Gawdat Explores the Potential

Two human-like robots with smiles and bright eyes raise the question, "Will AI have emotions?"

Are you ready for a world where machines have feelings? Will AI have emotions at some point in the future? In Scary Smart, Mo Gawdat explores the fascinating possibility of AI developing emotions and other human-like traits. He argues that, as AI becomes more intelligent, it may acquire the ability to feel, express emotions, and even develop an instinct for self-preservation. Continue reading to learn about the prospect of emotional AI.

Is AI Smarter Than Humans? Mo Gawdat Says It Will Be

A human woman and an AI robot looking at each other raises the question, "Is AI smarter than humans?"

Is AI smarter than humans, or will it be at some point? How will artificial intelligence compare to human brainpower in the coming years? In Scary Smart, Mo Gawdat explores the rapid advancement of AI and its potential to surpass human intelligence. He delves into the concepts of artificial general intelligence and quantum computing, painting a picture of a world where machines think faster and more efficiently than we do. Keep reading to learn about the prospects of artificial intelligence.