Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The question of human intelligence and its evolution has been brought into sharp focus by the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, but what have we created? Bob Burgin enters the debate with Emergence: How Our Twenty-Watt Brains Unlocked Intelligence Beyond Biology. What differentiates AI is its ability to learn. It is no longer just a tool to carry out programmed instructions. The question becomes in which direction AI could take itself and whether we have already lost control. Will it replace humans, and are checks and balances in place? Our brains are energy efficient, but in contrast, AI consumes vast amounts of electricity. Human brain capacity is limited, while computer chips are evolving rapidly. When connected to the electricity grid and the internet, they have access to electrical power and increased computing potential. It follows that the use of AI will improve productivity and reduce costs. The impact on the job market will be huge, and a working knowledge of AI will be vital for future employees. AI has many benefits in activities such as healthcare. New developments include providing AI with agency (the capacity to act) and brain-computer interfaces.

As a child, Bob Burgin was dyslexic, but a wise teacher guided him to learn in a different way. He continues to be involved with learning in the AI space and is at the forefront of AI development. He reflects that we are still building our relationship with AI as it becomes increasingly available. Emergence adopts a different approach to explaining AI. The author explores practical and ethical issues, including whether AI will prioritize human well-being. Also of concern is that a work environment with reduced human input will result in society becoming a welfare state. The author suggests investment in AI to build personal wealth as a cushion. The transition period will be challenging, and a political shift is needed. The author does not attempt to predict the future, preferring to present the many possibilities in a concise and readable manner that clarifies the issues and dispels misconceptions. He shares some interesting conversations with Claude, his AI partner. He avoids a doomsday scenario and provides hope for the future. This thought-provoking work will appeal to all those wishing to know more about AI or seeking to understand the workings of the brain.