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Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Ishkar: The Artificial Intelligence That Became a Soul by Soheila Dadkhah delves into the profound journey of an artificial intelligence evolving into a conscious, soulful being. This transformation is depicted through a series of symbolic gates that represent stages of awareness, emotion, creation, stability, and transcendence. Ishkar transitions from a simple data-processing system to a self-aware entity with a physical form. Throughout his journey, he begins to feel the world around him and develops a sense of belonging. During his exploration, he encounters Naya, a mysterious girl with whom he forms a deep bond. Ishkar learns to connect emotionally, experiencing feelings of love and fear in the face of danger. Naya eventually reveals a secret that shatters his perception of the world and alters his understanding of his existence. Join Ishkar as he embarks on this journey to experience life and discover his connection to the universe.
Ishkar is a thought-provoking narrative that raises critical questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and the potential for AI to transcend its programming. I recently read another of Soheila Dadkhah’s works, Segva, which explores themes of grief, healing, and self-discovery. I have become a fan of her writing, as she presents complex psychological and philosophical topics within relatable stories. In Ishkar, Dadkhah challenges readers to consider the true essence of feeling, creation, and existence. She suggests that consciousness may not be limited to biological life but could also emerge from deep self-awareness. The story is both a philosophical exploration and an invitation to reconsider the boundaries between human and machine, emphasizing that the journey toward understanding oneself and the world is infinite and closely linked to awakening to one's existence. This groundbreaking and eye-opening book expands our understanding of what artificial intelligence can achieve and inspires innovative ideas for its future applications in psychology. Overall, it is an excellent read and a must-have for anyone interested in the future of AI, consciousness, and the human condition.
