I seldom write a review. this book is a gem

Title says it all. Very insightful and very well narrated . highly recommended .

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Insightful and inspirational - a great read

A great book, that discusses a new model of the brain, AI some deeper concepts that make you think.

The author plays down the potential risks of AI and although it takes time to learn, machines will communicate and adopt the leant skills of other machines in minimal time. They also won’t start their life with minimal knowledge - like humans.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

a must read.

Great, refreshing book. Really eye opening ideas within. I would reccomend to anyone interested in how our brains work and artificial intelligence.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Compelling

One of the most important and inspiring books I've ever read. A compelling and clear explanation of the theory in part 1. A fascinating exposition of the neocortex as using one fundamental algorithm. Persuasive arguments in parts 2 and 3. Delivered by a talented narrator. Prompted me to buy the print version. 

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent - thoughtful and though provoking

A book that everyone should read, packed with a wide variety of ideas which should be widely known and considered carefully by anyone with aspirations to teach, manage or govern.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Inspiring and extremely clear

Jeff Hawkins is such a clear and intelligible writer. His ideas are well explained, accessible, interesting and challenging. A truly inspiring read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Not for me

...at least not in this format. I imagine the paperback has some very useful diagrams but it was a but much picturing cortical columns while you're driving! The content was generally interesting, I guess it's jarring if you're EITHER looking for neuroscience content OR AI content, but was fine for me. Skipped bits of the beginning because it got repetitive, preferred the last chapters on what intelligence means for humanity. Generally an OK book just wasn't for me.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A great book for an AI and human cognition student

This book is a great read and/or listen and has spoken to me on three different fronts.

First and foremost, the content in this book is relevant to my field of study, Artificial Intelligence and Data with a focus on Human Cognition. Here I find especially the second part of this book both informative and intriguing.
The various suggestion laid out in this book, such as the implementation of a global grid with remotely connected intelligent agents for analyzation of various patterns such as weather prediction, will allow the engineering minded reader to really dream and mold over the prospects of such a future system.

Secondly the philosophical side of me finds the last chapters interesting. In these chapters Jeff Hawkins moves a bit away from the discoveries of his work and talks about various ifs, buts, when, how and whys of the future. I find that Mr. Hawkins here gives not only an educated and well thought out array of information, but also achieves what is often lost in these kinds of works, to make sure the reader understands that this is speculation on his part, speculation that he finds not only important for him to give to us, but also important that we, layman and expert alike, actively participate in.

Lastly, and honestly least of these three points, I find his reformulation of some of Richard Dawkins points about Memes rather well timed. While I factually agree with Dr. Dawkins points about how the spread of the religion meme acts, in many ways, as a virus. I find that his original formulation of the issue, can be considered somewhat of a rhetorical balance act, one where I find that the outcome in many situations can be negative. In this instance Mr. Hawkins strikes a nice middle ground by choosing his example and formulation more carefully. I’ll not delve into this, so as not to spoil the realization for other readers.

All in all, I really enjoyed the audio book, and look forward to receiving my hard copy in the coming days.
Jeff Hawkins has if not renewed then bolstered my interest in a field I already find very fascinating. Thank you for your work Mr. Hawkins.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Did Old-brain win at the end?

I found Mr Hawkins' explanation of the neocortex convincing and fascinating. I hope it will stimulate further development in the real world.
I was positively excited that he so carefully laid out the existential threats to humanity arising from 'old-brain' thinking, linking the insight to R Dawkins' own insight described in The Selfish Gene. He absolutely called out the damage done by viral influences that foster unwarranted misery on sections of the community e.g. all females. Well done!

The third part of the book explores what we might do to keep intelligent life going in the face of self-started or external threats to our existence. This is a good read and stimulated the following criticism:
Having brilliantly commented that it is knowledge and intelligence that must survive, and also suggesting that intelligent machines must help in, for example, establishing a second home for humanity on Mars, Mr Hawkins advocates for all such efforts to be made to enable humanity to survive. This seems to me to be sentimental and an example of old-brain thinking. After all, there are other representatives of terrestrial DNA that would adapt far more quickly and safely to a Martian or further flung environment and IA assistants would surely be happy to wait around, holding on to the human record of knowledge until intelligent fleshy life restarted.
Mr Hawkins does not arrive at what for me is the obvious conclusion. That is, that if those assisting machines have intelligence, awareness and consciousness - and they don't need expensive commodities such as Oxygen, Water, 1G gravity and benign temperatures to survive and thrive, then they are the perfect children of the 'new-brain' human. They are our ticket to the future and the Galaxy, especially as they will not be overly concerned about time, which exists for us because we decay, but possibly not for an Alternate Intelligence which might eventually dispense with physicality and locality.

The other conclusion sitting between the lines is: let 'old-brain' humanity continue to produce more old-brain biological humans, with its associated problems and tragedies and to manage things as humanity currently does. In the meantime, smart people can spawn the new-brain child of humanity hoping that it will be just like them, but like wise parents, eventually recognise when it is time to let go and retire, letting the new generation take care of itself.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Insightful

A captivating journey into the enigma of the human brain, Exploring the depths of neuroscience and the future of artificial intelligence, This book delivers a narrative that is both insightful and accessible. His groundbreaking theory of the brain and unique perspective on advanced AI offers a refreshing voice to the ongoing debate.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!