In "Creation," Steve Grand embarks on a fascinating exploration of artificial life and consciousness, combining science, philosophy, and imagination. As he delves into the intricacies of building sentient beings, Grand raises profound questions about the nature of life itself. His narrative is interwoven with personal anecdotes and scientific insights, creating a compelling blend of memoir and manifesto. Readers are invited to ponder: what does it truly mean to create life, and where does the line between creator and creation lie? This thought-provoking work challenges our understanding of intelligence and existence in the modern age.
By Steve Grand
Published: 2001
"In the pursuit of understanding life, we must embrace the mystery of creation itself, for within it lies the key to our own existence."
Mankind now has within its grasp the power to synthesize true artificial life, playing out Dr Frankenstein's dream in both cyberspace and the real world. In this book, Steve Grand, a leading exponent of artificial life, provides the first authoritative and comprehensive tour of the frontiers of this burgeoning new creation. He surveys what has been achieved so far and looks at future possibilities for generating autonomous, intelligent, even conscious living things. The fundamental questions he tackles range widely: what is life? What should the minds, brains and bodies of these new life forms be like? What philosophical guidelines and computational frameworks are necessary? At the heart of this brilliantly accessible and thought-provoking book is the author's unique imaginative vision - a vision based on his experience of making some of the most advanced artificial life currently available.
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“In the pursuit of understanding life, we must embrace the mystery of creation itself, for within it lies the key to our own existence.”
Creation
By Steve Grand
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Steve Grand is an acclaimed author and computer scientist, widely recognized for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and interactive storytelling. He is best known for his novel 'Emma's Eye,' which explores the intersection of technology and human experience, as well as his seminal contributions to the development of virtual pets and autonomous characters in digital environments. Grand's writing often blends elements of science fiction with deep philosophical inquiries, inviting readers to reflect on consciousness, identity, and the evolving relationship between humans and machines. He is a sought-after speaker and has lectured on the implications of AI in society.
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In 'The Coddling of the American Mind,' authors Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt explore the troubling trends of emotional fragility and avoidance of discomfort among today's youth. They argue that overprotection and the decline of critical thinking in education are eroding resilience and fostering divisions. The book delves into the psychological and cultural shifts that have led to this phenomenon, revealing how it impacts free speech and democracy. With compelling anecdotes and rigorous research, the authors challenge readers to reconsider the implications of their parenting and educational choices. A thought-provoking read that raises questions about the future of society and the importance of mental toughness.
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