"Material World" is a captivating exploration of the hidden intricacies underpinning modern existence. The book masterfully weaves together engaging s"Material World" is a captivating exploration of the hidden intricacies underpinning modern existence. The book masterfully weaves together engaging stories, meticulous research, and thought-provoking insights. Each chapter brims with fascinating details and learning opportunities.
The biggest contributor, more than all the facts, is the author’s narrative style. He masterfully balances complex topics with a flowing narrative that makes even the most seemingly mundane subjects readable. Of course, the book is a treasure trove of information, shedding light on aspects of our daily lives that we often take for granted. The author’s impact is in ensuring that the readers walk away understanding the importance of his subject matters, which are often overlooked in the world dominated by secondary and tertiary sectors.
From global supply chains to rare earth metals, from remote mines to high-tech factories, the book is a wild exploration. One can marvel at the complexity of the material and processes that support our comfortable existence or worry over its extreme fragility. For isolationists, it is a lesson in the world’s interconnectedness while for those from service and other modern industries, it is a treatise on the importance of the “hardware”.
The author has to be lauded for his knowledge and the research. The book is also a standout because of the author’s travels to rarely discussed places and stories from the ground. This adds to the talent for storytelling.
A remarkable work that is as enlightening as it is engaging....more
The Knight series, captivating in the first installment, struggles to maintain its momentum with the compelling backstory fully known, which was instrThe Knight series, captivating in the first installment, struggles to maintain its momentum with the compelling backstory fully known, which was instrumental in the previous book's success. The sequel struggles to find its own foothold.
The protagonist is now a powerful aristocrat; earlier, her transformation from an oppressed underdog to the seat of power was both justified and engaging. She now presents a super-wealthy, batman-like figure, which is fine, but she is still trying hard to seek empathy from the reader.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to mining the previous installment for residual plot points and character development. This approach not only proves largely ineffective but also hinders the introduction and exploration of fresh narrative angles. The central action and suspense elements of the plot, while present, are too straightforward to fully showcase the protagonist's skills and resources.
In an attempt to create tension, the author positions the antagonists as mysteriously more powerful than the Tribe. However, this setup falls flat, lacking credibility in both its build-up and resolution.
In this latest offering, the renowned futurist revisits his groundbreaking concept of technological singularity. However, the eagerly anticipated updaIn this latest offering, the renowned futurist revisits his groundbreaking concept of technological singularity. However, the eagerly anticipated update to the nearly 20-year-old seminal work falls short of expectations over and above the revised date when he expects Singularity to arrive. Instead, the book feels hastily assembled. Absolutely, the new date – before the end of this decade – will likely make this book a must-read piece of work for many, but it is likely that most, like this reviewer, will walk away not much smarter.
The book's primary shortcoming is its lack of fresh insights. Rather than delving deeper into the evolving landscape of technology and its implications for the singularity, it rehashes familiar territory. The author misses a golden opportunity to provide better justifications for why he expects machines to be better than humans in almost all aspects by 2029 and not 2045. More importantly, the book fails to discuss the implications of machines working on themselves.
At the least, the update book should have re-examined the core concepts of singularity in light of the vast amount of new information available since the original publication. A glaring omission is the lack of discussion on recent technological breakthroughs. The book overlooks innovations in mobile telephony and social media that were not expected in the first work, which is perhaps ok, but also highly topic-relevant developments in deep tech. Notably absent is any meaningful exploration of neural networks, including RNNs, CNNs, and the game-changing advent of transformer and post-transformer technologies. These advancements have profound implications for machine intelligence, intentionality, and purpose-driven AI – topics that are supposed to be what the book is all about. Instead, the book veers into well-trodden territory, offering a broad overview of technological progress over centuries and projecting exponential growth into the future—a topic extensively covered in numerous other books, TED Talks, and industry reports.
A significant portion of the book is devoted to societal progress, summarizing work better articulated by other authors like Steven Pinker. While interesting, the author's optimism about technology's impact on employment and his speculations about future innovations across various fields don't offer much novelty either.
On the positive side, the author's unwavering optimism and recounting of technological advancements do provide some valuable insights. His ability to picture potential future developments across various sectors is commendable, even if not groundbreaking.
Overall, the book may become the book of the season for most readers, but it serves more as a general recap of well-covered subjects than a pioneering work like its predecessor.
"The Idea of Brain" is superficially a comprehensive journey through the history of neuroscience, chronicling our evolving understanding of the brain'"The Idea of Brain" is superficially a comprehensive journey through the history of neuroscience, chronicling our evolving understanding of the brain's functions and structures. While the book offers a wealth of information and historical context, it leaves the reader with nearly no answers about the nature of human cognition, which is more a function of where the field is and not necessarily any fault of the author. Every early theory is comprehensively debunked, which raises the point of the value of learning about them. The author keeps the tales of misconceptions engaging, but that cannot remove the questions on the utility of such knowledge.
The author masterfully navigates through the annals of Western philosophy, the Renaissance, and the scientific discoveries of the Enlightenment, illustrating how these periods influenced our thoughts on brain function. For instance, early theories likened the brain to a hydraulic system, influenced by the mechanical inventions of the time. This analogy, while imaginative, was eventually proven wrong as our understanding deepened. Similarly, the concept of the brain as a telegraph system in the 19th century was another compelling yet incorrect metaphor. Of course, we now want to learn about brains working through the knowledge of neural nets. The odds are against us, even if we can create machineries that rival natural neural nets across abilities.
The author also weaves together insights from philosophy, biology, psychology, and technology to illustrate how conceptions have changed over centuries. Even through what turned out to be false, one does get occasional good insights. For example, the idea of a strictly localized language center (Broca's area) was eliminated to give way to a more nuanced understanding of distributed language processing across the brain.
Apart from Aristotle, Descartes, and Darwin, one encounters the ideas of Freud and Jung—more interesting, even if equally incorrect. Anything one has read as a simple explanation—like the amygdala as the center of fear processing or the left brain for logic—is shown as wrong.
Advancements like functional MRI or fMRI meet the same fate. The early enthusiasm for fMRI studies has been tempered by recognizing their limitations in precisely localizing cognitive functions. Even where fMRI can show where brain activity occurs, it cannot explain how these regions contribute to specific cognitive functions.
The author appears ambivalent about whether brain functions can ever be explained in human languages. He is mostly sympathetic and hopeful with those who believe there is much to learn without learning about the detailed neuronal activities. To this reviewer, the mere existence of the vast number of neurons and their intricate connections underscores why reductionist approaches to explaining cognition will almost always fall short. The recent advances in neuroimaging, such as those from projects like the Human Connectome Project, almost prove the staggering complexity and dynamic nature. They underscore how any reductive effort, even partially to explain any brain function, will prove futile.
In other words, evolution has equipped us with a brain featuring tens of billions of neurons. If one reposes complete faith in evolutionary forces, it suggests that more straightforward, more structured explanatory models will likely be insufficient for the cognitive demands placed on our species.
In conclusion, if one is comfortable not having any definitive answers about the nature of cognition, the book is a good read about everything the brain is not. In fact, it is a masterpiece for those who want to debate any assertive claim made by anyone on any aspect of cognition.
"Birnam Wood" attempts to blend eco-activism with the thriller genre. The novel has promise but ultimately falls short due to a prolonged build-up and"Birnam Wood" attempts to blend eco-activism with the thriller genre. The novel has promise but ultimately falls short due to a prolonged build-up and a perplexingly abrupt climax.
The novel's pacing is perhaps its most significant flaw. The author spends an inordinate amount of time having her characters’ interactions and backstories that feel meandering with only a few having implications later. The pace also works against the story's momentum. Somehow, it also takes the sting out of the villainy – in partially humanizing him or building a suspense around his motives, the author also makes the villain almost powerless compared to the resources at disposal.
The climax, contrastingly, is diminished by the abruptness with which it concludes. Like this! ...more
A good thriller that is in two parts in all sorts of ways. The Before part sears in one’s memories. The author creates a shocking set of events while A good thriller that is in two parts in all sorts of ways. The Before part sears in one’s memories. The author creates a shocking set of events while also keeping the story moving forward. The After part action is ordinary and with set pieces that are just too convenient. Overall, it's a good read, even if only in half!...more
“Determined” by Robert Sapolsky could have been a thought-provoking exploration of the age-old question of free will had its implications not gone too“Determined” by Robert Sapolsky could have been a thought-provoking exploration of the age-old question of free will had its implications not gone too extreme for the criminal justice system. For some part, the book’s approach is grounded in neuroscience and evolutionary biology, offering a scientific perspective on the long-standing mind-body problem and the nature of consciousness. However, the author’s ad hoc extensions into the moral realms jangle because of the deep logical flaws (even if one agrees with the conclusions).
In the first part, the author adeptly navigates the complexities of the brain, illustrating how many factors, including genetics, environment, and biochemical processes influence our choices and behaviors. He convincingly argues that scientific evidence does not support the notion of a separate, non-material "self" or "soul" that supposedly drives our actions. Instead, he presents a compelling case that our decisions and behaviors result from intricate neuronal interactions and chemical processes within the brain.
The book does well in concluding how factors beyond our conscious control largely predetermine choices we make. The arguments are not original and are better made in many other works, but the author also does well in covering various grounds. The book offers a wealth of empirical evidence and real-world examples. The writing is neither as scholarly nor as entertaining as the best one reads in popular literature with conclusions original only for the uninitiated, but overall, even the well-read on the subject will find the breadth covered impressive.
Unfortunately, all of these lead the book to question the validity of traditional notions of accountability and punishment within the criminal justice system. This is where arguments veer into the territory of excessive reductionism, where the author applies principles derived from the micro-scale of neuroscience to macro-scale moral and ethical frameworks.
In one of the earlier sections, the author proves that rules of one domain (in his case, quantum indeterminacy) cannot explain emergent properties of a higher domain (in his example, any supposed indeterminism of our neuronal behavior). For complex systems, the reverse is also true. Effectively, the author who relies on strong reasons should not have used micro-scale neuroscience conclusions on free will to macro-scale moral and ethical frameworks where free will has a different meaning. In other words, the book dismisses the possibility of higher-order ethical frameworks that cannot be solely reduced to their biological underpinnings despite using precisely the same framework all through to describe our behavior for its own conclusions.
There are other contradictions in arguments that want the justice system policymakers to focus on the violators’ inability to really choose what they did. If, as the author contends, we are all devoid of free will, then those tasked with reforming the justice system are equally constrained by deterministic forces. This logical inconsistency undermines any normative conclusions from purely descriptive premises.
Ultimately, "Determined" serves as a cautionary tale for overzealous reductionism; while intellectually stimulating, it also demonstrates the perils of extrapolating scientific findings into realms where they may not neatly apply. Take a different example: the universe will eventually end. This can be used, if one intends to, to render any action meaningless in a nihilistic leap. Just as one wouldn't console a grieving person by reminding them of the inevitable mortality, we cannot use the universe's deterministic nature – assuming true - to excuse inaction or apathy in the face of pressing moral and ethical challenges. The scientific pursuit of truth is invaluable, but it must be tempered with recognizing the complex, emergent phenomena that shape our lives and give them meaning.
By the fourth episode of the Harriett Gordon series, Terror in Topaz offers fewer charms due to its colonial Malaya backdrop. Readers may find themselBy the fourth episode of the Harriett Gordon series, Terror in Topaz offers fewer charms due to its colonial Malaya backdrop. Readers may find themselves less captivated by the romanticized depiction of the aristocratic class, and the efforts to address racial stereotypes feel contrived and superficial. The author goes to great lengths to transport the entire cast to Kuala Lumpur, but the coincidences that bring them back together and have them working collaboratively strain credulity.
The contortions required to maintain the old storylines and conveniently adjust the settings to accommodate the lead character's involvement make the narrative feel increasingly artificial and forced. Furthermore, the central murder mystery itself lacks originality, having been explored in greater depth and with more vivid descriptions in other works. The loss of freshness and the transparent devices employed to keep the leads intact are inadequately compensated by any novel elements introduced by the new societal backdrop....more
Christopher Buckley's 1994 satire is clever and biting while taking aim at the spin doctors and corporate apologists of the tobacco industry. However,Christopher Buckley's 1994 satire is clever and biting while taking aim at the spin doctors and corporate apologists of the tobacco industry. However, the book's central premise - the behind-the-scenes story of a charismatic lobbyist selling a deadly product - ends up feeling a bit too familiar three decades later.
The writing is sharp and the novel is brimming with quotable zingers skewering the mercenary mentality of Big Tobacco's PR machine. Yet for all its wry wit and trenchant social commentary, the book treads very well-worn ground in its depiction of soulless corporate hucksters.
The Biggest Ideas in the Universe by Sean Carroll is a colossal letdown for anyone seeking an accessible exploration of the profound concepts it promiThe Biggest Ideas in the Universe by Sean Carroll is a colossal letdown for anyone seeking an accessible exploration of the profound concepts it promises to unveil. Marketed as a gateway to comprehending the deepest mysteries of the cosmos, the book is instead a dense, impenetrable thicket of esoteric jargon and mathematical formalism, utterly impervious to the uninitiated.
Right from the start, the book’s style is a jarring departure from the engaging, clear exposition one anticipates from the author (who is a personal favorite of this reviewer). The chapters resemble a collection of advanced physics lectures, filled with complex equations and their explanations. It's almost as if the book is addressing a seminar of doctoral candidates rather than the inquisitive lay reader.
Take, for example, the discussions of quantum field theories (QED and QCD). Instead of shedding light on the fundamental concepts through relatable analogies and thought experiments, the book primarily presents sets of differential equations and tensor calculus. While these formalisms may be essential for the practicing physicist, they are not the material a book like this should be presenting to its readers.
The audio format, in particular, is a disaster. Navigating dense equations in audio form is a frustrating experience, and the publisher should have never allowed it. Even without the audio, the book is a textbook only suitable for students or experts who can decipher complex math and dedicate significant time and effort to deciphering the material. Multiple readings, cross-referencing, and outside resources are required to grasp the intricacies. This reviewer is incapable of rating the book if it were course material. ...more
The Echo of Old Books begins with an intriguing structure of multiple timelines and parallel viewpoints. The initial chapters provide an engrossing reThe Echo of Old Books begins with an intriguing structure of multiple timelines and parallel viewpoints. The initial chapters provide an engrossing reading experience, along with a few unexpected twists to create a good build-up.
However, as the story unfolds, the initial promise starts to meander predictably, ultimately settling into the well-trodden path of a typical romantic story roiled by preventable miscommunications. Worse, as the story stretches on, the premise becomes less and less believable and characters less relatable. The more their stories are explored, the more their actions and motivations seem contrived to move towards the same old finale....more
Anil Seth's "Being You" is a triumph of lucid scientific writing. He tackles the age-old question of consciousness with clarity and a refreshing direcAnil Seth's "Being You" is a triumph of lucid scientific writing. He tackles the age-old question of consciousness with clarity and a refreshing directness. Unlike many academics, Seth doesn't shy away from providing conclusions, albeit tentative ones, which makes the book both thought-provoking and accessible to a wider audience.
The author’s central thesis - that our conscious experience is a kind of "controlled hallucination" constructed by our brains - is novel, even if not immediately intuitive. The framework rests on the theory of Predictive Processing, which posits that our brains are constantly generating predictions about the world based on prior experiences and incoming sensory data. Consciousness, as per this theory, arises from the brain's efforts to minimize "free energy," the discrepancy between its predictions and the actual sensory input. In essence, we are continuously striving to make sense of the world by refining our internal model of reality.
While this approach is more grounded in objective, measurable phenomena than, say, Integrated Information Theory, it ultimately falls prey to the same unfalsifiable claims. The very concept of "free energy" hinges on elusive notions of "predictions" and "expectations" that are inherently subjective and difficult to quantify. How do we accurately measure the gap between prediction and reality within the brain? Without a concrete means of measuring these variables, Predictive Processing, despite its elegance, risks becoming another subjective explanation with limited practical utility.
Furthermore, as our understanding of the brain advances, with increasingly sophisticated neural mapping techniques, any single-measure definition of consciousness is likely to fall short. We will inevitably face a future where machines surpass any predetermined threshold we set for consciousness, rendering our definitions unacceptable to everyone who would want to keep humanity as something unique. As we delve deeper into the intricate signal-processing mechanisms of the brain, theoretical frameworks like Predictive Processing will face mounting challenges, with each new discovery potentially exposing flaws in their assumptions.
Ultimately, our psychological need for a fixed definition of consciousness - something to cling to as machines outpace us in cognitive abilities, just as they did in physical prowess - may force us to keep shifting the definition to ensure we keep calling ourselves superior. ...more
“Close to Death” is a gripping whodunit that keeps readers hooked not as much through the central mystery as through the engaging characters, fast-pac“Close to Death” is a gripping whodunit that keeps readers hooked not as much through the central mystery as through the engaging characters, fast-paced narrative, and the author’s superb storytelling skills. The novel deftly balances character backstories with a rapid series of tense events and shifting suspicions.
What truly sets this book apart is its masterful writing and ability to insert the author himself as an underdog character (a feature through the series) that readers can't help but root for. The novel has a delightfully meta quality as the author's fictional self gets entangled in the investigation. The master children’s book writer has a talent for blending humor and suspense, which takes the form of charming, self-deprecating that undercuts the tension with welcome levity. Yet he's also able to ratchet up the stakes with tangible feelings of danger and high-stakes intrigue. This personal involvement lends the story a wonderful Sherlockian, first-person writing flair.
The central mystery is not bad, even though not something that would really surprise too many. The joy of the book is not in its mystery parts....more
The idealism and zeal exemplified by Adrian Hong are, arguably, exactly what the world needs, especially when prevailing attitudes are overly logical The idealism and zeal exemplified by Adrian Hong are, arguably, exactly what the world needs, especially when prevailing attitudes are overly logical and patient. However, the very naivety that fuels their purpose can also pose significant risks, not only to themselves but also to others, as they pursue their ambitious goals. "The Rebel in the Kingdom" masterfully explores this double-edged sword of passion and peril.
The book inspires hope and simultaneously highlights the dire circumstances faced by certain societal segments, often ignored by most of us. Through a narrative that meticulously details the efforts and failures of a small, determined group, the author captures the tragic yet hopeful essence of their journey. This saga, marked by both profound despair and a glimmer of optimism, makes "The Rebel in the Kingdom" a compelling read....more
Sean Carroll's course on quantum mechanics from The Great Courses is genuinely extraordinary. He explains complex topics with amazing clarity, providiSean Carroll's course on quantum mechanics from The Great Courses is genuinely extraordinary. He explains complex topics with amazing clarity, providing a definitive yet balanced view that primarily champions the many-worlds interpretation (MWI) while giving fair treatment to other interpretations. As in all his works, the professor’s passion for MWI shines through, making a compelling case for its elegance and explanatory power. The best parts are the sections on alternative theories, presented fairly and adequately.
While I deeply enjoy the MWI defense, I find myself drawn to alternative explanations that might resolve the mysteries of the quantum realm without needing a constantly multiplying multitude of universes. My current line of thought is admittedly speculative and without any technical rigor – but at least something that sits better with me is the rest of this review as my takeaways. It relies on the often-overlooked concept of “recoherence” and its implications for our understanding of quantum phenomena.
My view effectively focuses on the dynamic interplay of decoherence and recoherence. Imagine fundamental particles possessing intrinsic properties, such as spin, represented by a "fuzzy pin." This pin has a definite orientation along one axis, signifying a decohered state for that specific property, while remaining fuzzy and indeterminate in all other directions—a superposition of possibilities waiting to be realized.
This fuzzy pin persists in its state until an "interaction" occurs, causing a perturbation that disrupts its current orientation and establishes a new axis of decoherence. Imagine a gentle nudge causing the pin to tilt, changing its alignment axis while the fuzziness now encompasses the previously definite direction. This dynamic process reflects the ever-evolving nature of quantum systems as they interact with their environment.
The crucial question then becomes: what triggers this "interaction" and subsequent shift in decoherence? Two main possibilities emerge:
a) Collective Influence: Similar to the pilot wave theory, the combined force of nearby wave functions, particularly within macroscopic objects where countless particles interact, creates a perturbation that nudges the fuzzy pin onto a new axis. This collective "push" from the environment influences the particle's state, causing it to decohere along a specific direction based on the net effect of surrounding influences.
b) Localized Interactions: Alternatively, the perturbation could arise from individual interactions between particles when they come within a highly close proximity, almost colliding. This suggests that decoherence is a more localized phenomenon occurring at the micro-level during close encounters between particles. The probability of such close encounters increases significantly within macroscopic objects due to the sheer number of particles involved, leading to a higher likelihood of decoherence along a specific axis relevant to the measurement context.
This refined perspective aligns with elements of both pilot wave theory and other interpretations that emphasize the role of interactions in shaping quantum behavior. It suggests that decoherence is not a one-time event but rather a dynamic process where particles continuously shift between definite and indeterminate states based on their interactions with the environment. The fuzzy pin analogy captures this fluidity, with its axis of decoherence constantly adapting to the influences it encounters.
This interpretation, which ties with what we observe in sciences elsewhere, is not just a mere speculation. It may contain hidden variables or sub-theories, or alternatively, it could be one that should be falsifiable fairly quickly in all various forms, providing a solid foundation for further exploration.
Back to the course, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field. ...more
"A Calamity of Souls" by David Baldacci is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the heart of racial injustice in the 1960s U"A Calamity of Souls" by David Baldacci is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves deep into the heart of racial injustice in the 1960s United States. The novel is a powerful exploration of the complexities of race relations and the legal system during a time of great social upheaval.
The book shows how Mr. Baldacci can be far more than just a regular potboiler writer (and this reviewer loves him for that, too). What makes it stand out is the author’s ability to tell a story that, while not at all new, feels so lovable, moving, and relevant. As always, the writing is engaging and thought-provoking, but this time drawing readers into the world of 1960s Virginia and the struggle for racial justice. The characters are well-developed with their own personal histories; they may be largely one-dimensional, but the author has a way of throwing a few surprises for a handful of them with the side tales.
Of course, the author is not known for his courtroom dramas. Here, too, he takes upon something that is mastered by some great writers and in a field where finding anything new is not for the novice. The author still comes up with the Trumps through the ways in which he uses a series of small victories, uplifting legal debate moments, and minor mysteries to keep his underdogs going and the readers warm.
In raising important questions about racial justice and the role of the legal system in perpetuating inequality, the book is bound to win the hearts of most, particularly when dealing with difficult topics is not what one expects in the author’s books. With his star power, Baldacci has the ability to take these issues to a far wider audience.
Overall, the story – which will always remind readers of other works or tv shows - moves beautifully, with great characters and intriguing events to create a highly readable, thoughtful legal, crime, suspense drama. ...more
The book, with the predictable plot, is a long waiting game for something to happen. During those endless pages, one comes across a host of politicallThe book, with the predictable plot, is a long waiting game for something to happen. During those endless pages, one comes across a host of politically-tinted events that are surely not going to sit well with people from different political domains. The badly-drawn characters draw little sympathy while the plot turns ever more ludicrous in the name of science. Even the climax fails to provide any thrills....more
I am going to have fun poking holes at all the so re-used, cheesy, tacky and movie-driven formulas deployed in the book. But remember that my rating iI am going to have fun poking holes at all the so re-used, cheesy, tacky and movie-driven formulas deployed in the book. But remember that my rating is five stars and that's simply because of the big mystery and important, invaluable things one learns from it.
a. The worst of the DVC rip-offs are from Mr Brown himself. And this book is at the shameless extreme. Another loner killer (thankfully not an albino) from a sect thoroughly vilified. Another historic city with museums and churches to go through in one night with codes to be broken from Blake this time. A similar damsel in tow. The police and influential people playing their roles similar to those in the previous books amid all the set pieces. Coincidences and last-minute escapes are mirror images of many in DVC and its other "copies" (ie, the other Langdon novels). b. The author is almost amateurish in the way he tries to build up the big suspense multiple times. He goes on and on for a few chapters in the first attempt even when he makes it almost fully known in advance that the secret was not coming out then. Towards the middle, the protagonists almost have the "key" and are required to re-start through a laughable "drop". The same stretched preamble is repeated again at the time of the revelation. c. An irrelevant (possibly irreverent too) and purposeless royal family side-story is created to create an illusion of certain villains and to provide the protagonists with enormous resources like helicopters etc when needed. d. One does not have to be a Sherlock to figure out almost as early as in the first third of the book who is going to turn out to be the master perpetrator. e. And the way the book is written, one almost visualises Tom Hanks all the time.
Despite these big flaws, the story keeps the readers engaged. What makes the book extraordinary is the big secret at the end. For those who are not exposed to the increasingly extensive work on technology evolution, the author masterfully explains where the humanity is potentially headed. This section is well chosen as the core topic, as something the most important to humanity. The hypothesis on where we came from too is interesting.
For those who have read Kutzwell, Harari etc, the big revelation here will be a bit of a dud but the author has written a novel that will likely raise the singularity awareness far more than anybody else so far. It is also being imparted in the capsules coated by Hanks/DVC sequences.
Merged review:
I am going to have fun poking holes at all the so re-used, cheesy, tacky and movie-driven formulas deployed in the book. But remember that my rating is five stars and that's simply because of the big mystery and important, invaluable things one learns from it.
a. The worst of the DVC rip-offs are from Mr Brown himself. And this book is at the shameless extreme. Another loner killer (thankfully not an albino) from a sect thoroughly vilified. Another historic city with museums and churches to go through in one night with codes to be broken from Blake this time. A similar damsel in tow. The police and influential people playing their roles similar to those in the previous books amid all the set pieces. Coincidences and last-minute escapes are mirror images of many in DVC and its other "copies" (ie, the other Langdon novels). b. The author is almost amateurish in the way he tries to build up the big suspense multiple times. He goes on and on for a few chapters in the first attempt even when he makes it almost fully known in advance that the secret was not coming out then. Towards the middle, the protagonists almost have the "key" and are required to re-start through a laughable "drop". The same stretched preamble is repeated again at the time of the revelation. c. An irrelevant (possibly irreverent too) and purposeless royal family side-story is created to create an illusion of certain villains and to provide the protagonists with enormous resources like helicopters etc when needed. d. One does not have to be a Sherlock to figure out almost as early as in the first third of the book who is going to turn out to be the master perpetrator. e. And the way the book is written, one almost visualises Tom Hanks all the time.
Despite these big flaws, the story keeps the readers engaged. What makes the book extraordinary is the big secret at the end. For those who are not exposed to the increasingly extensive work on technology evolution, the author masterfully explains where the humanity is potentially headed. This section is well chosen as the core topic, as something the most important to humanity. The hypothesis on where we came from too is interesting.
For those who have read Kutzwell, Harari etc, the big revelation here will be a bit of a dud but the author has written a novel that will likely raise the singularity awareness far more than anybody else so far. It is also being imparted in the capsules coated by Hanks/DVC sequences.
Merged review:
I am going to have fun poking holes at all the so re-used, cheesy, tacky and movie-driven formulas deployed in the book. But remember that my rating is five stars and that's simply because of the big mystery and important, invaluable things one learns from it.
a. The worst of the DVC rip-offs are from Mr Brown himself. And this book is at the shameless extreme. Another loner killer (thankfully not an albino) from a sect thoroughly vilified. Another historic city with museums and churches to go through in one night with codes to be broken from Blake this time. A similar damsel in tow. The police and influential people playing their roles similar to those in the previous books amid all the set pieces. Coincidences and last-minute escapes are mirror images of many in DVC and its other "copies" (ie, the other Langdon novels). b. The author is almost amateurish in the way he tries to build up the big suspense multiple times. He goes on and on for a few chapters in the first attempt even when he makes it almost fully known in advance that the secret was not coming out then. Towards the middle, the protagonists almost have the "key" and are required to re-start through a laughable "drop". The same stretched preamble is repeated again at the time of the revelation. c. An irrelevant (possibly irreverent too) and purposeless royal family side-story is created to create an illusion of certain villains and to provide the protagonists with enormous resources like helicopters etc when needed. d. One does not have to be a Sherlock to figure out almost as early as in the first third of the book who is going to turn out to be the master perpetrator. e. And the way the book is written, one almost visualises Tom Hanks all the time.
Despite these big flaws, the story keeps the readers engaged. What makes the book extraordinary is the big secret at the end. For those who are not exposed to the increasingly extensive work on technology evolution, the author masterfully explains where the humanity is potentially headed. This section is well chosen as the core topic, as something the most important to humanity. The hypothesis on where we came from too is interesting.
For those who have read Kutzwell, Harari etc, the big revelation here will be a bit of a dud but the author has written a novel that will likely raise the singularity awareness far more than anybody else so far. It is also being imparted in the capsules coated by Hanks/DVC sequences....more
After Death is a meandering mess that fails to deliver on any front. The plot is utterly senseless, aimlessly wandering without any clear direction orAfter Death is a meandering mess that fails to deliver on any front. The plot is utterly senseless, aimlessly wandering without any clear direction or purpose. The sole purpose of the painfully stretched build-up seems to be to avoid any action between the hero and hopelessly powerless villains.
In the process, the author turns preachy and often worse than that with some of his views on racism. The expositions on “singularity” are equally worse. The central character's "singularity" abilities are laughable; a superhero gaining powers from a potion would be more plausible than supposedly scientifically accorded powers here.
The villains fare no better with their clownish, stereotypical characterization and mindless actions. They make the book even more a slog of a read, devoid of any thrills, suspense or credibility. ...more
"Same as Ever" is a profound work that challenges our most fundamental assumptions while stating the obvious. From the first page to the last, it read"Same as Ever" is a profound work that challenges our most fundamental assumptions while stating the obvious. From the first page to the last, it reads like a string of eternal verities. It is a title that whispers of stagnation yet explodes with dynamism. Each section dissects the ordinary, revealing the extraordinary within. We are left raw, exposed, and undeniably awake
As much as the message, it is the style. Short sentences repeatedly lay bare the intricate dance between the mundane and the profound. The words, stark and unadorned, resonate with an unsettling familiarity. Quotes appear familiar, yet they appear more applicable than ever to whatever situation one may be in.
To be clear, House’s universal truths are not universal. Each one could be argued. In a different society, each one could be disputed. The author’s implicit context is a certain type of individual in a certain type of society. However, if one sheds the mindset of nitpicking, there is a lot to take away on every page.
One can pick up the book any time and any number of times. And begin reading randomly from anywhere. In no time, one is guaranteed to come across insights that are universally applicable yet deeply personal.
This is a rare gem - a work that enlightens without preaching, that speaks truth without dogma. One will find solace, a path forward, and perhaps, even solutions. This is written for all, and still a personal journey inward. ...more
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