I don't why it took me until now to read the Silmarillion, but it was about time. With an initial phase of getting used to the writing style that Tolkien chose for this mythic tale (it's like the bible of Middle-earth after all), I then deeply enjoyed it. So much background about the world that I had thought I knew. One epic tale followed by the next. Still, it's clear I will need to read this again, (or "study", as some may put it). I am sure there is so much that was lost on me the first way through. So for now, I'll say 4 stars, which only marks that I think there is much more appreciation this work will receive from me over time.
I am currently strongly interested in how the human mind works and what consciousness actually is — how it arises and how we might be able to create it artificially. This book is a solid item to feed that interest.
This book gives a good introduction and overview of the neurological foundations and the technological perspectives. Unfortunately, the chapter I found most interesting (the one on consciousness), is the most vague at the same time. From what I understand at this point, there just isn't a single convincing theory on where consciousness comes from.
The main downside of this book in my personal view is the character Kurzweil himself and how he portrays himself and his research. Yes, he has achieved amazing things in his lifetime and his predictions for the future have become true a lot of times. Still, he seems quite full of himself, and overall just appears to be very egocentric.
Bottom-line: If you are interested in how the mind works, read this book. Just don't forget to bring your own perspective.
How do we make AI safe, how do we create robots that are positive and empowering companions for humanity? Asimov proposes his three famous laws of robotics, but uses this book to explore the potential shortcomings of any such moral framework. I was surprised to find his stories be applicable to many current discussions regarding ethics and morale of the AI to come. This was the first by Asimov that I've read. It won't be the last.
Autobiografisches Buch über das Aufwachsen inmitten einer Klinik, weil der eigene Vater Leiter einer Psychiatrie ist. Schöne Geschichten. Sehr schön zu lesen. Vier bis fünf Sterne.
A short read and entertaining text about different aspects of physics. Still, these are lecture notes, so it might not be for everyone.
Ein Buch mit wenig Handlung — aber dafür eng gepackt und so gefüllt mit Gedanken, dass man kaum alle aufnehmen kann. Faszinierende innere Monologe, reiche Sprache und immer wieder ein Wiedererkennen eigener Gedankengänge. Momente von Fröhlichkeit und Schönheit, insgesamt aber irgendwie traurig.
A visionary "aliens attack the world" story from 1898. Great adventure story, clear language and interesting reflections on ethical questions. Wells has some thoughts about why we as humans would have any right to survive in the case of a superior species attacking our planet. There's no easy answer.
A story that oscillates between small, entertaining anecdotes and a grander story that is told throughout the book. It's the first book I've read by Stephen Fry and I enjoyed its wit, sexual explicitness and plentiful cultural references to Alan Turing and the likes. A very British read that I've really enjoyed.
A story about secrets that tear you apart, growing up and learning how to live even if you don't have much love left for life. All across the story: A painting that carries meaning across time.
At times, the story seemed directionless to me, but it slowly found direction throughout the book. Donna Tartt's atmospheric writing and situational poetry were very immersive. About some aspects of the story, I am still unsure; there are definitely some riddles left for me to think about.
I am unsure if I found the book too long or just right. The book felt like it told more than one story, and I’m still unsure if the end concluded every single of those stories for me. Maybe these stories will go on in my head for a while. An unusual, but good feeling.
The first by Brandon Sanderson that I've read. A short read and a good story. Made me realize how books allow me to feel a spiritual world that I will never believe in in the real world. Great how our minds can run in different modes.