Explore the potential risks of machine learning and AI systems in "The Alignment Problem." As these systems become increasingly sophisticated, they can make decisions for us, but what happens when they don't align with our goals or expectations? Discover how biases can emerge in these systems, and how the movement to fix them is taking shape. Author Brian Christian takes readers on a journey through the history and current state of machine learning, with a focus on the alignment problem and the ambitious plan to solve it before it's too late. This interdisciplinary work offers an unflinching reckoning with our biases and assumptions, making for a story that's both harrowing and hopeful.

Machine Learning and Human Values

The Alignment Problem

The Sixth Extinction is a profound analysis of the current global extinction event, predicted to be the most catastrophic in history. Elizabeth Kolbert, a New Yorker writer, explores the reasons for the event, the species that have already vanished, and how human activities have altered life on Earth in unprecedented ways. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book is a moving and comprehensive account of the disappearances that are happening right now, compelling us to question what it means to be human in the face of ecological catastrophe.

An Unnatural History

The Sixth Extinction

Explore the fascinating connection between temperature and life in this thrilling synthesis of science, history, and imagination. Renowned physicist Gino Segrè delves into the essence of matter and how the concept of temperature is crucial to understanding it. Discover how temperature affects mammals, geology, superconductivity, and more, while gaining an uncanny view of the world around us.

What Temperature Reveals about the Past and Future of Our Species, Planet, and Universe

A Matter of Degrees

A legendary author and lifelong ecologist presents a groundbreaking new approach to our planet's stewardship in this eye-opening book. Through scientific rigor, myths surrounding controversial subjects such as nuclear energy, urbanization, and genetic engineering are shattered to reveal the sources of our current dilemmas. Discover bold and inventive policies and design-based solutions that aim to shape a more sustainable society for a thought-provoking and passionately argued read on one of humanity's hottest issues.

Why Dense Cities, Nuclear Power, Transgenic Crops, Restored Wildlands, and Geoengineering Are Necessary

Whole Earth Discipline

This thought-provoking book delves into the future of humanity and our quest to upgrade humans into gods. Harari explains how, over the past century, humankind has managed to solve famine, plague, and war, making them manageable challenges. Now, as gods of planet earth, what destinies will we set ourselves? From creating artificial life to overcoming death, this book explores the projects, dreams, and nightmares that will shape the twenty-first century. Harari maps out our future with the same insight and clarity that made his previous book an international hit. 

A Brief History of Tomorrow

Homo Deus

"Post Corona" by Scott Galloway is a New York Times bestseller that offers an urgent analysis of the winners and losers in a post-pandemic world. Galloway, a tech entrepreneur and NYU Business School professor, vividly demonstrates how the largest technology companies turned the crisis of the pandemic into a market-share-grabbing opportunity of a lifetime. As he outlines the contours of the crisis and the opportunities that lie ahead, Galloway offers both warning and hope in equal measure. Combining his signature humor and sharp business insights, "Post Corona" is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the impact of the pandemic on the future of businesses and society.

From Crisis to Opportunity

Post Corona

Explore the world of utopian thinking with this thought-provoking read. From universal basic income to eliminating borders and poverty, Rutger Bregman challenges traditional left-right divides with ideas whose time has come. This bestseller will surprise and enlighten you with its originality, as it sparked a national movement for basic income experiments. Don't miss out on this brilliant and eminently readable journey through history.

How We Can Build the Ideal World

Utopia for Realists

Explore the interconnected stage of technological development with an analogy to biological evolution in this book. The author argues that the "technium" exhibits a similar tendency towards self-organizing complexity. Discover the benefits of treating tools as servants of self and society rather than out-of-control masters. The former editor of Wired magazine offers an optimist outlook on the ramifications of technology in human welfare and achievement.

What Technology Wants

Discover the groundbreaking advancements in Artificial Intelligence and its potential to revolutionize our future. From job markets to lethal autonomous weapons, Max Tegmark explores the complex implications of AI on society and our very sense of being human. As an MIT professor, Tegmark brings authoritative insight to how we can keep AI beneficial, enhance prosperity without leaving people in poverty, and ensure machines do what we want. Join the conversation about the most controversial issues in AI, including superintelligence and the meaning of consciousness. This essential read provides the tools to shape the AI future we want.

Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Life 3.0

Experience a thought-provoking read with The Third Wave. This book provides a deep analysis of the dramatic and violent changes currently impacting our world. Delve into new concepts surrounding marriage, family, work, love, and success. Learn about emerging forms of democracy and the role of cults in shaping our society. Gain fresh insights into the ever-changing landscape of business and economics.

Curiosity List: Future