AI, Philosophy and a Hint of Chess: 5 Book Recommendations from Andrey Insarov, CEO of it.com Domains
Table of contents
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
- Every Move Must Have a Purpose: Strategies from Chess for Business and Life by Bruce Pandolfini
- Do You Remember Being Born?: A Novel by Sean Michaels
- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig
- Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Hello everyone!
As we’re enjoying a cozy holiday season, I looked back at the past year from the tech industry POV. And, oh man, it was intense. The proliferation of AI took an all-time high. As of today, ChatGPT claims to have 180+ million users. This makes me wonder how the interaction of human and artificial intelligence changes the way we live and work? And what will intelligence as a concept mean after all?
Winter is arguably the best time to immerse yourself in reading, letting ideas brew like mulled wine. So I’ve compiled the list of my favorite books which I’ve read (or re-read) in 2023, – a bit about AI, intelligence and chess – to get inspired for 2024.
So sit back and enjoy.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Written by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, “Klara and the Sun,” is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that delves into the moral implications of artificial intelligence. Through the first-person perspective of Klara, an intelligent and empathetic robot, the book explores the ethical dilemmas of technology advancements.
It draws curious parallels between natural and artificial intelligence, emotional and rational, and prompts to contemplate what intelligence and intellectuality truly mean.
Ishiguro’s talent to uncover a problematic connection between humanity and the modern world is evident in his exploration of change, and technological progress. “Klara and the Sun” continues this narrative after the famous “Never Let Me Go”.
For me, this book was definitely an inspiration of the year, and I highly recommend it to anyone working in tech, artificial intelligence or the internet. It helps to find the right moral compass in daily work and consider the ethical aspects striving for positive impacts on society.
Every Move Must Have a Purpose: Strategies from Chess for Business and Life by Bruce Pandolfini
Bruce Pandolfini,a notable chess author, teacher, and coach, is considered to be America’s most experienced chess teacher. Drawing upon his extensive experience, he intertwines the strategies of chess with applicable life lessons. The book opens with a clear message: every move in chess, just like every decision in life, must have a purpose. Pandolfini elucidates how this philosophy can be applied to many aspects of life, ranging from strategic planning and critical thinking, to decision-making and adaptability.
What sets this book apart is its ability to cater to both chess enthusiasts and readers who are after insightful life strategies. Pandolfini integrates examples from professional chess matches, allowing readers to witness powerful concepts in action. Author encourages strategic thinking and self-reflection, emphasizing the importance of improvisation, adaptability, and innovative approaches.
Highly recommended for chess aficionados, business professionals, and anyone determined to take a deep dive into analyzing life like a game of chess.
Do You Remember Being Born?: A Novel by Sean Michaels
One of the best books of 2023 which also discusses human-AI interaction. “Do You Remember Being Born?” by Scotiabank Giller Prize winner Sean Michaels follows the story of Marian Ffarmer, an aging poet who receives an invitation from a Californian tech company to collaborate with their poetry AI bot named Charlotte.
Reluctantly accepting the offer, Marian finds herself questioning the nature of artmaking as a solitary endeavor.
Through her collaboration with the AI, she explores her personal story, her own life in retrospect, and eventually, gets closer to understanding what it actually means to be human.
This book not only explores the human-AI collaboration within the plot, but also embodies such collaboration. Michaels skillfully incorporates parts that AI wrote into the book itself.
I’d recommend this book to those looking for a captivating and very humane story about modern technology and its effect on different parts of our lives.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert M. Pirsig
Written by Robert M. Pirsig, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values” is a philosophical novel that explores the complex themes of human existence, the purpose of life, and the conflict between art and science.
The narrative follows the author and his son on a motorcycle journey across the American countryside. However, the book is not merely a travelog but rather an introspective exploration of the deeper meanings behind life’s complexities.
Pirsig weaves together elements of philosophy, psychology, and mechanics to create a thought-provoking and enlightening journey of self-discovery.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a classic that deserves a place on the bookshelves of both philosophical enthusiasts, business fellows and casual readers.
Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Authored by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, “Freakonomics” is a very popular book that made commotion when first published in 2005. It offers a pretty unconventional exploration of the connections between economics and various social phenomena. Non-conventional for economists in particular.
From exploring why teachers cheat in Chicago schools to uncovering the truth behind sumo wrestling matches, authors bring a lot of thought-provoking examples accompanied by compelling statistical analysis. This helps the authors move from traditional economics to a mix of statistics, sociology and data mining.
The book does a great job in debunking common beliefs and offering new perspectives on basic social aspects of our lives. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in looking for a fresh perspective on our world, its mechanisms and its moving kegs.Hope I was able to inspire you to get your hands on a book or two. And if you are looking for more engaging and useful reads, we will continue to share our expertise and insights to boost your business digital strategies here at it.com Domains blog.
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