Wise Animals: How Technology Has Made Us What We Are

Wise Animals is a multitudinous meditation on technology, history, culture, ideas, ethics, psychology, and what it means to be human. It explores the history of our relationship with technology, from the first use of tools to the development of the computer, the internet, and AI. It proposes that we are neither masters nor victims of our technologies, but that they are part of who we are and our future is in our hands.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Wise Animals is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration that delves into the multifaceted realm of technology, history, culture, ideas, ethics, psychology, and, most importantly, the essence of being human. Written by Michael Bhaskar, a co-author of The Coming Wave, this book offers a profound meditation on the profound impact of technology on our lives and society.

Spanning a vast expanse of time, Wise Animals traces the evolution of our relationship with technology, from the earliest instances of tool usage and fire control to the invention of reading and printing, the rise of computers, the creation of the internet, and the emergence of artificial intelligence. It explores the intricate tapestry of our interactions with our creations, highlighting the profound ways in which they have shaped our development as individuals and as a species.

What sets Wise Animals apart is its humanist perspective, which proposes that we should view technology not as a threat but as an integral part of our existence. Rather than being masters or victims of our technologies, we co-evolve with them, shaping our future together. The book encourages us to embrace technology as a tool for positive change, rather than a source of fear or anxiety.

Through its rich narratives and insightful analysis, Wise Animals offers a comprehensive exploration of the ethical and philosophical implications of technology. It raises questions about the nature of consciousness, the role of AI in shaping our world, and the responsibilities we hold as creators and users of technology. It encourages us to reflect on the impact of our actions and choices on the world around us and to strive for a future that is both technologically advanced and ethically sustainable.

In conclusion, Wise Animals is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, history, and human nature. It offers a powerful and profound meditation on the complex and evolving relationship between humans and their creations, challenging us to think critically and embrace the possibilities of a technologically driven future.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 250 x 170 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529079746