Bloomberg Businessweek Weekend: December 27th, 2024

In this book, Francis S. Barry takes readers on a road trip across America, following the Lincoln Highway from New York City to San Francisco. Along with his wife Laurel, Barry uses the spirit of Abraham Lincoln to guide them in understanding what unites the country despite increasing political divisions. The journey involves meeting Americans whose personal experiences humanize the nation's divisions and encountering historical figures and events that shape national identity. The book is filled with elements of a great road trip, including music, conversation, and laughter, and offers insights into how the country can move forward using 'patriotic pragmatism' rooted in democracy, equality, and liberty.

In 'ChatGPT and the Future of AI', Terrence Sejnowski offers a nuanced exploration of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. The book delves into the debates surrounding LLMs’ comprehension of language, the notions of 'thinking' and 'intelligence', and the historical evolution of language models. It focuses on the role of transformers, the correlation between computing power and model size, and the intricate mathematics shaping LLMs. Sejnowski also discusses the potential future of AI, including next-generation LLMs inspired by nature and the importance of developing energy-efficient technologies. The book is structured into three parts: Living with Large Language Models, Transformers, and Back to the Future, making it accessible and valuable for both tech-savvy readers and newcomers to the field.

In 'Slow Burn,' R. Jisung Park focuses on the immediate and ongoing effects of climate change rather than its potential future catastrophes. Using new data and advanced economic analysis, Park illustrates how climate change affects various aspects of society, including education outcomes, health risks, workplace accidents, and social inequality. He emphasizes that wealthier households and corporations can adapt more quickly, while less advantaged communities face greater challenges without targeted interventions. The book argues for aggressive emissions cuts and identifies concrete steps to manage the adverse effects of climate change locally.