Myth and Mentality: The Bible vs. the Epic of Gilgamesh

Pirkei Avot is part of the Mishnah and contains the favorite moral advice and insights of the leading rabbinic scholars. It is unique in that it deals solely with ethical and moral principles, rather than legal matters. The text includes sayings attributed to sages from Simon the Just to Judah haNasi, emphasizing proper ethical and social conduct, and the importance of Torah study. It is studied widely in Jewish tradition, often one chapter each Sabbath afternoon during the spring and summer months.

The Book of Judges recounts the history of Israel from the death of Joshua to the birth of Samuel, detailing cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance through judges appointed by God. It explores themes of faithfulness, mercy, and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.

This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy. It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts. The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.

The Talmud is a vast collection of writings that include the Mishnah and the Gemara. It covers a wide range of subjects such as Jewish law (halakha), ethics, philosophy, customs, history, and folklore. The Talmud exists in two main versions: the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud, compiled in the 5th century, is more widely studied and consists of 2,711 double-sided pages with numerous commentaries and notes.

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity.

In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence. AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution. The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.