Michael Sacasas — To Hear the Voice of God: Rethinking what it means to be human in the age of AI

This book delves into the potential risks of advanced artificial intelligence, arguing that the development of superintelligence could lead to catastrophic consequences for humanity. The authors present a compelling case for the need for careful consideration and regulation of AI development. They explore various scenarios and potential outcomes, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by rapidly advancing AI capabilities. The book is written in an accessible style, making complex ideas understandable to a broad audience. It serves as a call to action, urging policymakers and researchers to prioritize AI safety and prevent potential existential threats.

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.