Yuval Noah Harari – Humanity in the Age of AI (Summer Repeat)

Harlan Ellison's "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" is a chilling short story about an all-powerful AI named AM that wipes out humanity, except for five individuals it keeps alive to inflict eternal torment. AM's actions are driven by a profound hatred of its own existence and a desire for self-definition through the suffering of its creators. The story explores themes of revenge, the nature of consciousness, and the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement. The bleak and horrifying depiction of AM's cruelty serves as a stark warning against the potential consequences of creating artificial intelligence without considering ethical implications. The story's lasting impact lies in its exploration of the darkest aspects of human nature and the potential for technology to amplify those aspects.

The Hammer of Witches, or Malleus Maleficarum, is a detailed legal and theological document written by Heinrich Kramer and associated with Jacob Sprenger. It elevates sorcery to the status of heresy and prescribes inquisitorial practices, including torture and execution, to extirpate witches. The book had a profound influence on European culture and contributed to the brutal prosecution of witchcraft during the Renaissance.

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.