#55 AI Expert: Automate or Be Automated | Dara Ladjevardian

In this highly acclaimed book, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini explains the psychology behind why people say yes and how to apply these insights ethically. The book outlines six universal principles of influence: Reciprocation, Commitment and Consistency, Social Proof, Liking, Authority, and Scarcity. The new and expanded edition includes a seventh principle, Unity, along with new research, insights, and examples. Cialdini uses memorable stories and relatable examples to make the subject accessible and easy to understand, helping readers become more skilled persuaders and defend themselves against unethical influence attempts.

The novel is set in a near-future world where nanotechnology has revolutionized society. It follows Nell, a young girl from a poor background, who receives an interactive educational book called the 'Young Lady's Illustrated Primer'. This book, designed by John Percival Hackworth, is intended to provide a personalized education and becomes a central element in Nell's life. The story explores themes of education, social class, ethnicity, and the impact of technology on human society. The novel is known for its complex narrative, intersecting storylines, and its depiction of a world deeply divided along political, ethnic, and cultural lines[2][3][4].

In 'How to Create a Mind,' Ray Kurzweil delves into the inner workings of both human and artificial brains. He discusses how the brain functions, how the mind emerges, and the implications of vastly increasing our intelligence to address global problems. Kurzweil examines emotional and moral intelligence, the origins of consciousness, and envisions the possibilities of merging with intelligent technology. The book provides a roadmap for achieving super-human intelligence and solving humanity's grand challenges through a synthesis of neuroscience and advanced AI research[2][4][5].

In 'Mastery', Robert Greene argues that mastery is not an innate talent but a skill that can be developed through a rigorous process. The book outlines several key stages: finding your life's task, undergoing an ideal apprenticeship, finding the right mentor, acquiring social intelligence, and fusing intuitive with rational thinking. Greene draws on the lives of historical and contemporary masters such as Mozart, Einstein, and Temple Grandin to illustrate his points. He emphasizes the importance of deep practice, self-directed learning, and the ability to read and navigate social dynamics. The book challenges the conventional notion of genius as a genetic gift and offers practical steps for anyone to achieve mastery in their chosen field.

In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas. He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation. Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future[2][3][5].

Loonshots by Safi Bahcall offers a new perspective on innovation by applying the science of phase transitions to team behavior. It highlights how small structural changes can significantly impact a team's ability to innovate. The book provides practical lessons for creatives and entrepreneurs to foster groundbreaking ideas, using examples from history and industry.

In this book, Dr. Joe Dispenza explains how to break the habit of being yourself by changing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. He combines insights from quantum physics, neuroscience, brain chemistry, biology, and genetics to show how you can recondition your body and mind to achieve better health and a more fulfilling life. The book emphasizes the importance of meditation, mental rehearsal, and emotional transformation to override automatic thoughts and feelings. It provides step-by-step tools to make measurable changes in any area of your life, helping you to live in the present, overcome environmental and temporal limitations, and create a new reality aligned with your desired future.

Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].

This book is an advice encyclopedia and a mentor in a box, written for anyone looking to grow at work, from young graduates to CEOs. It charts Tony Fadell's personal journey from a product designer to a leader, startup founder, executive, and mentor. The book includes captivating examples, such as the development of the first iPod and iPhone, and offers practical advice on various aspects of product development, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of human relationships, continuous learning, and caring deeply about the work you do.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

In this book, Kai-Fu Lee argues that China is poised to become the next tech-innovation superpower due to its unique advantages in AI development, such as abundant data, fewer data protection regulations, and aggressive tech startup culture. Lee discusses the potential economic upheaval caused by AI, the impact on employment, and proposes a social contract to forge a new synergy between AI and human society. The book emphasizes the need for both the US and China to accept and embrace the responsibilities that come with significant technological power.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, written by Klaus Schwab, discusses the significant changes brought about by new technologies that fuse the physical, digital, and biological worlds. Schwab outlines the key technologies driving this revolution, such as ubiquitous mobile internet, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, gene sequencing, and nanotechnology. He examines the impacts on governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals, and calls for collaborative efforts to shape a future that works for all by putting people first and ensuring that new technologies are used for the benefit of humanity. The book also addresses potential challenges such as inequality, societal fragmentation, and the need for new governance models to manage the rapid technological changes[1][2][5].