The Cybernetic Society - by Amir Husain (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"An optimistic, shimmering image of a world where AI operates in service to humankind" (Kirkus) argues that both the major risk and opportunity of AI is that humans and computers have fused, giving AI the ability to shape the future of human affairs

Artificial intelligence is inescapable: at home, at work, in politics, and on the battlefield.

In The Cybernetic Society, technologist Amir Husain argues that AI hasn't simply encroached on everything we do. It has become part of us, and we, it. Humans and intelligent machines, he argues, are enmeshed in a symbiotic hybrid that he calls a "cybernetic society." Husain describes a present and future where AI isn't a tool of humans but our equal partner, one where they can realize their own visions of the world. There is great potential and danger: Saudi Arabia's Neom--a "cognitive city" being built in inhospitable desert--shows how this symbiosis can make life possible where otherwise, it is not. But the profusion of intelligent military drones is making mass destruction possible where otherwise, it is not.

As engrossing as it is urgent, The Cybernetic Society offers a new understanding of this revolutionary fusion of machine and mankind, and its profound implications for all our futures. The path ahead is challenging. But Husain shows why we can live harmoniously with our creations.

Review Quotes

"A sharply drawn illustration of a future shaped by code that will enable unimaginable levels of control of the economy. The book raises a wealth of insights into the interface between the "1s and 0s" of the digital world and the atoms of our material world and the implications for us all, and especially our children and grandchildren."--Dame Fiona Murray, Associate Dean, MIT School of Management

"Entrepreneur Husain paints a cautiously optimistic picture of an automated future in this accessible survey... a solid lay of the land."--Publishers Weekly

"[an] accessible volume... grounded in the belief that cybernetic-AI hybrids could create less bureaucratic, more equitable systems. Whether this future can bridge the digital divide and serve the many remains uncertain--but it is a question worth serious thought... an optimistic, shimmering image of a world where AI operates in service to humankind." --Kirkus

"Husain delivers a bold and profound exploration of humanity's evolution alongside its machines. With the precision of an engineer and the vision of a philosopher, he maps a future where intelligence, autonomy, and complexity are inseparably woven into the fabric of civilization itself. A must-read for leaders navigating the new frontier of technological society."--Larry Kellner, former CEO of Continental Airlines and ex-Chairman of Boeing

"Amir Husain makes a vivid and convincing case of how AI is shaping our society and lives. The symbiotic relationship between humans and machines called cybernetics will be both an opportunity and challenge. Opportunity because the total human and machine intelligence will be more than their sum, and challenge because it will extend to all aspects of our society, from politics to military to economics. Laced with authoritative references, The Cybernetic Society is a lucidly written compelling account of the unfolding AI revolution."--Pravin Sawhney, author of The Last War

"An essential analysis of how exponential technologies are reshaping our world. A must-read for leaders who are on the front lines driving of technological change and the companies powered by these transformative forces."--Igor Tulchinsky, Founder and CEO, WorldQuant

"Human beings became the dominant species on planet earth, surpassing their fellow apes, because they mastered technology. And technology was always a good servant. Now we finally face the prospect of technology dominating humans. Amir Husain explains how and why these new dangers have emerged and how to prepare for them. With his unique multi-cultural background, he provides new insights we must reflect on. A must-read."--Kishore Mahbubani, former Singapore Ambassador and author of Living the Asian Century

"In The Cybernetic Society, Amir gives an insightful perspective on how we may respond to an increasingly complex world that will inevitably see humans and machines shaping the future together. Highly recommended."--Peng-Yam Tan, Chief Defense Scientist of Singapore

"Husain expertly introduces the human and machine decision processes and how they become one - both in the future and arguably already to a large extent today. Should we embrace or fear such a cybernetic society? The book leads us to a fascinating intellectual journey and provides not just some answers but also thought-provoking questions" --Haibin Xu, General Manager of Shell Research Alliance

About the Author

Amir Husain is an entrepreneur, veteran AI technologist, and author of four books. Founder of SparkCognition, SGS, and SkyGrid, Husain also holds board positions at SpecFive, Navigate, UT Austin's computer science board, NATO's innovation advisory board, and the board of Global Venture Bridge. Husain also serves as chairman of WorldQuant Predictive, a technological venture laboratory. He is based in Austin, Texas.