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Alex Roddie's avatar

The Inconvenient Truth essay was certainly interesting with a lot of great points, especially about how AI will concentrate power and ruin democracy, but the author does come across as a bit gullible too, breathlessly believing all the bullshit spewed by the AI companies. The whole Mythos incident was transparently a publicity stunt by Anthropic (a company I view as cynical and opportunistic, not one with a conscience, although it's undoubtedly convenient for them to present this image). Still, I do broadly agree with some of the conclusions in the essay. International cooperation is vital.

As always, I think sci-fi has the answers, because most of these problems have already been worked out; just pick your canon. Asimov's stories about the rise of robotics have much to teach us.

Betsy Shaw's avatar

Finding Willa Cather in this list was an unexpected joy. Going to find a copy of My Antonia and give it a long-overdue re-read.

Matthew Barr's avatar

A thing of real beauty and joy ❤️

Tim LeRoy's avatar

Strong 10! Loads to get into - thank you :)

Yannick Schutz's avatar

Happy 50 I guess!

Another great 10 for the book:)

James Wood's avatar

I have just got My Antonia slightly smaller than the Robert Moses book that has arrived on your recommendation as well. Have you tried The things we never say by Elizabeth Strout- definitely my favourite book this year. The big question is - what board are you going for ?