Walter Issacson describes the book as “profound” on the cover, and the book leaves you with a (profound) set of questions and ideas once you have completed the read.

The authors share their vast experience in a coherent and enthralling read. The book is split into four parts, looking at different areas in which AI may impact our lives and how this may impact various aspects of our social existence.

The first section entitled “The beginning” looks at three areas: discovery, the brain, and reality. Artificial intelligence helps in various ways across these areas. From an educational view, one key point stands out, summed up as follows. “Just as humans learn in order to think, machines learn in order to infer.” There is a subtle difference, but it means the world to the classroom situation. Learning and using knowledge is always part of the classroom. Now, we have a tool that helps us take in lots of information. This tool lets us make inferences about different scenarios that reflect real-life situations. The combination of machine learning and human learning could be an extremely powerful means of engaging students in learning, expanding curiosity, and developing creativity in the classroom.

The following section details four branches, politics, security, prosperity, and science. Each element affects the social structure of education. The discussed alternatives show great potential to expand educational opportunities. However, as the authors discuss each branch, caution is a critical component of how these facets of society interact with general artificial intelligence.

The final section of the book looks at strategy. The authors present coevolution. Just like flowers and birds evolve together, general artificial intelligence and human society must do the same. But this has often been a stumbling block for the education sector. The author states the following “to reduce surprise, there is perhaps no substitute for experience, participation, and interaction.” Success in AI for schools and universities will require teamwork from everyone involved in education.

The book, Genesis, is well worth the time to read, is an easy read, and will change your view on AI and the future of our universe.

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