AI, synthetic biology, and quantum computing are set to transform our world. This insightful book by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, provides a comprehensive understanding of these emerging technologies. Esteemed figures like Yuval Noah Harari and Bill Gates praise it as a vital guide for navigating unprecedented times. As AI becomes integral to daily life—organizing personal affairs, managing businesses, and overseeing government functions—society will also encounter DNA printers, engineered pathogens, and autonomous weapons. Suleyman emphasizes that we are unprepared for these changes. He argues that the next decade will be shaped by rapid advancements that promise prosperity but also pose significant risks to the nation-state and global stability. The book highlights the existential dilemma we face: balancing the potential for unprecedented harm against the dangers of intrusive surveillance. Suleyman introduces the concept of 'the containment problem,' which focuses on maintaining control over powerful technologies as the central challenge of our era. With endorsements from influential thinkers, this groundbreaking work is essential for anyone seeking to understand the implications of the technological revolution and the path forward amidst looming threats.
