The ethics question around AI has been bothering me, but this author tackles the artificial intelligence concepts from all sides. A thought-provoking read!
Here is my review:
“Soulful” is a comprehensive narrative, well written, well researched, and nicely referenced. I have read several books delving into AI recently, and was shocked at the lows to which some authors stooped, to show me how to fake customer reviews, rewrite others’ work from online, make a fortune from a “side hustle,” etc. The lack of ethics in this regard has bothered me deeply and I appreciate even more this thoughtful book by David Espindola. It is not just a history or discussion of AI, it is a dive into concepts of neuroscience, technology, philosophy, social psychology, the metaphysical, the spiritual, consciousness. Even theology.
Artificial Intelligence (humanity’s last invention?) has reached a tipping point, a profound shift in the landscape of human capabilities. Machines continue to encroach upon tasks once considered exclusively human territory. Must we make a dramatic shift? Must we find a way to harness the power of collaboration with AI?
In the book “Soulful,” these profound implications of AI advancement are examined, and the author gives us a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The author takes complex AI concepts and presents them in an accessible manner, showing how we can work with AI to drive productivity in such sectors as Education, Healthcare, Science, Manufacturing, and Service. “Soulful” also guides readers in identifying and nurturing unique human talents and skills that will be in high demand in the future job market.
But what I love about the book is the way the author delves into the essence of the human condition, exploring what sets us apart from machines. When we consider the concept of the human “soul,” we enter the arena that separates us from AI. Compassion, empathy, the vast flow of human creativity in art and music, tenderness, and emotions such as love. These are our gifts, not found in the areas of the machine.
And the discussion of consciousness… where does it begin, where does it end, what is it exactly? Am I just my brain? What about my spirit? The author dives into the possibility that consciousness is just a matter of perception, that what we think of as reality may indeed be a series of hallucinations. Oh my…. I will need to re-read this book, perhaps several times, and download some of the books the author references as well. These are concepts one thinks about from time to time, realizes he or she doesn’t have a clue, and just trundles off to make dinner.
I found it fascinating and enticing that the author believes with the advent of AI producing abundance and making our lives easier, humans “can dedicate more time and energy to the needs of the soul.” Would that it would work that way! Perhaps I am almost lost to cynicism, but in watching the behavior of humanity for 60 years, I fear humans will continue their shallow trek into materialism, hedonism, addictions, extreme highs and lows of thoughtless entertainments, and so forth.
This thought-provoking book takes us on a journey through the realms of AI and human potential, leaving readers with a deeper awareness of the changes underway, the choices and options they have, and the enduring uniqueness of the human spirit. A spirit that does inevitably reach for a higher purpose. And hopefully results in an optimistic vision of the future. The changes the author suggests seem a bit pie in the sky, but if a younger generation can hold this positive view, perhaps we can get there. I hope so.
A fascinating read.
A fascinating read.
100 years ago this year Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet was published. A beloved manuscript of verses, it has sold millions of copies and been translated into countless languages.Many thanks to Carrie Kurtz of Carrie K’s Book Reviews for her wonderful review! So glad she loved it.
“There were honestly so many interesting things in this book! It kept me wanting to read and I found myself trying to sneak in extra times to read a chapter or two. As a matter of fact, I “went to bed” early so that I could finish it last night!
I will certainly be recommending this book! Not just to children or middle graders, but to anyone who enjoys reading science fiction, fantasy, action, magical type genres.”
Hi all,
Hope you are enjoying the cooler temps of autumn!
I am writing a new health eBook on the homeopathic treatment of depression and anxiety. Due out soon!
It seems like I and everyone I know knows someone struggling with depression. Or anxiety. Or cycling between the two. These conditions are pervasive across our society. They are much worse than temporary sadness, grief from a tragedy or a trauma, or temporary worry. Depression is an all pervasive fatigue and loss of interest in life that could be dangerous. And it often comes coupled with debilitating anxiety.
The eBook series: AMAZON
Lily Andrews, the reviewer and interviewer, asked such interesting questions. Here is just one:
FQ: In Eva’s world, sick animals are healed through supernatural abilities. I found this a very heartwarming concept. Is this something you’ve imagined for a long time and wanted to put into one of your stories? Do you believe that animals have spirits that their human friends can connect to?
SOLOMON: Yes, animals have spirits just as we do. For me, mankind has been guilty of arrogance regarding the treatment of animals, and I hope and pray that day is soon over. We all share this planet, and I don’t believe humans have any more right to its resources than other species on Earth. This is a passion for me.
Not only does every cat or dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of “owning” have a different personality, each has feelings. And I don’t just mean feeling pain, which of course they do. They feel embarrassment, for example. I was playing with my little black cat, Fudgie, with a feather on a rod, on the bed, and she leaped into the air to catch it. One time she misjudged her landing and slid down between the end of the bed and the bench at the bottom of the bed. There was nothing to hurt her, it was soft, but we laughed. We laughed. She stayed under the bed and wouldn’t come out, wouldn’t look at me. When she finally reappeared, she was not hurt at all, of course, but had been embarrassed, or even angry that we laughed at her. I’ve seen examples like this many times.
And how about animals’ ability to connive? That takes brains and cunning. We had a beautiful English Setter named Feather, who was obsessed with a robin’s nest in a lilac, with a few babies in it, chirping. Drove her crazy. We kept demanding she leave the area alone, and I must have said “No!” a hundred times. She would back away, then sneak all the way around the house, thinking she could slink around unobserved and get under that lilac. And when I caught her doing it, she stopped abruptly and looked around innocently. “La la la, here I am, what a nice day, just happened to be here…. La la la.” It was too funny.
That spirit in an animal that I can feel when I hold them and meditate, quietly, focusing on them, is the energy that Eva connects with when she heals them. But how I wish I knew how she does it!
READER VIEW AWARDS gives “Eva,” my romantic suspense novel, 5 stars!“This beautifully written romantic suspense and metaphysical fantasy tale entices readers to ponder the delicate balance between vulnerability and self-discovery. I rate it five out of five stars for its beautifully structured plot, eloquent prose, relatable characters, vividly descriptive sceneries, and flawless editing. Lovers of romance novels with a supernatural mix will devour “Eva.” Reviewed by Natalia Kavale for Reader Views (08/2023)
