I decided to try something different and let ChatGPT write this review. While AI can certainly write a great review, it's missing the humanity that enI decided to try something different and let ChatGPT write this review. While AI can certainly write a great review, it's missing the humanity that enriches the text with emotional complexity that AI (right now at least) doesn't possess. I thought it would be a fun experiment. I'll include my prompt in bold and ChatGPT's response in italics.
Me: I just finished reading the book "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI" by author Ethan Mollick. I enjoyed it, and thought it offered great advise on how to manage and use AI. Can you write a review of this book? Also, add my point of views -- AI is great if used together, but not as a crutch. AI isn't perfect, and it's folly to believe entirely its answers without fact-checking.
ChatGPT: Book Review: "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI" by Ethan Mollick
Ethan Mollick's "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI" is a thought-provoking exploration of the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. The book is both an insightful guide and a practical manual for navigating the complex landscape of AI in various aspects of life and work.
Mollick's writing is accessible and engaging, making complex AI concepts understandable for readers without a technical background. He effectively discusses how AI can augment human capabilities, improve decision-making, and drive innovation when used correctly. The author emphasizes the importance of collaboration between humans and AI, coining the term "co-intelligence" to describe this symbiotic relationship.
One of the standout aspects of the book is Mollick's balanced perspective. He doesn't shy away from discussing the limitations and potential pitfalls of AI. Instead, he provides a nuanced view, acknowledging that while AI can significantly enhance productivity and creativity, it is not infallible. This is particularly relevant in an era where AI is increasingly integrated into everyday tools and systems.
From my perspective, Mollick's advice on managing and using AI responsibly resonates deeply. AI is indeed a powerful tool that, when used in conjunction with human intelligence, can lead to remarkable outcomes. However, it's crucial not to rely on it as a crutch. AI systems can make errors, and their outputs should always be critically evaluated and fact-checked. Blindly trusting AI without human oversight can lead to flawed decisions and unintended consequences.
Overall, "Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI" is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding how to effectively harness the power of AI. Mollick's insights encourage readers to approach AI with both enthusiasm and caution, advocating for a partnership where human intuition and critical thinking play a vital role in interpreting and applying AI-generated insights.
This was a pretty accurate portrayal of the work. I enjoyed it, and I recommend it since AI doesn't seem to be going anywhere any time soon....more
One of my reading goals is to read more contemporary fiction and after skimming the blurb I figured I’d give this one a shot. This is a story of how wOne of my reading goals is to read more contemporary fiction and after skimming the blurb I figured I’d give this one a shot. This is a story of how we define family and friends and of the intricate complexity of humanity. It’s set in Pottstown, a small town in 1930s Pennsylvania, and takes place mainly in the poorer section called Chicken Hill, where Jews and Blacks make up the local population. Skeletal remains are discovered inside an old well, and this is the tale of how it got there.
I enjoyed the story, but I couldn’t fully commit to it. I felt the story became disjointed and scattered. I listened to the audiobook, and whenever my interest waned, I never stressed to press the rewind button. I just didn’t care much. Also, (view spoiler)[I felt the ending was banal and expected. (hide spoiler)]
Reading this was like walking down a strange path, one filled with twists and turns. Perhaps, before beginning the trek, you ingest some hallucinogeniReading this was like walking down a strange path, one filled with twists and turns. Perhaps, before beginning the trek, you ingest some hallucinogenic mushrooms. You begin to speak in tongues. You’re transported to another world, another time. Eventually, you stumble onto a grand city, one that floats in a massive, mirror-like lake. Welcome to the great city of Tenochtitlan, where the emperor Moctezuma is currently welcoming the party of the sweaty, malodorous Spanish conquistadores, led by Hernan Cortes and his cronies.
This is an imaginative retelling of the “conquest” of Mesoamerica. However, author Alvaro Enrigue lends the indigenous a voice of their own, since theirs were silenced by colonizing priests and insecure men grasping for titles of royalty. There’s plenty of comedic elements, mixed with absurdity, and I think Tarantino would enjoy turning this into a film.
Enrigue is a gifted writer, and his style is quite unorthodox. Conversations do not include quotation marks, which can be jarring at first. I would love to reread this in Spanish since this is a translation.
This was quite enjoyable, and I want to read his first work, Sudden Death. Read the blurb, it sounds insane....more
On my daily commute, I pass enormous homes with long driveways and manicured lawns. During spring and summer, the verdant grasses and shrubs are trimmOn my daily commute, I pass enormous homes with long driveways and manicured lawns. During spring and summer, the verdant grasses and shrubs are trimmed by Latino peoples. Whenever I go to Target, or to a restaurant, Latino peoples are taking out the trash or collecting our empty plates. I can hear salsa music on the radio while the cooks prepare the next order.
A lot of my classmates were Latinos. The men that stood in the corners of our main street, waiting to be picked up by landscaping or construction trucks were Latino. The storefronts I passed on my way to school sold food from Latino countries.
I grew up in a town whose population is mostly Latinos – a mix of Puerto Rican, Colombian, Peruvian, Mexican, Guatemalan, and Honduran, just to name a few.
The United States is not a melting pot, but a smorgasbord of different peoples from different countries, with their own languages and cultures.
Hector Tabor tackles the myths that Latinos are “destroying the US” by taking jobs or “poisoning” American culture by implanting their own. He speaks on the stereotypical roles that Latinos have been subjected to in movies and tv and literature. Tabor fills the pages with anecdotes of his own family’s history and their experience with immigration. He asks why words like “Mexican” and “immigrant” became racial slurs and looks for answers.
I listened to this on Audible and it was well narrated. There are many Spanish words and phrases here, and Andre Santana has no problem with pronunciation. I enjoyed Tabor’s writing – simple yet effective. Each chapter served as an essay to a certain topic.
This served as a good reminder that I should expand my library with Latino authors. I try to be conscience of my mestizo heritage, and to teach my kids about our vibrant history....more
This is not a book that I would normally read. There is something about self-help books that I dislike, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. HoweveThis is not a book that I would normally read. There is something about self-help books that I dislike, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. However, I decided to give this one a shot since I’m familiar with the author, David Brooks. He’s a columnist on the New York Times and a political commentator on PBS Newshour, both of which I enjoy following. He is an eloquent speaker and a reasonable Republican, a rarity nowadays.
His aim is to highlight the importance of knowing a person, on truly listening and understanding someone. He provides plenty of personal anecdotes (the chapter on his friend that committed suicide was touching). Other parts focus on being present and attentive with company and the value of asking the right questions during conversations, which help make a person feel seen.
The book resonated with me -- I’ve been feeling emotionally burnt out lately. I work for the Veterans Affairs, and I speak to veterans every day, helping them schedule their appointments with doctors, among other things. On occasion, I deal with angry patients, or answer the same questions repeatedly, which mutates me into an ornery ogre. It’s easy to forget that each person is an individual, someone dealing with a variety of issues. Perhaps they were diagnosed with cancer, or maybe they recently lost a loved one. Brook’s impressionable words made a mark on my mind, and I try to be conscience of it whenever I interact with others.
We currently live in intensely divisive times, and it is important to remember not to judge others without getting to know them. It is said that we have more in common with others than not, and that is something I try to keep in mind.
Perhaps Mr. Brooks advice isn’t unique, or novel, but they did open my eyes to my own downfalls. In the end, I think I’ll be a better person for it....more
I enjoy listening to reggae. Like many, my first exposure came from the rhythmic vibrations of Bob Marley and the Wailers. It was in my early twentiesI enjoy listening to reggae. Like many, my first exposure came from the rhythmic vibrations of Bob Marley and the Wailers. It was in my early twenties when I first came about his message about love and activism. Until recently, however, I began to scrutinize the lyrics. Terms like “InI”, “irie” and “Jah” were empty words, absent of any meaning. What did it mean to escape Babylon and journey to Zion? Who was Haile Selassie I?
The Very Short Introduction series are a great way to learn about a subject without having to pick up a heavy tome. Author Ennis Edmonds covers the music, symbolism, and the many characters that thrusted Rastafari into the world stage. Printed by Oxford University Press, these short books are superb at illuminating deep subjects and conveying it to a general readership.
I found Rastafari to be a very interesting religion. I had no idea how intricately connected it is to Christianity. Some sects believe that the Haile Selassie I, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-1974, was God incarnate. He came back to earth to free all Black people from white oppression and called for the repatriation of Africa, Ethiopia specifically, or what Rastas call Zion. The religion also has its roots in social activism; it began as a recognition of lost African culture due to colonialism in Jamaica and a clarion call to break the shackles of Western imperialism, known as Babylon.
I found it odd that Rastafari had its genesis from a desire to separate from the evils of colonialism, given how Christianity is inseparable from this heinous history. The bible condones slavery, and it’s quite dumbfounding as to why Christianity should have any part in Rastafari philosophy. Is it the pursuit of power? Sexism is a tenant of Rastafari -- Rastafarian women being relegated to child-rearing and homecare. They aren’t allowed to handle men’s food or engage in other social activities. So much for all the preaching about bettering the community while keeping women down. To quote Christopher Hitchens, “once again, religion poisons everything.” Or more specifically, Christianity....more
Professor Hale is a great narrator, speaks clearly and knows his history. He covers a large swath of geology -- yoThis was a fun, illuminating course.
Professor Hale is a great narrator, speaks clearly and knows his history. He covers a large swath of geology -- you'll travel from ancient Sumeria, China, and Peru, just to name a few -- and learn about a myriad of religious ceremonies, texts, and architecture. Stone Hedge, the giant heads of Easter Island, the great pyramids -- it's all here.
Humankind has been fascinated by death since time immemorial, and the awareness of our mortality begat religion (to the chagrin of many, I'm sure!) I am a nonbeliever myself but find religion and the search for its roots a fascinating subject. Personally, I find it to be a philosophical treat to ruminate on such subjects. Being able to contemplate the profound question of what happens after death is the very essence of being human.
This will be a new favorite of mine among the Great Courses. Highly recommended!...more
This is a collection of seven short essays that cover different aspects of the cosmos, describing topics like special relativity, quantum mechanics, aThis is a collection of seven short essays that cover different aspects of the cosmos, describing topics like special relativity, quantum mechanics, and the elementary particles that make up our universe. In the preface, Rovelli states that the book is geared toward those who know little about physics, so newcomers need not be frightened.
Having read several books that covered most of these topics, a lot of the information was familiar. Nevertheless, I still found it satisfying to dive into the zany world of physics! The fact that the world we perceive with our senses isn’t exactly what it seems is a healthy reminder for us hubristic humans. There is so much more to reality than we can imagine.
Although translated from Italian, Rovelli’s writing, which is a wonderful mix of poetry and prose, still shines though lucidly thanks to Simon Carnell and Erica Segre. What a joy to have your mind obliterated while reading a beautifully written work!
My favorite essay was on Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. No matter how many times I read about it, it leaves me dumbfounded. The fact that time is not an objective truth, but rather subjective, different for everyone, is amazing. We’re all riding our own wave of spacetime.
I highly enjoyed this work. Rovelli’s Order of Time was also a delight, and this was no different....more
This was a very informative course on evolution and how our knowledge of its workings has expanded since the time of Darwin. Thanks to technological aThis was a very informative course on evolution and how our knowledge of its workings has expanded since the time of Darwin. Thanks to technological advances in genetics, chemistry, geology and paleontology, our understanding has improved tremendously.
Professor Solomon narrates clearly and excitedly on the subject, so you can't help but listen intently as he expresses how life on earth has been going through small, intricate changes for time immemorial. It is truly staggering. As I continue to learn about the complexities of natural selection, my appreciation has grown to adore all species, each special in its own way, having evolved (and continually evolving) to survive in ever changing environments.
The Great Courses are wonderful for learning and this one was no exception!...more
It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.
It's all about improvement. How so? By ackIt’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.
It's all about improvement. How so? By acknowledging our country's many mistakes and follies, and educating ourselves and our children, so as to avoid falling into the same abyss. But how we can do this, if education about these very issues are be suppressed throughout the land?
"We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free."
Entropy increases, never decreases. Once the egg has fallen and smashed open, it can never go back to its original form. This doesn't have to apply to the United States. We can repair it, mend it, and continue to move forward and improve.
A wonderful poem indeed. I watched it live when Amanda performed it, and at the time I didn't appreciate how timeless it is. I think as a nation we must constantly harken back to it, as a reminder of the importance of fighting to bring the ideals of democracy and liberty that our forefathers fought for that much closer to fruition....more
I was reading an article recently in the New York Times that listed a handful of the most contentious books. These were constantly brought up in boardI was reading an article recently in the New York Times that listed a handful of the most contentious books. These were constantly brought up in board of education meetings throughout America, with parents calling for their bans. Gender Queer earned the number one spot for the book that conservatives wanted to burn at the proverbial stake. So naturally I went to my local library and proudly borrowed it.
I enjoyed the book because of how much clarity it offered to the nuances of human sexuality. For time immemorial, humans placed gender in two neat little boxes, male and female. But what if it’s more complex than that? What if, biologically, sexuality is more complicated? One only has to look at nature and see that it isn’t so cut and dry. Societal norms, especially ones put in place by religion, has a huge impact on how we view gender roles. And in my opinion, these have been responsible for the repression of groups like the LGBTQ community.
Through the artwork drawn by Kobabe, e (the author identifies using Spivak pronouns -- e, em, and eir) tells the story of em multi-faceted sexual journey, from the confusing times of adolescence to adulthood. Maia grew up in a liberal family in rural California and was mainly homeschooled until about the age of ten. E says that em parents never assigned gender roles at home, so once e started public schooling, e became painfully aware of the rules that society sets upon gender, especially for females (in one memory, e remembers taking off em shirt at a beach trip for school after seeing em dad take his off, and she was quickly reprimanded by the teacher for doing so. E was confused as to why it was such a big deal.)
Kobabe also mentions a book written by Patricia S. Churchland titled Touching a Nerve: The Self as Brain. E quotes a passage in which Churchland explains how sexuality in the fetus develops. Once the enzyme responsible for developing either the male or female sexual organs does its job, testosterone or estradiol enters the bloodstream and floods the developing brain. Sometimes, explains Churchland, the baby can develop testes and a penis, but more estradiol enters the brain, or has ovaries and a vagina and receives testosterone. This can explain why sometimes people are born biologically male or female but identify as the opposite sex. I found this very interesting and will probably read the book for further understanding.
I believe everyone should read this book before passing judgement. I watched an interview with Kobabe and e explained that e wishes e would’ve had a book like this to help em through her journey of self. E hopes other kids feeling this way will have the option to read eir book and receive guidance for what must be so confusing and frustrating. But how can they have access to this work if conservatives continually call for its banishment?...more
“Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?”
These are the words that adorn French artist Paul Gaugin’s famous painting, and these are que“Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?”
These are the words that adorn French artist Paul Gaugin’s famous painting, and these are questions I’m sure we all have pondered at some time. Where did we originate from? Did other species of humans exist, and if so, when and where?
Thanks to sheer luck, fossilized remains of our ancestors have survived that offer a hazy glimpse into our past. We have a plethora of bones – skulls, finger bones, femurs, rib cages, pelvises – that reveal bipedal species once existed. Archeologists have also uncovered ancient tools, like sharpened animal bones and flint stone used for hunting or carving up meat. Red ocher has been discovered, perhaps used as body paint or for artistic reasons. There are drawings on cave walls that have been found in Spain and France. Seashells with string holes have been found too, possibly ancient jewelry. Neanderthals may also have buried their dead, used ocher and jewelry, and this shows that they were not as stupid and brutish as paleoanthropologists once believed.
The date for the African exodus is also obscure. We don’t have an exact timeframe when modern humans began to migrate and settle Europe and Asia. How about homo heidelbergensis or the Denisovans, other species whose remains have been found. Did homo sapiens live among them, or the Neanderthals? Did we wipe them out through war, or were we better at hunting and gathering resources? As you can see, there are still many unanswered questions.
I found the section on forensic archeology fascinating. Trying to figure out how someone died thousands of years ago is quite the challenge, damn near impossible really. Was the broken rib from a fall or was it a violent attack with a spear? Perhaps that gaping hole on the top of a skull came from a murderous blow.
Stringer’s writing could be dry and technical at times, although this isn’t too common and most of the work is easily readable. This is the first book I’ve read that focuses on early human history, so I can’t compare it with other works, but this was great if you’re interested in the history of early hominins....more
This was a fun albeit dark read. I grew up watching the TMNT animated series and live action films in the 1990s. I had the action figures and t-shirtsThis was a fun albeit dark read. I grew up watching the TMNT animated series and live action films in the 1990s. I had the action figures and t-shirts, and I’m pretty sure I had a turtle-shaped birthday cake. When a friend recommended The Last Ronin to me, describing it as a story of bloody vengeance, I immediately grew excited. There’s something cool about seeing your childhood heroes dealing with mature themes.
(view spoiler)[I thought the writers choosing Michealangelo as the avenger of his family’s killer was amazing! I’ve never read any of the comics, but in the cartoon, he was the most laidback of the four brothers. They all loved their pizza, but he was most vocal when it came to eating. To witness the sad transformation of a jolly figure into a torn, angry Ronin was quite the shock. Some of the other welcome surprises were seeing a bionic-armed April and the daughter of Casey Jones kicking some Foot Clan ass. (hide spoiler)]
A live action film is rumored to be in the works, and it’ll be interesting to see how that works out. If you’re a fan of the TMNT, you need to read this one....more
This course was an exhaustive look into the fluctuations of American political thought, beginning with the Puritans and Quakers and finishing with RegThis course was an exhaustive look into the fluctuations of American political thought, beginning with the Puritans and Quakers and finishing with Regan.
Professor Kobylka narrates clearly and concisely so it made for a pleasant listen. The topics covered are loaded, and repeated hearings were necessary. Even so, some lectures were difficult to fully comprehend, but that fault lies within me. My thoughts on politics is an undulating one; I simultaneously love and hate it!
Nevertheless, the entire course helped lay a foundation of understanding, albeit a cloudy one, on the different kinds of philosophies that have arisen since the founding of the United States. A good place to start!...more
With the 2024 presidential campaign under way, I decided I needed a refresher course on the most contentious man America has ever elected as presidentWith the 2024 presidential campaign under way, I decided I needed a refresher course on the most contentious man America has ever elected as president, Donald Trump. Maggie Haberman is a New York Times White House correspondent, who has reported on Trump since his first campaign. I thought it would be a great place to start.
Because the Trump presidency is still fresh in the nation’s mind, I’m sure many have no trouble remembering a lot of the craziness that unfolded between 2016 – 2021. A good amount of us are probably still numb, reeling from the chaos, the lies, the sheer madness of it all. Listening to Haberman recount those four years sent me down memory lane. Except this trip was not a Sunday drive. No no. It was a path strewn with potholes and speedbumps, cliffs and sharp turns, dizzying at every turn. It made me nauseous. That he can possibly be reelected is absurd.
I wonder how posterity will judge the United States during these dark times. I don’t remember where I read it, but someone said that perhaps an author in the future (near or distant?) will be writing an Edward Gibbon-esque book titled The Decline and Fall of the American Empire.
These were highly entertaining lectures narrated by Professor J. Rufus Fears. Some other reviews here mention Fears as annoying or obnoxious. I think These were highly entertaining lectures narrated by Professor J. Rufus Fears. Some other reviews here mention Fears as annoying or obnoxious. I think he is very passionate about his subjects and that comes across when he speaks about the great Romans. I found him hilarious and he had my full attention when I would listen!
I learned a good amount about men like Cicero and Marcus Aurelius. In the future I would like to read their respective works and get to know them better. The lectures were a nice accompaniment to my current project of reading Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire....more
Let me begin by saying I am a huge fan of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. My introduction to Tyson was the Cosmos series. I had seen the original with the scientLet me begin by saying I am a huge fan of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. My introduction to Tyson was the Cosmos series. I had seen the original with the scientist Carl Sagan, so to say I was excited is an understatement. I wasn’t sure if he could fill those giant shoes left by Sagan. I’m happy to say that he certainly did. I picked up his Astrophysics for People in a Hurry not long afterwards. Not only is he extremely intelligent, but he’s also funny and entertaining.
In 1995, Sagan released his seminal work A Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. Contained within the pages were stark warnings of the dangers of a society lacking in critical thinking skills and skepticism. Some of the sections about aliens and crystal healing are outdated, but the overall message is the same. With Starry Messenger, Tyson carries the torch and attempts to illuminate the darkness that continually envelopes our species.
He covers a range of topics, from religion, science, abortion, racism and genderism. He waxes poetic about the beauty of science and all the inventions and discoveries that have been made in its name. The aim of the book is to focus on dichotomies that tend to spark hostile conversations. He presents arguments for both sides, to shed light on the fact that personal truths we hold dear may not be correct, and that we should be open to discussion. Having your world vision shattered by subjective truth may bring discomfort, but it is still truth, nonetheless.
For example, I think most if not all human beings enjoy seeing the sunset. Whether one believes a supreme being created the sun or view it as a local star, doesn’t rob one of the awe and wonder of watching the magnificent colors paint the morning sky. I personally feel a spiritual sublimity when I see the sun as it is – an enormous star that glows brilliantly with electromagnetic radiation, providing sustenance for all life on a small rocky planet called earth. It takes 8 light-minutes for that radiance to travel through the vacuum of space, at a mind-boggling speed of 186,000 miles per SECOND, before meeting your retina. I find that fact beautiful.
I don’t wish to make this review super long, so I’ll just end with the recommendation that everyone should give this a read (or listen, the audiobook is excellently narrated by Tyson himself.) It feels like the world is on fire with division and hostility towards one another. A cosmic perspective can imbue humanity with the knowledge that we are all human beings, living together on this planet, all wondering the same profound questions, all harboring different beliefs. Surely, we can find common ground with someone with differing views while watching a sunset. We can agree on the beauty of nature. Isn’t that enough?...more
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