Book review: Author delves into transhumanist movement in ‘To Be a Machine’ – SCNow

To be or not to be a machine? That is indeed the question. To sleep, perchance to dream of becoming a robot? Give those fellows credit for being immune to the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and being designed to outlive us all. But author Mark OConnells subject in To Be a Machine is not robot envy. He has been trekking various terrains to report on the brave new world of transhumanists. This assemblage of scientists, entrepreneurs, dreamers and the odd philosopher is dedicated to out-maneuvering our mortal destiny.

He toured Alcora, a facility near Phoenix, where he is prepped on how humanitys primary adaptations need to be reset after death derails them. Until that breakthrough, clients invest in a post-mortem cyronic suspension that freezes our mortal flesh for future uploading, especially the separated heads that encase our vital core. Seriously, if life began with a handful of elements and has so far evolved homo sapiens amazing brain, why stop now?

But why the singular focus? Because the superstar of the computer age is our brain. Its ability to accumulate and organize ever-greater masses of data is regaled by scientists. Brains are being credited with keeping us active players, not only in improving our lot but also in enabling our species to feel more uniquely alive. And so it is this constant flow of data fueled by 100 billion neurons that entices us to double down against death. With such infinite resources, why not embrace the transhuman task of phasing it out?

Because its also complicated. OConnell doesnt shy away from this agendas doubling back on itself. Enter AI: Artificial Intelligence, far more superior to mastering data than our cumbersome biology permits. But as AIs leave us in the dust, many fear were at their mercy, as well. Some in the field speculate that the new bosses might condescend to us as pets; others propose that since we cant beat em, join em and become robots. Crazy; but havent we already begun? Robocars can make pizza runs, drones can fight our wars, disembodied voices guide grocery self-checkouts, Dr. Google dispenses free medical advice. Face it, bit by bit humans are becoming redundant. Phasing out death, we may end up phasing out ourselves. Where will it end? No one dare say. But OConnell has devised an indispensable GPS for negotiating todays tomorrow-land.

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TO BE A MACHINE: Adventures among Cyborgs, Utopians, Hackers, and the Futurists Solving the Modest Problem of Death

By Mark OConnell

(Doubleday, $29.95, 256 pp.)

Publication: Feb. 28

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Book review: Author delves into transhumanist movement in 'To Be a Machine' - SCNow