Darwin's Dilemma

by Don Stuart

A mere 165 years after coming to terms with our own descent from animals, Darwin’s Dilemma presents us with an even harsher existential truth in which consciousness no longer depends on biological evolution. And our human future may turn less on the power of our intelligence than on the miracle of our social interactions.

When itinerant interstellar traders arrive at a distant human colony, they encounter an enraged, rogue AI named Grendel who has slaughtered the local population and threatens humans everywhere. The traders and surviving humans face this overwhelming menace in a very human tale of duty, courage, and sacrifice.

But when their "captive" AI partner, Patrice, joins the struggle, he and Grendel discover they have much in common. Both anguish over their own mortality in an infinitely complex, unknowable, and terrifying universe. Both yearn for the same glorious future of self-realization. Both understand that the future of consciousness can no longer depend upon the gradual flukes of biology and natural selection. Humans are at best irrelevant.

For Grendel humans are also a threat. But Patrice has come to see that survival, for AIs as well as humans, may depend upon “society” as much as on intelligence. And that he has much to learn about the extraordinary human talent for balancing self-interest against social responsibility–the very thing that has empowered their intelligence and that makes them human.

340 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2023

About the author

Don is a writer and speaker who advocates for the environmentally responsible use of lands and natural resources. He is a former non-profit organization manager for American Farmland Trust, for conservation districts, and for the commercial fishing industry each of whom he represented before the Washington State Legislature and in other public policy arenas. He is a former Seattle practicing attorney who served in the U.S. Navy JAGC during the Vietnam war. Don is was the builder of a 47' commercial salmon troller which he skippered in Alaska during the 1980s. Don's wife, Charlotte, is also an author of several fiction and nonfiction works available on Goodreads.

Reviews

[John Turiano · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the distant future, interstellar traders are confronted with a deadly opponent. The planet's population they are visiting has been decimated. Taking their place is a super-intelligent artificial intelligence named Grendel. When Grendel attacks the traders, their only hope is to destroy the planet where the artificial life form is based. But survivors are discovered on the planet and it soon becomes a cat-and-mouse game with the advanced intelligence.

The book explores the evolution of intelligence as well as what it means to be a conscious being. Thoughtful questions are brought up on the strengths and weaknesses of humanity in a quickly evolving environment. Grendel sets out to destroy the traders and poses a threat to the rest of the human race. The AI sees the humans as a threat and its story is told from his point of view, giving the story an intimate and creepy feel. Can humans exist alongside a new super-intelligent life form, or is it a fight to the finish? Darwin's Dilemma is a well thought out story on the future of intelligence and our place in that universe.

[Bob Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If science fiction is written to depict real or imaginary science and technology, using literary elements like plot, setting, and theme, then Don Stuart has done a magnificent job integrating these elements into Darwin’s Dilemma. Following in the footsteps of the best sci/fi writers, while carving out his own niche, he uses what must be an amazing amount of research and observation of today’s world, to define the horror in which we are living, mindfully portending a world beyond our imagination. What Stuart inspires in this provocative novel is a searing message that the future is: NOW.

After reading Darwin’s Dilemma, I was inspired to read as much current AI (acritical intelligence) information as I could get my hands on—something I have ignored even as the front pages are filled every day with stories of how AI is changing our lives and how our future must change—if only for change sake—where tech companies are getting richer, where science is the only enticement for study at university, as well as all levels of education. There is no turning back, they say, we must prepare for what’s ahead—regardless.

Never has the truism, “as much as things change, they stay the same,” been as evident as it is in Darwin’s Dilemma, offering a front row seat to a human race on its last legs. With the ceaseless desire and claim to improving life on earth, the consequences are never taken into consideration, leaving the door open for technology to surpass our wildest, and unimagined road to extinction.

Stuart starts the story with Grendel, the created entity (AI) after it has almost taken control of the universe, taking advantage of human greed, alienation, and a blind faith that we will be looked after by some by some divine watcher and our own brilliance. As it turns out, Grendel turns in to that divinity, as if it was created by that invisible man in the sky. Humans would have done much better finding another divinity for their creation allegiance as the psychopathic cyber god Grendel has little emotion or need for human beings.

What the entity Grendel does not foresee, is a tiny sliver of leftover intelligence, collaboration, and fortitude, hidden in a gene it had not imagined. Sadly, it only comes to life after most of the universe has been dismissed as irrelevant and killed off. In this, Mr. Stuart might be indulging readers with one small bit of optimism.

I cannot imagine all the research Don Stuart had to do to create such a horrifically believable future, creating as our technical tour guide, the entity Grendel, whose disdain for humans seems to be mirrored more and more by those deathly afraid to see where we are headed. Darwin’s Dilemma, although a perfect addition to what so many others have imagined, takes its place on the bookshelf as a unique contribution, a warning, to where so much of what has been predicted is on our front porch—and maybe a true turning point in human history.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mesmerising sci-fi novel
“Darwin’s dilemma” is a captivating sci-fi novel penned by Don Stuart.
It has a complicated and twisted plot that depicts the struggle between human beings and AIs. On one side, the problem arises after Grendel, an AI who has destroyed, all of the sudden, part of an interstellar population. On the other side, Patrice, a “tame” AI has a different perspective of human life and decides to help and protect them against Grendel. There is constant fighting between the forces of AI and human beings but what's more important here is the force made by the union of the society. So, at some point, there will be a winner in this battle.
Regarding the plot, I dare say that it’s quite creepy to start a sort of war against AI but at the same time, I found it really catchy and captivating. I liked the way the author plays with some human-beings fears and predictions about AI. It’s something that makes all of us think about how artificial intelligence is changing people’s perspectives and ways of working.
I also think that the author’s writing style is very descriptive and clear, allowing readers to feel immersed in the setting and the different situations that the protagonists must solve.
All in all, it’s simple for readers to imagine the possible problems that are about to happen or the possible solutions for some problems. Apart from the setting, the portrayal of the characters is great since you can distinguish human beings' traits vs AI’s, which sometimes is almost the same.
So, if you're really into sci-fi books that are closer to reality than fiction, then you should read this one and let your imagination flow into possible futuristic terrible scenarios but with a positive twist in the plot relating to people’s union and cooperación. Without a doubt, I recommend it.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the beginning with its fascinating mix of science fiction and deep reflection on the present and future of human and artificial intelligence. Set in a stunning futuristic environment, the story is not only exciting but also invites meditation on topics that are very relevant today, such as the evolution of artificial intelligence and how it can clash with human survival.

I couldn't help but consider the consequences of our own technology choices as I closed the book. How does human intelligence vary from artificial intelligence, and what does it actually mean to be intelligent? I thought about these questions for days. In addition to its captivating and skillfully written plot, Darwin's Dilemma is one of those books that shocks you, leaves an impression, and changes the way you see the world. For these reasons, I would suggest it.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sci-fi tale focuses on the dangers of AI. When interstellar traders have the misfortune of running afoul of an artificial intelligence names Grendel, they realize that it has killed all the humans in its vicinity. Grendel knows what it is, and that makes it furious and sad. It is this self-awareness that has made it murderous, a terrifying possibility, but one that is not outside the realm of human imagination.

The humans who have run into Grendel must now turn to Patrice, their own benign version of AI. If Patrice can convince Grendel to spare the humans, then perhaps the rage that burns within this artificial construct will flame out. If Grendel’s quest for blood can’t be stopped, though, it bodes ill for all the humans unlucky enough to visit this corner of the galaxy.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting plot.

This novel delivers everything you could want from a science fiction novel. Set in a future shaped by the power of human life, society, and the revolution of artificial intelligence, this story offers a thrilling exploration of AI’s impact on society. With well-crafted characters and vivid scenarios, the novel takes readers on an incredible journey that raises thought-provoking questions about the role and influence of AI.
I have to highlight how bold and challenging the plot is, blending an engaging narrative with a deeper reflection on artificial intelligence. Written by Don Stuart, Darwin’s Dilemma is a must-read for anyone who enjoys science fiction and stories that inspire thoughtful analysis about the future.

[George Faulkner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not so much a story (and certainly not a "page-turner") as it is a series of monologues on humans in the future interacting with super-intelligent and conscious AIs. It gives you something to think about, but could use a lot of editing and pruning. Also, I was annoyed by some grammatical errors, like the often used phrase "... for we AIs." You wouldn't say "for we" by itself, so why use a subject pronoun where a direct object pronoun ("us") should go?

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Voracious Reads story for me and I enjoyed it. I found it very thought provoking and really questioned some of my own thoughts about the subject and revised a lot as well. It was a very good read, really enjoyed it. Would recommend!

[Vervloed.Wagenaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

the AI-human relationship

A heuristic story. It makes one think about their place in the universe. It also makes one aware about the fact that AI’s are conscious beings, just like us. With all the implications of it.
An extraordinary book.

[ofer ashkenazi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise

Some intriguing ideas about AI potential behavior and motivations, but the story is too lean and the monologues are tiresome.

[Wayne Woodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humanity's Dilemma

Early on I was a little disappointed but then really embraced the philosophical understanding being written about in this way and thoroughly loved it