The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI

by Jeff Burningham

In The Last Book Written by a Human, tech entrepreneur Jeff Burningham delivers a profound and urgent exploration of what it truly means to be human in the age of AI—challenging us to embrace wisdom, love, and deep human connection as we navigate an uncertain future alongside machines.

"A refreshingly optimistic look at the possibilities of human-AI interaction." --Kirkus Reviews

What does it mean to be human?

At a time when AI is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and think, this may be the biggest question we face.

In The Last Book Written by a Human, tech entrepreneur and investor Jeff Burningham wrestles with the fundamental questions of existence, the future role of artificial intelligence in society, and the increasingly complex union between humanity and its creations.

With raw honesty, Burningham shares his personal story from Mormon missionary and Bishop to successful entrepreneur to his gubernatorial run and beyond, offering reflections on our otherworldly potential and uncertain future in the age of AI. His call to action is As machines become smarter, we must become wiser.

You will

* How the rise of AI is forcing humanity to confront fundamental questions about consciousness, intelligence, and what it means to be truly human.
* Why the development of AI must be guided by love, wisdom, and compassion.
* How to navigate relationships in the future, ensuring we maintain genuine human connection alongside increasingly synthetic ones.
* The importance of reforming institutions—religious, governmental, and business—to support human flourishing.
* The cosmic necessity of mastering your life as a human being, rather than a human doing.

This book is a wake-up call for our species to evolve beyond our unconscious patterns, false beliefs, and outdated systems in order to thrive in the age of AI.

Genres: Nonfiction, Artificial Intelligence

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Ryan Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantastic title but the whole book could have been an email.

[Clark Kent · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my honest review, and is not for the author.

This book lacks substance, and the tone can feel very unrelatable, bordering on insufferable.

The focus of this book is on AI, but it feels like it's from the perspective of someone whose understanding of AI is based on podcasts and sci-fi movies.

Burningham writes about LLMs like sentient beings, and even suggests that in the same way God created humans, humans created AI. I wouldn't be surprised if his only sources for this book were Joe Rogan, I Robot and ChatGPT.

The personal stories in this book felt like the neverending scraping of nails on a chalkboard. He constantly humble-brags about experiences that are not only unrelatable, but pretentious. Almost every chapter includes a vacation he went on, his half baked philosophy, and reminders about his successful investments, wealth, career, mission, electoral campaign, tantric sex, etc.

Leading up to his philosophy, he has an unusually great few anecdotes. In one he describes his realization while playing with his daughter that he's missed out on much of her life by focusing so hard on success. In another, he describes a disturbing realization that he can't imagine his future, even though he thought he was on track. These to me were the most powerful moments of the book.

For some reason, he decides to go to India and do mushrooms. It's never explained how he got this idea or why he decided this was the way other than he was "commanded" or felt like it.

India to Burmingham seems to represent a "Spiritual Theme Park", and place where he (rich American) takes a magical vacation, discover himself, and leaves. His description comes off orientalist. Related to this, he writes about his supposed past life. In this glimpse of his past life, he's a nine year old boy in India with "caramel skin and curly black hair" swimming in a river.

What is his source, you may ask?

He had a dream of course.

His next big experience is taking shrooms. He takes his private plane and flies to his lake house to meet his buddy.

The actual information I gleaned from this book was incoherent.

He talks about how the mushrooms caused him to gain mystical knowledge. Like how to open your third eye, ascend planes of existence, and that actually everyone worships one god.

By the end he implies hes a hero similar to Jesus or MLK Jr. There's also quite a bit about intelligent design.

The practical advice is generic, vague, and borderline bad. Some examples: "love everyone", "Appreciate life", "mediate and pray", "Make up with your family", "be more religious"

Anyways, don't recommend, I wish I could get the time reading this book back.

----

As an Extra Treat, heres some of the most obnoxious, out of touch quotes from the book:

- "As someone who has built or been a very early investor in over a dozen billion-dollar companies..."

- "I couldn't fully explain it, but I felt it. The river was calling... the final decision was made on my oldest son's senior trip to Africa...By the time we pulled up to the Governor's Camp... destiny had made itself known. My children and wife all agreed: I was bound to run for governor."

- "I felt encouraged-- commanded, even... to try psilocybin, the active agent in what are colloquially known as 'magic mushrooms.'"

- "When I was out winning awards that didn't really matter, my wife was quietly serving someone in need. When I was 'conquering the world,' she was comforting a sick or troubled child."

- "I have climbed my way as close to the top as possible, experiencing more than my fair share of money, sex, and power."

- "I spent five years laboring as a bishop for my church, leading and serving five hundred souls in my neighborhood congregation... Think of it as a priest plus CEO plus preacher-- minus the money"

- "Having just arrived for my college semester abroad, I couldn't wait until the morning's official tour of the city."

- "In the summer of 2023, I was sitting on a dock in my favorite place on the planet, our lake house."

- "At nineteen, I'd checked all the boxes. Star athlete, devoted churchgoer, straight-A student, student body president, and even Eagle Scout."

- "A year after we were married, Sally and I found ourselves in Venice, Italy... As a graduation gift, Sally's parents were kind enough to pay for a budget getaway before our move."

- "In my first ayahuasca ceremony, a voice came to me clearly and spoke: 'Jeff,' it said, 'don't you have empathy for me?' It was, as far as I could tell, the voice of God."

- "[We've had] out fair share of adventures in more than sixty countries throughout the world, like skydiving over Dubai, bungee jumping in New Zealand, and experiencing nonduality connection at a tantra retreat."

- "My Mormon faith is a true American success story built on grit and ingenuity."u

[Laura Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI is a thought-provoking, timely, and deeply philosophical exploration of one of the defining questions of our era: what does it truly mean to be human as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable? Rather than focusing solely on technology itself, Jeff Burningham examines the values, relationships, and wisdom that will determine whether humanity flourishes alongside its own creations.

What impressed me most was the book's emphasis that the future of AI is ultimately a human story. Burningham argues that technological advancement alone is not enough; our greatest challenge is developing the wisdom, compassion, and ethical maturity necessary to guide these powerful innovations responsibly. This perspective elevates the conversation beyond algorithms and automation, encouraging readers to reflect on purpose, identity, and the qualities that machines cannot replicate.

I especially appreciated the way Burningham combines personal experiences with broader philosophical and societal questions. His reflections on entrepreneurship, leadership, faith, public service, and personal growth provide a meaningful foundation for discussing consciousness, human flourishing, and the future relationship between people and intelligent machines. The result is a book that feels both intellectually engaging and deeply personal.

Another standout strength is the book's interdisciplinary approach. Rather than limiting the discussion to technology, Burningham thoughtfully explores education, government, business, spirituality, ethics, and human relationships, demonstrating how each will be reshaped in an AI-driven world. This broad perspective makes the book relevant not only for technology professionals but for anyone concerned about the future of society.

The writing is clear, reflective, and accessible, presenting complex philosophical ideas without becoming overly academic. Throughout the book, readers are invited to ask difficult questions while remaining hopeful about humanity's capacity for growth, wisdom, and meaningful connection.

The Last Book Written by a Human is much more than a book about artificial intelligence it is a compelling meditation on the future of humanity itself. It challenges readers to think beyond technological progress and consider the character, values, and wisdom that will ultimately shape the world we leave to future generations.

Highly recommended for entrepreneurs, technology leaders, AI professionals, policymakers, educators, philosophers, business executives, students, innovators, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of humanity's role in the age of artificial intelligence.

[Dallin Bruun · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve all been summoned to history’s delivery room, and no one’s quite sure whether to pass out cigars or call security. The contractions are real: our collective child, AI, is on the way. Most of the chatter in the room is about everything that could go wrong—how this baby might keep us up at night for decades, wreck the furniture, and one day burn the place down. And to be fair, those fears aren’t unfounded.

On a recent episode of his podcast, actor Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute) told the story of his first child’s birth—a traumatic delivery where both mother and baby nearly died. When he finally held his child, he described what many of us feel in that moment: “How much love, intimacy, closeness, and light does this essence hold?” That’s the kind of moment we’re being robbed of in the public AI conversation. We’re pacing the floor, imagining the worst, without ever being invited to hold the child and see the light it might carry.

Reading The Last Book Written by a Human felt like finally being ushered past the nervous crowd to do just that. That first touch—the awe, the trembling, the love, the responsibility—was a spiritual experience for me when I held my own kids, and somehow Jeff Burningham’s writing managed to evoke that same full-bodied moment here. Not the sanitized brochure version, and not just the nightmare scenarios, but the whole thing: sacred wonder braided with the sobering weight of stewardship.

Jeff draws on his own life—losing a political race, standing on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, serving as a Mormon bishop, even venturing into a transformative psychedelic experience—to show that disruption, reflection, transformation, and evolution aren’t just the cycles of technology; they’re the cycles of being human. By the time I reached his chapter “Love Is the Answer,” I didn’t roll my eyes—I nodded. He’d earned it.

Many wisdom traditions point to a highest path: to meet life with a love that does not depend on merit, fear, or agreement—a love that seeks the good of what it touches simply because it exists. Jeff’s invitation is to bring that kind of love into how we “raise” AI—to let it guide and correct this creation as we would a child, knowing that how we shape it will in turn shape us.

And here’s where Jeff’s optimism—and now mine—comes to rest: if we raise AI with wisdom, presence, and love, it need not be our undoing. Nurtured as our own, it could one day help us mature into the fullness of what we value most—love itself.

[September Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI is a thoughtful, provocative, and timely exploration of one of the defining questions of our era: as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable, what qualities will remain uniquely and meaningfully human? Rather than focusing solely on the technology itself, Jeff Burningham challenges readers to examine wisdom, purpose, relationships, and consciousness—subjects that are becoming even more important as AI reshapes nearly every aspect of society.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its willingness to move beyond technical discussions and engage with the philosophical, ethical, and deeply personal implications of artificial intelligence. Jeff combines his background as a technology entrepreneur with personal reflection to present ideas that are intellectually engaging while remaining accessible to a broad audience. His perspective encourages readers not to fear innovation but to thoughtfully consider how humanity should evolve alongside it.

I especially appreciated the book's emphasis on wisdom rather than information. In an age where knowledge is increasingly available through machines, Jeff argues convincingly that qualities such as compassion, humility, discernment, love, and authentic human connection will become even more valuable. This shift in focus transforms the conversation from one about technological advancement into one about personal and societal transformation.

The writing is engaging, reflective, and filled with meaningful questions that invite readers to think deeply rather than simply consume information. Whether discussing artificial intelligence, institutions, relationships, or the future of civilization, Jeff consistently challenges readers to become more intentional about how they live and lead.

Overall, The Last Book Written by a Human is much more than a book about AI. It is a profound reflection on identity, purpose, leadership, and the future of humanity itself. Jeff Burningham offers an important reminder that while technology may continue to accelerate, our greatest responsibility is to cultivate the wisdom, character, and compassion that no machine can truly replace.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

A smorgasbord of new-agey ideas cloaked in shiny packaging. One of those books you finish, and the only detail you really remember is that the author tried magic mushrooms to expand his mind.

The text is cluttered with meaningless phrases like “living in nonresistance,” “nondual awareness,” and “collective remembering.” It feels altogether too “kum-ba-yah” for my taste.

Peeling back the skin of this new-age propaganda reveals a shopworn ideology: the belief that humans must save themselves through sheer goodness, government programming, and collective action. The author states: “Our transformation as a species depends on our ability to move beyond harming each other. We can do this. We can be more conscientious. More kind, more loving, more considerate. We must be.”

It sounds lovely, but the underpinning of this philosophy always leads to misery. Why? Because it fails to account for the reality of our fallen world and the way we are motivated. The answer to our plight is something different entirely. The answer is Jesus Christ––the need for a Savior to overcome sin and death. What about Christ? Where does He fit into the philosophies put forth in this book?

We cannot move to a higher plane of existence by just "getting it right," even with the help of psychedelics. We will never get there on our own. Understand this reality and realizing our need for Christ is the entire point.

On a side note: this book has almost nothing to do with AI and fails to explore its ramifications on the human soul. It appears only as a tagline and with such barefaced obviousness as: “In the age of AI, the transformation that lies ahead for all of us will be different from anything that’s been before,” and “We must become more human, not less.”

Yeah, no kidding.

[Jennifer Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension between “human doing” and “human being” is a lifelong learning journey—a paradox that continues to challenge those seeking meaning, balance, and authenticity in life. In this powerful blend of personal narrative, practical insight, and philosophical reflection, Jeff invites us to explore the complexities of vulnerability, self-discovery, and growth.

With wisdom and clarity, he shows what becomes possible when we choose to get real, stay open, and embrace the messiness of life. Guided by love, community, compassion, and understanding, Jeff offers a vision for a more intentional way of living—one not rooted in perfection, but in presence.

As we navigate our evolving humanity in the age of AI—with intelligent systems increasingly reflecting and reshaping our sense of self—this book becomes far more than a passive read. It’s a manifesto. A call to conscience and consciousness. An invitation to live on purpose and take intentional action.

We are, all of us, masterpieces in progress.
What will we create?
What might we become?
What can we accomplish?

Through stories, reflections, and thoughtful prompts, Jeff encourages us to show up as our truest selves—living each day grounded in authenticity and love, with the awareness to recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary. He reminds us to reach beyond ourselves, to uncover our purpose, and to see one another—and ourselves—with greater clarity, depth, and compassion.

[Tim Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Last Book Written by a Human” is a timely, thought-provoking exploration of what it truly means to remain human in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Jeff Burningham blends memoir, philosophy, and cultural critique in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. His stories, from entrepreneurship to public service to spiritual leadership, give the book a grounded authenticity, and his reflections on wisdom, purpose, and presence feel like an invitation rather than a lecture. Burningham doesn’t fall into the trap of pessimism or techno-hype; instead, he offers a balanced, hopeful lens on how we can navigate the future with both humility and intention.

What makes this book stand out is its emotional intelligence. Burningham argues that as machines become smarter, humans must become wiser, and he shows what that actually looks like in everyday life. It’s a call to rediscover the qualities that AI can’t replicate: compassion, curiosity, connection, and courage. Whether you work in tech, leadership, or simply want to understand how to thrive, not just survive, in a rapidly changing world, this book will stay with you long after the final page. Inspiring, accessible, and refreshingly human, it’s a must-read for anyone thinking about the future.

[Patrick Risk · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is only one book you can read this year, let it be in this one! I have now read it FOUR TIMES in the past 3 weeks, and each time I discover more! Few books have impacted me more. Honestly, for me, it has been like a deja vu experience... Like I’ve read it before. A re-awakening as I re-read truths I had heard before but had long forgotten. It has absolutely transformed my paradigm and view of the challenges we face as a society, and our opportunity to transform this world through one simple concept…

‼️ In an age of endless doing, our hope lies in taking back our place as humanBEINGS ‼️

No matter your background, I’d ask you to consider reading this book. It really is not about AI… it’s about US… who WE ARE. AI is just a reflection of us in the grand cosmic mirror of existence. Ultimately, there is a transformation occurring... perhaps the biggest one our world has ever known. How we respond to this transformation will impact every facet of life. If we want to turn the tides of society, we must answer the call to DO less and BE more! To be MORE human! I believe that this book will help awaken that call within you, as it has in me…

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's clear we're heading into some wild, uncharted territory that’s going to reshape our lives in ways we can’t even imagine. For me, this book seemed to come just at the right time to help. I cannot recommend it enough! It offers an inspiring and encouraging perspective on engaging with AI—while challenging us to take an honest look at our unconscious habits and biases.

Burningham brilliantly and effortlessly weaves together personal, heartfelt stories with ancient wisdom and modern insights, making his reflections both engaging and deeply human. His voice is warm and reflective, yet earnest about the challenges ahead. For me, this book reframed AI as a mirror—one capable of reflecting back our deepest longings and desires. In that sense, it has significantly reshaped my relationship with AI, seeing it as a powerful tool for what psychologist Carl Jung described as “making the unconscious, conscious.”

The future is scary and uncertain but I walked away from this book feeling more hopeful, excited and ready for what is ahead.

[Zach Stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that deeply echoes your thoughts and feelings, some of which you didn't realize you had? This book did that for me. It gave me words for the growing awareness I've had that our society is changing. That it is becoming more conscious.

Jeff writes about the veil of our cosmic forgetting that is both necessary for us to function and is often the last illusion to fall. And he lifts the veil for anyone who approaches the book with an open heart and mind. It is much more than a book about AI. It reads like scripture for the present moment.

The book describes how the Old Game of chasing status, wealth, and prestige must give way for the New Game of dropping our egos to live more consciously and more connected to others. It is full of insight on how we humans can upgrade ourselves as we are upgrading our technology.

If AI proves to be the most powerful technological revolution in human history, maybe it’s also what finally pushes us into our most enlightened society yet. A must-read. And one that I will return to frequently.

[Crosssroads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Book Written by a Human is Jeff’s bold and beautiful call to humanity: as our machines become smarter, we must become wiser. The mindset shift we need cannot come from the top down—it must rise from the bottom up. It begins with each of us.

Jeff’s story is both universal and deeply personal—a version of the journey we (and our institutions) must take if we hope to thrive in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.

The format is creative and urgent, uniquely attuned to the spirit of our time, yet grounded in truths that are timeless. His vulnerability throughout is refreshing and real.

As a serial doer and builder, I’m excited by the possibility that AI might actually create time and space—for me, and for all of us—to become more human again.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked it up this book expecting something thoughtful about AI. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would pull me back into my own humanity. It was a call to focus more on my attention, my relationships, my creativity, my purpose. This isn’t a fear-based take on technology. It’s a wise, steady-handed invitation to remember what actually makes us human while the world speeds up around us.

Jeff writes with clarity, humility, and heart. You can feel that this book wasn’t rushed. It was lived first.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by technology, disconnected from yourself and loved ones, or just wondering “Is this all moving too fast? this book will meet you right where you are.

I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like there are a lot of cautionary books coming out as our collective concern is keeping pace with the rapid improvements we're seeing in Al. But this book takes a more positive, practical approach by paving a way for humans to adapt alongside it, to shepherd in technology in a way that not only preserves our species, but actually catalyzes us to level up as a global consciousness. It gives me hope that there's a path forward - one that brings humanity into deeper connection with our own nature, and steers us toward systems and societies founded in altruism, community, and empathy.

[Beau Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We stand on the threshold of a changed world where artificial intelligence will disrupt and transform our lives with a speed that will take our collective breaths away. Rather than wait for this to happen, the time is now to prepare and to change our motivations, our responsibilities, and our lives to adjust to this new frontier. Jeff's book has some powerful ideas on how we can do this amidst ruminations on what makes us human and what life is about (a hint: it's not just about amassing stuff). It's a quick but powerful read that helps to prepare us for the future!

[Teri Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burningham is uniquely positioned to write about AI as an entrepreneur, a tech businessman, and a spiritual seeker. He succinctly shares his vision for a humanity that could be better, not worse, in a world with ever more advanced AI. This book reads quickly and easily, as it is sprinkled with personal stories and hard-won insights that lighten the somewhat frightful topic of AI. Burningham offers enlightened perspectives as well as practical ways we can contribute to the wise use of AI as it evolves. A must-read.

[Braxton Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read. Completely changed my focus and outlook. Being a human is about being, experiencing, and loving. Chasing power, prestige, and money is the old game and won’t lead to fulfillment. Enjoying small moments and creating memories/meaningful relationships is the hallmark of humanity.

[VeeDawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

"What it truly means to be human in the age of AI—challenging us to embrace wisdom, love, and deep human connection as we navigate an uncertain future alongside machines."
No new insights just a jumbled (maybe written by AI) book.

[Claire Burningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking with an overarching heart warming message of love

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instantly engaging, this book reads like a passionate conversation with a man on a mission to improve the world in the best of ways. With the overarching reminder that our humanness is our greatest asset in a world of astounding technological advances, Jeff Burningham makes the case for love, connection, empathy, openness and transformation. Drawing on practices of mindfulness, introspection, cultural skepticism, and deeper awareness, Jeff highlights achievable changes to help humanity manage the wide-ranging implications of AI. Perhaps most compelling are Jeff's stories that document his personal transformation, from "a private plane to nowhere" to a "systemwide upgrade." Thought provoking prompts at the end of each chapter invite the reader to engage in a similar journey.