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NOT AI: Artificial Intelligence Can't & Shouldn't
What if the future we’re building doesn’t understand who we truly are?
In an age of artificial intelligence, where machines compose music, write code, give medical advice, and mimic human interaction; NOT AI - Artificial Intelligence Can’t & Shouldn’t dares to ask what we’ve lost in the pursuit of efficiency.
Written by Gautam Sirigiri, a seasoned technologist and system architect, this book is not a critique of AI, but a reflection on what it cannot do and what it should not be allowed to do. With poetic clarity and professional insight, the author explores the boundaries between machine logic and human experience - consciousness, language, imagination, emotion, free will, creativity, and ethics.
Each chapter offers a compelling journey through the paradoxes of automation, the limits of machine thinking, and the essence of being human. From baby-proofing a home to teaching a child how to judge right from wrong, the analogies are grounded, relatable, and thought-provoking.
This is not a technical manual or a dystopian warning. It’s a mirror. A space to pause, think, and
If AI can do almost everything, what must remain ours?
Who should read this book?
Technologists, developers, and AI practitioners
Educators, researchers, and futurists
Parents, policy-makers, and students
Philosophers, psychologists, and thinkers
Anyone who wants to reflect on the human side of the AI revolution
Prepare to challenge assumptions. Rediscover what matters. And question whether intelligence without understanding is really intelligence at all.
In an age of artificial intelligence, where machines compose music, write code, give medical advice, and mimic human interaction; NOT AI - Artificial Intelligence Can’t & Shouldn’t dares to ask what we’ve lost in the pursuit of efficiency.
Written by Gautam Sirigiri, a seasoned technologist and system architect, this book is not a critique of AI, but a reflection on what it cannot do and what it should not be allowed to do. With poetic clarity and professional insight, the author explores the boundaries between machine logic and human experience - consciousness, language, imagination, emotion, free will, creativity, and ethics.
Each chapter offers a compelling journey through the paradoxes of automation, the limits of machine thinking, and the essence of being human. From baby-proofing a home to teaching a child how to judge right from wrong, the analogies are grounded, relatable, and thought-provoking.
This is not a technical manual or a dystopian warning. It’s a mirror. A space to pause, think, and
If AI can do almost everything, what must remain ours?
Who should read this book?
Technologists, developers, and AI practitioners
Educators, researchers, and futurists
Parents, policy-makers, and students
Philosophers, psychologists, and thinkers
Anyone who wants to reflect on the human side of the AI revolution
Prepare to challenge assumptions. Rediscover what matters. And question whether intelligence without understanding is really intelligence at all.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2025
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Gautam Sirigiri
3 booksGautam Sirigiri is an accomplished technology architect, AI researcher, and author whose work bridges the gap between cutting-edge innovation and timeless human values. With over 18 years of experience spanning industries like finance, manufacturing, insurance, and cloud-native applications, he has held roles from developer to associate architect, specializing in Cloud, AI-driven systems, and scalable infrastructure.
Beyond his technical career, Gautam writes thought-provoking books and articles that examine the deeper questions surrounding technology like artificial intelligence, consciousness, human purpose, and the role of technology in society. His writing challenges readers to look beyond convenience, capability and focus on considering ethics, imagination, and what makes us truly human.
Whether he's designing resilient cloud systems or exploring philosophical paradoxes, Gautam brings clarity, depth, and originality to every project he undertakes.
When he’s not writing or architecting systems, he enjoys exploring sacred geography, researching ancient sciences, and spending time with his family.
Beyond his technical career, Gautam writes thought-provoking books and articles that examine the deeper questions surrounding technology like artificial intelligence, consciousness, human purpose, and the role of technology in society. His writing challenges readers to look beyond convenience, capability and focus on considering ethics, imagination, and what makes us truly human.
Whether he's designing resilient cloud systems or exploring philosophical paradoxes, Gautam brings clarity, depth, and originality to every project he undertakes.
When he’s not writing or architecting systems, he enjoys exploring sacred geography, researching ancient sciences, and spending time with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 17, 2025
“NOT AI – Can’t & Shouldn’t” is a refreshing counterbalance to the overwhelming techno-optimism we hear today. As someone who spends a lot of time exploring AI tools, trends, and their impact, I often find myself wishing for a perspective that slows things down and asks the deeper human questions. Gautam Sirigiri delivers exactly that — and more.
This book explores the boundaries of artificial intelligence: what it cannot do, what it should never try to do, and why human intelligence remains irreplaceable. It’s not anti-technology; instead, it’s a thoughtful reflection on human meaning vs. machine capability.
Summary
The book moves through themes like language, consciousness, free will, decision-making, psychology of machines, and the paradoxes of automation. Sirigiri doesn’t lecture. He invites you into a space of inquiry, often using philosophical reflection, simple metaphors, and relatable real-world examples.
At its core, the book reminds us that AI is powerful — but incomplete. It can detect patterns, generate content, and simulate intelligence, but it still lacks human emotion, intuition, and self-awareness.
What’s Good
1. Deeply Human, Yet Technically Grounded
Sirigiri writes from a technologist’s perspective, but with the heart of a philosopher. This is a rare combination. His reflections on what machines cannot feel — pain, intuition, emotion — are written with clarity. He brings together neuroscience, psychology, and technology in a mature and balanced way.
2. Strong Metaphors and Storytelling
The analogy of a baby touching a flame is simple yet powerful. It sets the tone for the entire book: AI can “learn,” but it cannot “experience.” That distinction is beautifully woven into every chapter.
3. Raises Crucial Ethical Questions
In a world obsessed with automation, productivity, and scale, the book pauses to ask:
• Should AI make moral decisions?
• Should algorithms replace judgment?
• Should data replace intuition?
These are questions policymakers, technologists, and even educators need to reflect on.
4. Written with Honesty
Unlike many AI critiques, this one does not come across as fearful or sensational. It’s grounded, thoughtful, and respectful of both sides — human capability and technological evolution.
What’s Not So Good
1. Some Sections Feel a Bit Abstract
Readers expecting step-by-step analysis or scientific detail may feel certain chapters lean too philosophical. Personally, I appreciated the reflective nature, but some may want more structure.
2. Repetition of Themes
The emphasis on “AI lacks human understanding” appears multiple times. Though true, it could have been explored with more diverse examples instead of circling back to similar illustrations.
3. Could Use More Real Technical Scenarios
While the philosophical approach is beautiful, adding a few modern AI case studies (like self-driving dilemmas, healthcare AI risks, or bias issues) would help ground the arguments for a wider audience.
Could Have Been Better
• More practical examples of AI failure
• Interviews with researchers or psychologists
• A concluding chapter offering responsible AI guidelines
This book explores the boundaries of artificial intelligence: what it cannot do, what it should never try to do, and why human intelligence remains irreplaceable. It’s not anti-technology; instead, it’s a thoughtful reflection on human meaning vs. machine capability.
Summary
The book moves through themes like language, consciousness, free will, decision-making, psychology of machines, and the paradoxes of automation. Sirigiri doesn’t lecture. He invites you into a space of inquiry, often using philosophical reflection, simple metaphors, and relatable real-world examples.
At its core, the book reminds us that AI is powerful — but incomplete. It can detect patterns, generate content, and simulate intelligence, but it still lacks human emotion, intuition, and self-awareness.
What’s Good
1. Deeply Human, Yet Technically Grounded
Sirigiri writes from a technologist’s perspective, but with the heart of a philosopher. This is a rare combination. His reflections on what machines cannot feel — pain, intuition, emotion — are written with clarity. He brings together neuroscience, psychology, and technology in a mature and balanced way.
2. Strong Metaphors and Storytelling
The analogy of a baby touching a flame is simple yet powerful. It sets the tone for the entire book: AI can “learn,” but it cannot “experience.” That distinction is beautifully woven into every chapter.
3. Raises Crucial Ethical Questions
In a world obsessed with automation, productivity, and scale, the book pauses to ask:
• Should AI make moral decisions?
• Should algorithms replace judgment?
• Should data replace intuition?
These are questions policymakers, technologists, and even educators need to reflect on.
4. Written with Honesty
Unlike many AI critiques, this one does not come across as fearful or sensational. It’s grounded, thoughtful, and respectful of both sides — human capability and technological evolution.
What’s Not So Good
1. Some Sections Feel a Bit Abstract
Readers expecting step-by-step analysis or scientific detail may feel certain chapters lean too philosophical. Personally, I appreciated the reflective nature, but some may want more structure.
2. Repetition of Themes
The emphasis on “AI lacks human understanding” appears multiple times. Though true, it could have been explored with more diverse examples instead of circling back to similar illustrations.
3. Could Use More Real Technical Scenarios
While the philosophical approach is beautiful, adding a few modern AI case studies (like self-driving dilemmas, healthcare AI risks, or bias issues) would help ground the arguments for a wider audience.
Could Have Been Better
• More practical examples of AI failure
• Interviews with researchers or psychologists
• A concluding chapter offering responsible AI guidelines
October 7, 2025
This is NOT a book about all of the reasons to not use AI (artificial intelligence). Instead, it is a book that asks questions and gives the reader an objective look at the subject. By asking questions, it allows the reader to determine for themselves how they feel about using AI in place of humans for different tasks. It is a great argument that will more than likely continue to grow as the many uses and applications that AI is being used for continues to grow. Sometimes it seemed like there were too many questions being asked, but if you take the time to really sit and think of your own personal response to each question, then you will be able to come to your own conclusion in the matter.
If you are in search of a good source to use in a debate or argumentative essay, this book would be an excellent resource. Sirigiri gives great examples of the differences between human thinking and AI thinking. Do any of the questions get answered? No. That’s up to you to decide, and when we get down to it, we are the ones who do get to decide whether or not to utilize AI in our life, for now. So these are important questions to ponder.
If you are in search of a good source to use in a debate or argumentative essay, this book would be an excellent resource. Sirigiri gives great examples of the differences between human thinking and AI thinking. Do any of the questions get answered? No. That’s up to you to decide, and when we get down to it, we are the ones who do get to decide whether or not to utilize AI in our life, for now. So these are important questions to ponder.
November 13, 2025
In a world where everyone is starting to notice and use A.i for every day life this book is a great way of learning and understanding more about the Technology that is shaping our world.
Approaching key factors that help us formulate a better opinion about what it is, how it works and how it impacts our life.
I highly recommend it!
Approaching key factors that help us formulate a better opinion about what it is, how it works and how it impacts our life.
I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews