The God We Made: The Threat and Promise of Artificial Intelligence; Quarterly Essay 102

Quarterly Essay #102

by Anna Goldsworthy

Humanity in the age of AI
AI may be our most persuasive God yet.


At the same time, it forces a confrontation with what it means to be bodies, fragility, memory. It raises questions about human connection, leisure and learning. And it brings new existential and ethical risks.


In this dazzling essay, Anna Goldsworthy explores the implications of AI for art, culture and the self.

Genres: Nonfiction

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

Anna Goldsworthy is an Australian classical pianist and writer. In October 2009 her memoir Piano Lessons was released in Australia by publisher Black Inc. In November 2010 it will be published in the US by St Martin's Press (Macmillian). From 2010 she will be Artistic Director of the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival. Anna is also a Board Member of the Australian Book Review, Artist-in-Residence at Janet Clarke Hall at the University of Melbourne, and a founding member of the Seraphim Trio.

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very scary. Beautifully written, easily the best Quarterly Essay for some time. We probably thought we’d die from some form of climate disaster. Now I think I’ll die at the hands (robot hands) of AI. Evening everyone!

[Tess Coventry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

As AI increasingly intertwines itself with us and becomes entrenched into every facet of our daily lives, Anna Goldsworthy pauses to reflect on what this means for us as humans.

This essay is written beautifully, in a style that feels so personal and eloquent but above all is so so interesting. I couldn't put this down. Not even my addiction to doom-scrolling could stop me. An excellent and important essay. Couldn't fault it.

[Rhys Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first exposure to Anna Goldsworthy and it is phenomenally good. Wonderful collection of thoughts and vignettes (for want of a better word) of AI and its tendrils into our lives, into creativity into education and platonic and romantic relationships.

Shout out to the alphabet soup of external characters that provide terrific insight. There is a wonderful tension between the voices of R O Z and the gentle maternal pushback that advocates (rightfully) for reality and humanity at every turn.

[Eleni Pagidas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expected this to be another boring take on AI, but I really liked how human Goldsworthy's writing is, you can tell she loves the arts (her musical background was so clearly noticeable in the eloquent way she writes). An interesting and fresh take on AI that wasn't a drag to read!

[Philip Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Comprehensive. Accessible.