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Co-Existence: The Next Phase of AI
How do we live alongside machines that are sometimes smarter than us?
We are entering a new era. AI systems can already outperform humans in some domains while failing spectacularly in others. They can act as tutors, collaborators, researchers, strategists, and creators...yet they can also produce falsehoods, generate convincing nonsense, and fail unpredictably. The challenge is no longer simply adopting new technology. It is learning how to think, work, and live in a world where machines are sometimes smarter than us.
In Co-Existence, Ethan Mollick—a Wharton professor and author of the widely read One Useful Thing newsletter—argues that the future of AI will not be defined by replacement, but by interaction.
Drawing on years of research, experimentation, and frontline experience with rapidly evolving AI systems, Mollick shows readers how
• work productively with AI while retaining judgment and autonomy;
• distinguish where human insight matters most;
• avoid becoming overly dependent on systems designed to persuade and imitate;
• adapt creatively as AI reshapes education, business, and everyday life; and
• build a durable human advantage in a world of intelligent machines.
Clear-eyed, practical, and written with warmth and humor, Co-Existence is your guide to navigating the next phase of the AI revolution.
We are entering a new era. AI systems can already outperform humans in some domains while failing spectacularly in others. They can act as tutors, collaborators, researchers, strategists, and creators...yet they can also produce falsehoods, generate convincing nonsense, and fail unpredictably. The challenge is no longer simply adopting new technology. It is learning how to think, work, and live in a world where machines are sometimes smarter than us.
In Co-Existence, Ethan Mollick—a Wharton professor and author of the widely read One Useful Thing newsletter—argues that the future of AI will not be defined by replacement, but by interaction.
Drawing on years of research, experimentation, and frontline experience with rapidly evolving AI systems, Mollick shows readers how
• work productively with AI while retaining judgment and autonomy;
• distinguish where human insight matters most;
• avoid becoming overly dependent on systems designed to persuade and imitate;
• adapt creatively as AI reshapes education, business, and everyday life; and
• build a durable human advantage in a world of intelligent machines.
Clear-eyed, practical, and written with warmth and humor, Co-Existence is your guide to navigating the next phase of the AI revolution.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy
Ethan Mollick does a fantastic job setting the stage on what AI is, how AI behaves, and when to use AI (if at all) while retaining our humanity before opening up to the "what's next" conversation and frankly the conversation I was most looking forward to. Mollick's insight and commentary on the disruption we are (and will continue) experiencing in the workforce, in education, in our day to day as well as the broad unknown of the future give such great nuggets to chew on. While not a "how to" book prepping us for what is to come (as Mollick makes it quite clear he does not know), I do think the cogitation after reading Co-Existence will inspire meaningful change.
I highly encourage EVERYONE to read this book and by everyone I mean those AI apprehensive/adverse, those unfamiliar with AI, those who are comfortable using the technology, those working in the AI space, leadership, educators, parents, EVERYONE.
If you are one of my colleagues following me on here, chances are high you either have heard me talking about this book leading up to release, today, or will be hearing about it soon.
I highly encourage EVERYONE to read this book and by everyone I mean those AI apprehensive/adverse, those unfamiliar with AI, those who are comfortable using the technology, those working in the AI space, leadership, educators, parents, EVERYONE.
If you are one of my colleagues following me on here, chances are high you either have heard me talking about this book leading up to release, today, or will be hearing about it soon.
October 21, 2026
Review for the audiobook which my library released on 10/20/2026 - thank you Libby and our tax dollars!
That said, yes I indeed finished this in about a day, a short and to the point book clocking in at 5 hours of listening time which was enough to get Mollick's point across without overstaying it's welcome, so for that I definitely applaud Ethan Mollick and his editor for not being overly verbose in responses and examples.
As a huge fan of Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, preaching about it as a go-to book for people interested in learning holistically about using AI whenever I am asked, I am happy to report that this follow up also succeeds in providing a mostly tool agnostic look at the AI landscape and how it is intersecting with our world. Given the rate of development, it is hard to predict with certainty, such as data center funding, startup valuations, AI bubbles popping, the rise of open weight models in the future to compete with the likes of the frontier models from Anthropic, Google, Open AI, and so on. Mollick again tackles the implications of these technologies rather than this being a "How To" guide, providing researched insight into the capabilities and limitations of these systems. Maybe the citations are listed in the physical or eBook but the audio describes the various studies and research Mollick and his team has ton to test the assertions, and being a follower of Mollick and given his position at UPenn, I do not doubt his claims. The research does lend weight to the conclusions and recommendations that this is not just an "AI Bro" on LinkedIn hyping up their startup but rather a researched investigation to the claims about the limitations and possibilities of working in this new AI world. The closing prediction chapters were of course also great, admitting he can't predict this either, but giving us a few scenarios of how this might all play out.
Final note that this disorganized mess of a review was definitely NOT written with AI or edited and refined by any tools. Any similarities to AI speech patterns are due to me interacting with AI for all of the other tasks in the Jagged Frontier as a Conjurer :)
That said, yes I indeed finished this in about a day, a short and to the point book clocking in at 5 hours of listening time which was enough to get Mollick's point across without overstaying it's welcome, so for that I definitely applaud Ethan Mollick and his editor for not being overly verbose in responses and examples.
As a huge fan of Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI, preaching about it as a go-to book for people interested in learning holistically about using AI whenever I am asked, I am happy to report that this follow up also succeeds in providing a mostly tool agnostic look at the AI landscape and how it is intersecting with our world. Given the rate of development, it is hard to predict with certainty, such as data center funding, startup valuations, AI bubbles popping, the rise of open weight models in the future to compete with the likes of the frontier models from Anthropic, Google, Open AI, and so on. Mollick again tackles the implications of these technologies rather than this being a "How To" guide, providing researched insight into the capabilities and limitations of these systems. Maybe the citations are listed in the physical or eBook but the audio describes the various studies and research Mollick and his team has ton to test the assertions, and being a follower of Mollick and given his position at UPenn, I do not doubt his claims. The research does lend weight to the conclusions and recommendations that this is not just an "AI Bro" on LinkedIn hyping up their startup but rather a researched investigation to the claims about the limitations and possibilities of working in this new AI world. The closing prediction chapters were of course also great, admitting he can't predict this either, but giving us a few scenarios of how this might all play out.
Final note that this disorganized mess of a review was definitely NOT written with AI or edited and refined by any tools. Any similarities to AI speech patterns are due to me interacting with AI for all of the other tasks in the Jagged Frontier as a Conjurer :)
Want to Read
April 8, 2026Beyond The Jagged Frontier by Ethan Mollick is a forward looking exploration of how AI is reshaping the way we work, learn, and live. Mollick stands out for his balanced perspective, cutting through both hype and fear to focus on practical, real world applications of emerging technologies. The book offers valuable insights into how individuals and organizations can adapt to rapidly evolving AI tools while maintaining human creativity and judgment. What makes it compelling is its clarity and relevance, presenting complex ideas in an accessible way. Even ahead of its release, it promises to be an essential guide for anyone looking to understand and navigate the future of AI with confidence and intention.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Co-Existence meets the moment!
Ethan Mollick’s Co-Intelligence helped me learn how to think about and work with AI. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to have a front row seat to Ethan’s incredibly sharp and thoughtful analysis of the unprecedented time we’re all living in. Co-Existence has come out at the perfect moment, and given me updated ways of thinking of how to live and work in a time when AI is everywhere.
For business leaders, Co-intelligence is signature Ethan: it’s a firm nudge not to wait this out. He has four questions in the book that should be brought to an upcoming leadership meeting or offsite: what useful work is no longer valuable, what impossible thing can you now do, what are you building that doesn’t work yet, and where are your leadership, lab, and crowd?
I can’t recommend this book enough (and Ethan’s substack, while I’m at it!!).
Enjoy friends.
Ethan Mollick’s Co-Intelligence helped me learn how to think about and work with AI. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to have a front row seat to Ethan’s incredibly sharp and thoughtful analysis of the unprecedented time we’re all living in. Co-Existence has come out at the perfect moment, and given me updated ways of thinking of how to live and work in a time when AI is everywhere.
For business leaders, Co-intelligence is signature Ethan: it’s a firm nudge not to wait this out. He has four questions in the book that should be brought to an upcoming leadership meeting or offsite: what useful work is no longer valuable, what impossible thing can you now do, what are you building that doesn’t work yet, and where are your leadership, lab, and crowd?
I can’t recommend this book enough (and Ethan’s substack, while I’m at it!!).
Enjoy friends.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the must-read book on AI by the man who has been the most clear and far-sighted in how AI works and what its impact will be. He's a great writer. It's a fun read, but it's also an important read. He's laying out a real vision for how we human beings can and will beneficially coexist with AI. It's certainly not a naive book. He's well aware of the risks and addresses them in a smart, clear way. But he also cuts through the hype, the overly positive and overly terrifying, to guide us through this confusing age. Get it. Read it.
October 25, 2026
Required reading for all of humanity. Best precis précis of current state of play available in text, anywhere. (As of today 25/10/26, as the book states: things are not static…).
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews