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2036 年
In 2036, true artificial intelligence bots (Taibots) live in society and form relationships with humans; they behave like humans in every aspect. However, Olivia thinks Taibots are just a piece of machinery and have no understanding of what they are talking about. In other words, she doesn’t believe artificial consciousness is possible. But things get complicated after Toby enters her life. Despite the fact he seems like a Taibot, Olivia is certain Toby has human consciousness.
On the eve of the sixth mass extinction, resulting from anthropogenic climate change, is artificial consciousness the answer to keeping human consciousness—the apex of 4.5 billion years of evolution—sustained in a universe without humans? Is Olivia able to find out why Toby so resembles her boyfriend who died five years earlier? How would the world deal with the imminent global wipe-out?
It’s a fast-paced adventure that entails philosophical discussions about consciousness, love, life, the future of humanity and the universe.
On the eve of the sixth mass extinction, resulting from anthropogenic climate change, is artificial consciousness the answer to keeping human consciousness—the apex of 4.5 billion years of evolution—sustained in a universe without humans? Is Olivia able to find out why Toby so resembles her boyfriend who died five years earlier? How would the world deal with the imminent global wipe-out?
It’s a fast-paced adventure that entails philosophical discussions about consciousness, love, life, the future of humanity and the universe.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2015
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4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 28, 2025
spoiler alert
Martin Chu Shui's "2036" presents a thrilling narrative that explores the complexities of artificial intelligence, human consciousness, and the philosophical underpinnings of both. The novel invites readers into a future where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, set against the backdrop of an ecological collapse. The story blends elements of science fiction and philosophy, posing profound questions about the nature of consciousness and the potential evolution of intelligent life.
The novel's prologue draws readers into a thought experiment that forms the basis for the book's exploration of consciousness: the Chinese Room argument. This concept serves as a poignant metaphor for the novel's central theme and sets the tone for a multi-layered narrative filled with action and intrigue.
In Part One, readers are introduced to Olivia, a strong and resourceful protagonist navigating a dystopian Sydney, plagued by extreme weather and societal decay. Her encounter with Toby, a mysterious figure with extraordinary abilities and amnesia, sets the stage for a narrative rich in suspense and philosophical inquiry. As the plot unfolds, Olivia, Toby, and their companions grapple with questions of identity, consciousness, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
The novel excels in crafting a vivid and believable dystopian world, where technological advances have both saved and doomed humanity. Chu Shui's portrayal of a society on the brink is both haunting and thought-provoking, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our current trajectory concerning environmental sustainability and technological reliance.
In Part Two, the tension escalates as the narrative shifts to a global stage. Here, the philosophical questions posed earlier are explored with greater urgency as the characters face the imminent methane explosion—a cataclysmic event that threatens to end all complex life on Earth. The race against time adds to the story's intensity, as alliances are tested and revelations are unearthed.
Chu Shui's novel is not just a tale of survival but a meditation on the essence of human nature and our place in the universe. The intertwining of Taoist philosophy adds a layer of depth to the narrative, challenging readers to reconsider the possible futures of consciousness beyond the human experience.
The book concludes with an epilogue that offers a glimpse of hope and renewal, suggesting that even in the aftermath of destruction, the seeds of a new and perhaps better form of intelligence may flourish. This ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with much to ponder about the resilience of life and the enduring quest for meaning.
"2036" is a compelling read for those interested in science fiction that challenges the boundaries between human and artificial intelligence, set within a vividly imagined future. While the narrative can, at times, feel dense with philosophical exploration, it ultimately provides a rewarding experience that encourages reflection on the nature of consciousness, love, and the evolution of intelligence.
Martin Chu Shui's "2036" presents a thrilling narrative that explores the complexities of artificial intelligence, human consciousness, and the philosophical underpinnings of both. The novel invites readers into a future where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, set against the backdrop of an ecological collapse. The story blends elements of science fiction and philosophy, posing profound questions about the nature of consciousness and the potential evolution of intelligent life.
The novel's prologue draws readers into a thought experiment that forms the basis for the book's exploration of consciousness: the Chinese Room argument. This concept serves as a poignant metaphor for the novel's central theme and sets the tone for a multi-layered narrative filled with action and intrigue.
In Part One, readers are introduced to Olivia, a strong and resourceful protagonist navigating a dystopian Sydney, plagued by extreme weather and societal decay. Her encounter with Toby, a mysterious figure with extraordinary abilities and amnesia, sets the stage for a narrative rich in suspense and philosophical inquiry. As the plot unfolds, Olivia, Toby, and their companions grapple with questions of identity, consciousness, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
The novel excels in crafting a vivid and believable dystopian world, where technological advances have both saved and doomed humanity. Chu Shui's portrayal of a society on the brink is both haunting and thought-provoking, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about our current trajectory concerning environmental sustainability and technological reliance.
In Part Two, the tension escalates as the narrative shifts to a global stage. Here, the philosophical questions posed earlier are explored with greater urgency as the characters face the imminent methane explosion—a cataclysmic event that threatens to end all complex life on Earth. The race against time adds to the story's intensity, as alliances are tested and revelations are unearthed.
Chu Shui's novel is not just a tale of survival but a meditation on the essence of human nature and our place in the universe. The intertwining of Taoist philosophy adds a layer of depth to the narrative, challenging readers to reconsider the possible futures of consciousness beyond the human experience.
The book concludes with an epilogue that offers a glimpse of hope and renewal, suggesting that even in the aftermath of destruction, the seeds of a new and perhaps better form of intelligence may flourish. This ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with much to ponder about the resilience of life and the enduring quest for meaning.
"2036" is a compelling read for those interested in science fiction that challenges the boundaries between human and artificial intelligence, set within a vividly imagined future. While the narrative can, at times, feel dense with philosophical exploration, it ultimately provides a rewarding experience that encourages reflection on the nature of consciousness, love, and the evolution of intelligence.
February 13, 2018
An enjoyable and thought provoking read.
Well worth a read, especially as it's still free in Amazon at the moment. (My favourite price point!)
A somewhat evil author, it's such an intriguing tale that I was forced to keep turning the pages to obtain answers to all of my lingering questions.
I humbly disagree with the other reviewer about the lack of world building. It's not needed, at least for me, as I do not enjoy post-apocalypse tales overly much. The only thing I really needed as background was the understanding that there had been excessive global warming, most of the planet had undergone desertification and thus food was in very short supply.
The focus of the story is artificial intelligence progression and what makes us truly human. I saw no confusion by the author between consciousness and intelligence in either my first or second readings of this book. In fact, it really made me stop and realise how difficult it would really be to distinguish between the two if an Artificial Intelligence advanced far enough.
There's also some amusing humorous glimpses like the nagging, talking oven. So glad mine is mute or it'd be asking why I've ignored it for months. (Perhaps a couple of years if I'm being truthful!)
A few of the conversations feel a little stilted, probably because of the lack of contractions used. There are also a couple of typos. But both of these deficits can be easily rectified.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and have already downloaded more work by this author.
Well worth a read, especially as it's still free in Amazon at the moment. (My favourite price point!)
A somewhat evil author, it's such an intriguing tale that I was forced to keep turning the pages to obtain answers to all of my lingering questions.
I humbly disagree with the other reviewer about the lack of world building. It's not needed, at least for me, as I do not enjoy post-apocalypse tales overly much. The only thing I really needed as background was the understanding that there had been excessive global warming, most of the planet had undergone desertification and thus food was in very short supply.
The focus of the story is artificial intelligence progression and what makes us truly human. I saw no confusion by the author between consciousness and intelligence in either my first or second readings of this book. In fact, it really made me stop and realise how difficult it would really be to distinguish between the two if an Artificial Intelligence advanced far enough.
There's also some amusing humorous glimpses like the nagging, talking oven. So glad mine is mute or it'd be asking why I've ignored it for months. (Perhaps a couple of years if I'm being truthful!)
A few of the conversations feel a little stilted, probably because of the lack of contractions used. There are also a couple of typos. But both of these deficits can be easily rectified.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and have already downloaded more work by this author.
January 12, 2016
I robot. You robot? Although this interesting story is readably told, I didn't enjoy it much. I found the dialog unconvincing and several points overstated.
The title refers to a hypothetical method by which an artificially intelligent machine could convince a human that its intelligence was natural. In the book, robots were indistinguishable from humans because some humans had embedded chips enhancing their abilities. This seems unconvincing to me since it overlooks other ways of telling humans from robots.
I recently re-watched the movie, Blade Runner. Although it was made years ago I still find it convincing despite the cheesy way in which it presents genetic engineering. I had no difficulty believing that Replicants are intelligent engineered beings which exist in the distant future of 2019.
What makes Blade Runner believable is good world building. It's inadequate to simply state that the climate is over-heated and human extinction imminent. A reader must be shown, and not with garden parties that are indistinguishable from those of the present day. Better world building would have improved this book.
A final point: Although the author sometimes gets it right, he sometimes confuses intelligence with consciousness. This is forgivable because some scientific writers have made the same mistake. However, the two are not the same.
The title refers to a hypothetical method by which an artificially intelligent machine could convince a human that its intelligence was natural. In the book, robots were indistinguishable from humans because some humans had embedded chips enhancing their abilities. This seems unconvincing to me since it overlooks other ways of telling humans from robots.
I recently re-watched the movie, Blade Runner. Although it was made years ago I still find it convincing despite the cheesy way in which it presents genetic engineering. I had no difficulty believing that Replicants are intelligent engineered beings which exist in the distant future of 2019.
What makes Blade Runner believable is good world building. It's inadequate to simply state that the climate is over-heated and human extinction imminent. A reader must be shown, and not with garden parties that are indistinguishable from those of the present day. Better world building would have improved this book.
A final point: Although the author sometimes gets it right, he sometimes confuses intelligence with consciousness. This is forgivable because some scientific writers have made the same mistake. However, the two are not the same.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews