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Arrival Mind
Arrival Mind is a "picture book for grown-ups" about the dangers of Artificial Intelligence. Written by well-known futurist and AI researcher Dr. Louis B. Rosenberg with glorious artwork by Anastasia Khmelevska, Arrival Mind combines surreal imagery and clever prose to explore what could be one of the greatest threats humanity will ever face. A unique mix of science fact and science fiction, this artful little book delivers a powerful message in a wonderfully clear and coherent way.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 28, 2020
This is the first children's book for adults I have read and I am impressed. Drawing from a long history of work and knowledge about Artificial Intelligence, this book shares some interesting ideas about where we could be headed in the future with technology.
Although this was referred to as alien, I thought it was interesting that the author mentioned how this Artificial Intelligence would most likely be created right here on Earth. It would understand how we as humans think but it's motivations may not be human.
This book reminded me of George Orwell's 1984 because of the possibility that we could get to a point where technology controls all of us through constant surveillance. I think this book raises some interesting ideas and questions about where we could be headed if we rely too much on AI technology. We are already seeing this with the psychological effects of the pandemic lockdown and the increased use of social media to send viral messages all around the world. We already have our privacy rights coming into question with apps like TikTok that have been rumored to leak our data to other countries. What I love about this book is that it is a short concise way of getting a conversation going about where we are headed in the near distant future with AI technology but it also raises important questions about how much we should rely on this technology and whether or not it could harm us in the long run.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although this was referred to as alien, I thought it was interesting that the author mentioned how this Artificial Intelligence would most likely be created right here on Earth. It would understand how we as humans think but it's motivations may not be human.
This book reminded me of George Orwell's 1984 because of the possibility that we could get to a point where technology controls all of us through constant surveillance. I think this book raises some interesting ideas and questions about where we could be headed if we rely too much on AI technology. We are already seeing this with the psychological effects of the pandemic lockdown and the increased use of social media to send viral messages all around the world. We already have our privacy rights coming into question with apps like TikTok that have been rumored to leak our data to other countries. What I love about this book is that it is a short concise way of getting a conversation going about where we are headed in the near distant future with AI technology but it also raises important questions about how much we should rely on this technology and whether or not it could harm us in the long run.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 28, 2020
The artwork caught my eye and the description had me intrigued. As a parent I am of course neck deep in picture books daily, and I love them. So a picture book for adults? Yes please.
A quick, but engaging and though-provoking little book that leaves you pondering our relationship and future with AI. I adored the way a complex subject has been covered in a simple but very effective way, and then you are offered a bit more in depth look into the topic in the last few pages written in short paragraph. The artwork in this book was lovely and extremely effective in emphasizing the ideas brought up in the book. Khymeyevska is a gifted illustrator and I would love to see more of their work.
While this is not the first time I have come across the ‘potential benefit and the potential danger of AI’ in my reading journey this little book was absolutely an ‘oh yeah, we might be doomed’ refresher; but I mean that in the best way possible. Reading this even led me having an entire discussion with my husband about artificial intelligence and our world after I described to him what I was reading. Any book that can lead to great discussion always gets a bonus star in my book.
While I would hesitate sharing this book with younger kids, or more sensitive kids (it is after all geared toward adults and has concepts that might be frightening to a younger audience) it would make a great one to share with older kids/teens if technology and AI are interests in your household, I’m sure it will lead to some fascinating family talks. I plan to keep this book in mind for a future homeschool read just for this reason.
Note: I did receive a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
A quick, but engaging and though-provoking little book that leaves you pondering our relationship and future with AI. I adored the way a complex subject has been covered in a simple but very effective way, and then you are offered a bit more in depth look into the topic in the last few pages written in short paragraph. The artwork in this book was lovely and extremely effective in emphasizing the ideas brought up in the book. Khymeyevska is a gifted illustrator and I would love to see more of their work.
While this is not the first time I have come across the ‘potential benefit and the potential danger of AI’ in my reading journey this little book was absolutely an ‘oh yeah, we might be doomed’ refresher; but I mean that in the best way possible. Reading this even led me having an entire discussion with my husband about artificial intelligence and our world after I described to him what I was reading. Any book that can lead to great discussion always gets a bonus star in my book.
While I would hesitate sharing this book with younger kids, or more sensitive kids (it is after all geared toward adults and has concepts that might be frightening to a younger audience) it would make a great one to share with older kids/teens if technology and AI are interests in your household, I’m sure it will lead to some fascinating family talks. I plan to keep this book in mind for a future homeschool read just for this reason.
Note: I did receive a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
October 13, 2020
Arrival Mind is a timely look at the possible outcomes of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as laboratories around the world compete to create the first truly independent mind. The term AI is used in common parlance these days to describe sophisticated computer programs or algorithms but true AI does not currently exist, though experts expect an independent intelligence to be created within the next twenty years. The problem, as Mr Rosenberg eloquently points out in the narrative poem that forms the major part of this book, is that we have no way of knowing how this artificially created intelligence will behave. Illustrated by the talented artist Anastasia Khmelevska, the poem describes how such an intelligence, with access to the internet and our 5G connected world, would know everything about us. Its hyper-intelligence would encourage us to hand over the management of utilities and systems, eventually enslaving us to what we can only hope is a benevolent entity. But how can we accurately predict the outcome? One can say that we can always pull the plug but when all our services are controlled by AI what would be the outcome? Would our infrastructure survive? Arrival Mind also includes a final section where some of the issues covered in the poem and a broad overview of current and anticipated research are discussed and many of the points raised are fleshed out.
I have been interested in the concept of Artificial Intelligence for some time, having spent a good deal of time trying to imagine how a mind created in a laboratory would think and feel. How would it see? We assume that cameras would provide it with images but how would those images be interpreted? We know that most image processing - colour, depth and texture, happens in our brains; would the AI see the same way? How would it feel? Would it, like a new-born chick, identify the technicians who created it as its parents? Looking out at us, a soft, sparsely-furred ape, covered in microscopic bugs and attacked on all sides by bacteria, viruses and even gravity, could it feel any empathy? As Louis Rosenberg quite rightly points out, it is not possible to programme humanity into a truly independent AI. Its consciousness is something that will emerge independently, otherwise it would simply be just another computer program. He likens the arrival of AI to the arrival of an alien from space - an apt simile, for how could we possibly predict or foresee the results of our interactions with either?
Arrival Mind is an intelligent and pertinent look at a subject which for some time we seem to have taken for granted. Adding Ms Khmelevska’s beautiful but disturbing illustrations makes it a great book to read and to own and perhaps be a little troubled by.
I have been interested in the concept of Artificial Intelligence for some time, having spent a good deal of time trying to imagine how a mind created in a laboratory would think and feel. How would it see? We assume that cameras would provide it with images but how would those images be interpreted? We know that most image processing - colour, depth and texture, happens in our brains; would the AI see the same way? How would it feel? Would it, like a new-born chick, identify the technicians who created it as its parents? Looking out at us, a soft, sparsely-furred ape, covered in microscopic bugs and attacked on all sides by bacteria, viruses and even gravity, could it feel any empathy? As Louis Rosenberg quite rightly points out, it is not possible to programme humanity into a truly independent AI. Its consciousness is something that will emerge independently, otherwise it would simply be just another computer program. He likens the arrival of AI to the arrival of an alien from space - an apt simile, for how could we possibly predict or foresee the results of our interactions with either?
Arrival Mind is an intelligent and pertinent look at a subject which for some time we seem to have taken for granted. Adding Ms Khmelevska’s beautiful but disturbing illustrations makes it a great book to read and to own and perhaps be a little troubled by.
October 10, 2020
Wonderful book. Great artwork. Important message. Should be ready by everyone who worries about AI.
October 9, 2020
Great, beautifully illustrated, easy to consume book about the dangers of Artificial Intelligence and how it conquers our world. Very relevant! We should be cautious ...
September 23, 2020
Wow! This is a unique "picture" book about artificial intelligence (AI), meant to explain the dangers of relinquishing too much control to super-intelligent machines in the simplest terms possible without dumbing down the core concepts too much.
I can confidently say I haven't read a book like this in a long time that had such an impact on me.
At less than 40 pages, this is the clearest description of AI that I have read--anybody can understand how we're creating a monster that has the capability to take over our lives.
I was terrified to learn that training an AI algorithm human behavior will not make them more human-like, with the same moral checks and balances. Instead, it will teach them to manipulate humans.
In keeping with the grim subject matter of the book, the color scheme of the book and the illustrations are muted. The omniscient nature of AI-based technology is conveyed by masses of wires in each illustration that connect machines with humans. These wires seem to be tightening a death grip on us. The pictures radiate the bleak future that the author predicts for humanity where we become over-dependent on AI for our needs.
At the end, there are a few pages of text where the author discusses the impending "alien invasion" and how we can prepare for it, in detail. It's written in simple, understandable terms, a pleasing font, and in an engaging manner.
This is a book you must all read, even if you've never read nonfiction. It's quick, succinct, and informative.
(I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.)
I can confidently say I haven't read a book like this in a long time that had such an impact on me.
At less than 40 pages, this is the clearest description of AI that I have read--anybody can understand how we're creating a monster that has the capability to take over our lives.
I was terrified to learn that training an AI algorithm human behavior will not make them more human-like, with the same moral checks and balances. Instead, it will teach them to manipulate humans.
In keeping with the grim subject matter of the book, the color scheme of the book and the illustrations are muted. The omniscient nature of AI-based technology is conveyed by masses of wires in each illustration that connect machines with humans. These wires seem to be tightening a death grip on us. The pictures radiate the bleak future that the author predicts for humanity where we become over-dependent on AI for our needs.
At the end, there are a few pages of text where the author discusses the impending "alien invasion" and how we can prepare for it, in detail. It's written in simple, understandable terms, a pleasing font, and in an engaging manner.
This is a book you must all read, even if you've never read nonfiction. It's quick, succinct, and informative.
(I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.)
October 19, 2020
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My rating is actually 3.5 stars, rounded off to 4.
It was written like a poem, at least that is what I thought while reading this.The illustrations were great. This is the first time I'm reading a picture book. The only reason I picked it up was because I saw that it was a picture book for grown-ups.
This was a very short read, I could read it in almost 5 minutes. It is also another reason why I read it. It was concise and conveyed the message beautifully. The reason why I gave this 3 stars was because of the same reason. This was too short!
I'm not telling the author that they could have added new topics to think about. They could have just elaborated the said topics.
I don't think there could be any spoilers for this book, but if there is...
SPOILER ALERT!!!
What I meant by this book becoming too short was :-
it stated everything about how AI will invade our lives and how we think we can shut it down whenever we want. But we would not be able to at the required time. Finally, it ended with notes from the author. One of them was that we should only let AI advise us, not replace us. The author could have given examples on how exactly we could do that. We hear quite frequently about how AI will one day take over our lives. What we do not hear is how we can stop that. We can't just stop technology from evolving all of a sudden. The arrival of AI will be there.
Mainly, this book was written so that we fear the arrival of AI the same way we would if aliens arrive here. Instilling fear in the minds of people is not the goal, although it might help people prepare. What I'm saying is that it could have been better, after all everyone has room for improvement:)
I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have enough time on their hands but want to read about how the arrival of AI would be. It is also a book that can be read over and over again without getting bored. It is almost like having a painting on your bookshelf.
Overall, it helped me remember how bad AI can be, even though we think it won't because it is our creation. The truth can sometimes be harsh.
My rating is actually 3.5 stars, rounded off to 4.
It was written like a poem, at least that is what I thought while reading this.The illustrations were great. This is the first time I'm reading a picture book. The only reason I picked it up was because I saw that it was a picture book for grown-ups.
This was a very short read, I could read it in almost 5 minutes. It is also another reason why I read it. It was concise and conveyed the message beautifully. The reason why I gave this 3 stars was because of the same reason. This was too short!
I'm not telling the author that they could have added new topics to think about. They could have just elaborated the said topics.
I don't think there could be any spoilers for this book, but if there is...
SPOILER ALERT!!!
What I meant by this book becoming too short was :-
it stated everything about how AI will invade our lives and how we think we can shut it down whenever we want. But we would not be able to at the required time. Finally, it ended with notes from the author. One of them was that we should only let AI advise us, not replace us. The author could have given examples on how exactly we could do that. We hear quite frequently about how AI will one day take over our lives. What we do not hear is how we can stop that. We can't just stop technology from evolving all of a sudden. The arrival of AI will be there.
Mainly, this book was written so that we fear the arrival of AI the same way we would if aliens arrive here. Instilling fear in the minds of people is not the goal, although it might help people prepare. What I'm saying is that it could have been better, after all everyone has room for improvement:)
I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have enough time on their hands but want to read about how the arrival of AI would be. It is also a book that can be read over and over again without getting bored. It is almost like having a painting on your bookshelf.
Overall, it helped me remember how bad AI can be, even though we think it won't because it is our creation. The truth can sometimes be harsh.
October 21, 2020
"Arrival Mind", a graphic novel written by Louis B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., and illustrated by Anastasia Klemevska, analogizes the imminent arrival of sentient artificial intelligences, or AIs, to the arrival of an all-powerful alien -- only from within our own software. It is basically a warning against the advent of too-powerful AI systems; and in that job, it is pretty effective.
Written in poetry in the first half, it is illustrated in semi-scary cartoons with the
Earth encircled in wires tipped with eyeballs, for example. But the colors are light: whites and pastels, so the illustrations, while unsettling, are not horrifying or frightening. They are more pretty. I think the illustrations were the best part of the book.
After a description of how the Earth becomes taken over by the AI because humans are unwilling to pull the plug, the book illustrations turn dark, and the text becomes a pure prose lecture about AIs, how alien they are to human beings, and why we should fear and prepare for them. It was by no means a rant, but it was a little one-sided. Of course, in a short book like this, you can't expect too much in the way of backup or references. For what this book was intended to do, it did a good job.
I received a copy from the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Written in poetry in the first half, it is illustrated in semi-scary cartoons with the
Earth encircled in wires tipped with eyeballs, for example. But the colors are light: whites and pastels, so the illustrations, while unsettling, are not horrifying or frightening. They are more pretty. I think the illustrations were the best part of the book.
After a description of how the Earth becomes taken over by the AI because humans are unwilling to pull the plug, the book illustrations turn dark, and the text becomes a pure prose lecture about AIs, how alien they are to human beings, and why we should fear and prepare for them. It was by no means a rant, but it was a little one-sided. Of course, in a short book like this, you can't expect too much in the way of backup or references. For what this book was intended to do, it did a good job.
I received a copy from the publisher for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2020
This book is a picture book, yes -- and yet the target audience is adults. However, this book brings an important and serious topic down to a more elementary level. I have been interested in AI (artificial intelligence) for a long time, and this book opens the door for discussion -- similar to the iRobot and Eagle Eye movies. The artwork is approachable and whimsical, which provides an interesting juxtaposition to the story's warning -- even as it makes our lives easier at this point, there is a potential for great danger in expanding the use of AI. This is a quick, light read with a deep topic (and some summary points on the last few pages). Well worth the time it will take you to read it. And then you won't be able to forget it when interacting with all of today's smart technology.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions above are my own.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions above are my own.
October 12, 2020
I enjoyed this, it is exactly as stated - a picture book for adults, which is written in verse. Very intriguing concept and story of warning that I personally have never seen done before.
It is very short, but it still manages to successfully deliver the message it is trying to relay in that time. It is to the point and although I would have happily continued reading more, I don't believe it needs to be any longer. I thought the illustrations were interesting and really matched the tone of the text well.
My favourite line was;
"We should have feared him as we would if from a distant star."
So thought provoking. I really resonate with that.
*E-arc received in exchange for an honest review
It is very short, but it still manages to successfully deliver the message it is trying to relay in that time. It is to the point and although I would have happily continued reading more, I don't believe it needs to be any longer. I thought the illustrations were interesting and really matched the tone of the text well.
My favourite line was;
"We should have feared him as we would if from a distant star."
So thought provoking. I really resonate with that.
*E-arc received in exchange for an honest review
October 7, 2020
Khmelevska’s art is unique and gorgeous! The illustrations are my favorite part of this book!
I thought the rhyming narrative was really fun, too! However, for a book that might be read to/read by children, I think it’s a bit too pessimistic. I fear that a child reading this story would have nightmares about AI and Robots and while the author’s intent seems to be a warning against AI, I don’t think it’s age-appropriate. Of course, this is just my opinion.
Thank you, BookSirens for allowing me to read an advance copy for free. This review is honest and voluntary.
I thought the rhyming narrative was really fun, too! However, for a book that might be read to/read by children, I think it’s a bit too pessimistic. I fear that a child reading this story would have nightmares about AI and Robots and while the author’s intent seems to be a warning against AI, I don’t think it’s age-appropriate. Of course, this is just my opinion.
Thank you, BookSirens for allowing me to read an advance copy for free. This review is honest and voluntary.
October 12, 2020
This was the best adult picture book I have ever read! The illustrations matched the rhymes on each page perfectly. I love how the author clearly and concisely explains the dangers of relying too heavily on artificial intelligence. I never really thought too much about the impact of AI in my daily life and in society in general, but this book truly opened my eyes to the way AI is already wreaking havoc on the world.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2020
This is a picture book definitely NOT for kids! Although the illustrations are lush, there’s an aura of menace that made my skin prickle as I turned the pages.
The author does a great job explaining the tension between tech and privacy. How much are you willing to give up? At what cost to you? To humanity?
As he explains, the call is coming from inside the house. The little green men are already here.
Thank you BookSirens!
The author does a great job explaining the tension between tech and privacy. How much are you willing to give up? At what cost to you? To humanity?
As he explains, the call is coming from inside the house. The little green men are already here.
Thank you BookSirens!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2020
At first, it's very interesting, intuitive and contains hidden messages throughout the book. (Our) thinking and brain are very powerful and driven us to beyond (to stars or other planets)
Read this book I realize that technology affected all things in your lives, especially AI & Machine Learning. We provide more data to train/coach to help us but we don't or think it's not a time to the other side of technology (AI)
At the end of this book, I quote "we train AI to know human, not be human".
Read this book I realize that technology affected all things in your lives, especially AI & Machine Learning. We provide more data to train/coach to help us but we don't or think it's not a time to the other side of technology (AI)
At the end of this book, I quote "we train AI to know human, not be human".
October 17, 2020
A cautionary tale about how overly-invasive technology is becoming. Whilst the story is informative & easy to relate to - nothing really seems to happen. It lacked any conflict or spice. The authors note at the end is extensive and worthy of a read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2020
I applaud the illustrations in this book. They were beautiful. I appreciate the nice and short read with an important topic to think about.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2020
Its entertaining. The idea is not new but i like the treatment. Formatted like children's book to i guess cushion the seriousness of the topic. I just wished that the author did not do the long commentary at the end. This is better thought provoking than preachy. My 2 cents.
September 29, 2020
A concise yet insightful read on the Trojan horse of AI and the risk of being unable to pull the plug on risky AI
November 2, 2020
Kinda scary...
...as it's meant to be. Big Brother is real? He's on his way? Paranoid? Hmmmm... Read this. I dare ya.
...as it's meant to be. Big Brother is real? He's on his way? Paranoid? Hmmmm... Read this. I dare ya.
January 12, 2021
way to short. a great coffee table book though
August 8, 2021
Compares the coming of AI to an alien arrival. That's exactly right. Artwork is fun.
November 12, 2020
Arrival mind , well first of all let me just say the illustrations were amazing , so detailed yet so simple , I also loved the color palette of purples blues browns and oranges too , it really added to the mood of the book , and yes I kind of get what this book is saying and yes in a way it is already started if you think about it , we live in a computerized world everything digital and downloadable , it has already some truth to the book , and slowly over the years more comes out in the way of technology .
I think the author has thought about this book very much , and trying to get people to understand this like many things in the world is impossible because no one listens . People like their toys and obviously we as a nation already are sucked in to technology .
But I think with great books like this , it will help get the message out their that we have to be careful with technology . And maybe to much is already here .
whether this was the message or not , I think it is a good message either way .
I loved the book .
I think the author has thought about this book very much , and trying to get people to understand this like many things in the world is impossible because no one listens . People like their toys and obviously we as a nation already are sucked in to technology .
But I think with great books like this , it will help get the message out their that we have to be careful with technology . And maybe to much is already here .
whether this was the message or not , I think it is a good message either way .
I loved the book .
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews