195. How AI Ate the World: A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence - And Its Long Future by Chris Stokel-Walker

Chris Stokel-Walker’s How AI Ate the World is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. Named UKTN’s Technology Book of the Year, it provides a concise yet comprehensive exploration of AI’s history, technology, business influence, and political implications.

The book traces AI’s origins from the Cold War era to the present day, offering exclusive insights from the innovators at Google and OpenAI who built Bard and ChatGPT. Stokel-Walker goes beyond the technology itself, addressing AI’s real-world consequences—how it’s reshaping industries, displacing jobs, and raising concerns about the development of super-intelligent systems. He also questions whether warnings from tech leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman about AI’s existential threats are genuine or a distraction from their growing power.

What sets this book apart is its balance between technical depth and accessibility. Written in a clear, engaging style, it appeals to both AI newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. With AI shaping our world at an unprecedented pace, How AI Ate the World is an essential guide to understanding the opportunities and risks ahead. If you want a single book to bring you up to speed on AI’s revolution, this is it.