Offgrid Preparation Book Review: Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat
In This Article
Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat isn’t your typical guide to bracing for life’s curveballs. Instead, it dives deep into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on humanity. Gawdat, a former Google executive, warns us about the rise of AI, which he argues could be both a blessing and a curse. The book serves as a wake-up call, urging us to prepare for a future where AI could either be our greatest ally or a formidable adversary.
Gawdat starts the book with a thought exercise. Imagine it’s the year 2050, and you’re sitting around a campfire with the author. You’re either living in a dystopia where AI turned against humanity, or a utopia where AI ushered in a new age of prosperity. Looking back at the current time, what words of wisdom would future you say to present you? Gawdat does just this, exploring how we could reach a worst-case conclusion or a best-case future.
The book explores the “dual use” of AI. For example, when Oppenheimer discovered how to recreate nuclear fission, he invented a paradigm-shifting technology that could be used to annihilate civilization or provide it with an abundance of energy. AI is similar in scope with this double-edged sword characteristic, and Scary Smart explores how humanity can prepare and approach AI’s development in an ethical way. The book emphasizes that AI has the potential to solve some of the world’s most pressing issues but also poses risks if not managed responsibly. Gawdat stresses the importance of programming ethics into AI, which is crucial for ensuring that these systems act in the best interests of humanity. The book argues we need to be mentally and emotionally prepared for a future where AI plays a significant role. This involves understanding the technology, its limitations, and how to co-exist with it.
While Scary Smart doesn’t directly address traditional notions of readiness for unforeseen events, it does offer a unique perspective on preparing for a future shaped by AI. It’s about adaptability, mental fortitude, and ethical considerations — qualities that are essential for any kind of readiness strategy. The book encourages us to think critically about the technology we’re creating and how it could affect us, a vital skill when planning for the unknown.
The book has faced criticism for its somewhat alarmist tone, with some readers arguing it paints an overly grim picture of AI’s potential impact. But Gawdat balances the potential for dystopia with an equal amount of how astonishingly well AI can solve some of the world’s most dire problems. Additionally, Gawdat’s focus on embedding ethics into AI has been met with skepticism, as defining “ethics” in a universally acceptable way is a complex task. Much like any tool humanity invents, often the only way to stop a bad guy who uses the technology in a nefarious way is a good guy using the tech to prevent the bad from happening.
The Verdict
Scary Smart is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to consider the ethical and practical implications of rapidly advancing AI technology. While it may not be a traditional guide on how to prepare for life’s uncertainties, it offers valuable insights into adapting and thriving in a world increasingly influenced by AI. If you’re someone who’s keen on understanding the broader landscape of threats and opportunities that lie ahead, this book is definitely worth your time.
Subscribe to Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter for more content like this.
STAY SAFE: Download a Free copy of the OFFGRID Outbreak Issue 
Written by Patrick Diedrich
No Comments