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12 Bytes

How We Got Here. Where We Might Go Next

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12 Bytes

By: Jeanette Winterson
Narrated by: Jeanette Winterson
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Brought to you by Penguin.

A 'Books of 2021' pick in the Guardian, Financial Times and Evening Standard.

Twelve bytes. Twelve eye-opening, mind-expanding, funny and provocative essays on the implications of artificial intelligence for the way we live and the way we love - from Sunday Times best-selling author Jeanette Winterson.

In this original, deeply researched and lively new book, Jeanette Winterson traces the history of the AI revolution. She talks to some of the boldest and most imaginative thinkers in the field and looks to religion, myth and literature to help us understand the radical changes to the way we live and love that are just around the corner. 

When we create non-human life-forms, will we do so in our image? Or will we accept the once-in-a-species opportunity to remake ourselves in their image? 

What do love, caring and attachment look like with a non-biological life form? And what happens to the gender binary? 

What will happen when our destiny is not contained by physical bodies, and our destination is not planet Earth? 

With wit, compassion and curiosity, Winterson tackles AI's most urgent talking points, and asks listeners to consider their role in imagining a more just and equal future.

©2021 Jeanette Winterson (P)2021 Penguin Audio Computer Science Essays Gender Studies Literary History & Criticism Machine Theory & Artificial Intelligence Social Sciences Technology Artificial Intelligence Funny Robotics
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Critic reviews

“What makes this audiobook essential listening is not just its content (a mix of enthusiasm and castigation), but the electricity of Winterson’s narration.” (Times, audiobook of the week)
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This is a series of essays with the author's musings on themes related to AI and society: its ambitious scope includes the history of computing, human consciousness, gender issues, and a pragmatic view of how the advent of AI will affect many facets of our lives. Sometimes disturbing, always intelligent, with plenty of humour and optimism sprinkled in.

A must listen for those interested in the future

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I heard a reference to this book on the radio and thought that it sounded like something that I should know more about. I wasn’t wrong. It needs to be compulsory reading/listening. Not an easy listen, you have to concentrate, but so interesting and extreme well read, making it accessible.

Should be Compulsory

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The essays provide hope for a tech future world if we’re prepared to embrace/ shun it’s positive/ negative attributes. In the wrong hands it could threaten our autonomy and free will but if monitored and optimised with consideration could improve everybody’s lives, it’s up to us.

The future is ours if we want it.

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Listened to these “essays” as we travelled European highways - stopping to discuss and rewinding to hear again. How they enriched the journeys with food for thought and vision for the future! The wide ranging sources quoted were deeply impressive and beautifully woven together, underneath was a thread of humour and sound common sense that made 12 Bytes ultimately listenable and enjoyable, whilst with serious intent. And, of course Jeanette just delivers it so well and is a joy to listen to.

Compelling and thought provoking listening

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totally brilliant! it is a deeply human book on what AI brings! Reading again already. plus, really great performance. feels like a conversation with a super smart friend and mentor. thank you!

the best book on AI!

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