Status
Available
Call number
Publication
New York : Doubleday, [2014]
Description
Psychology. Science. Nonfiction. HTML: Michio Kaku, the New York Times bestselling author of Physics of the Impossible and Physics of the Future tackles the most fascinating and complex object in the known universe: the human brain. The Future of the Mind brings a topic that once belonged solely to the province of science fiction into a startling new reality. This scientific tour de force unveils the astonishing research being done in top laboratories around the world�??all based on the latest advancements in neuroscience and physics�??including recent experiments in telepathy, mind control, avatars, telekinesis, and recording memories and dreams. The Future of the Mind is an extraordinary, mind-boggling exploration of the frontiers of neuroscience. Dr. Kaku looks toward the day when we may achieve the ability to upload the human brain to a computer, neuron for neuron; project thoughts and emotions around the world on a brain-net; take a �??smart pill�?� to enhance cognition; send our consciousness across the universe; and push the very limits of immor… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member drardavis
A very readable and comprehensive consideration of the state of the art in neuroscience. In addition to descriptions of the latest research, Dr. Kaku also explores the ethical implications of future progress in each of these areas. These musings would make a very impressive to do list for future
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sci-fi novels, and I’ll have to reread some sections more carefully to see how they relate to some of my own fictional writings. I purchased my copy two weeks ago in order to fact check my upcoming sci-fi novel, Schroedinger’s Cheshire Cats. Much to my relief, I have not included any scientific errors. But I was disappointed not to find anything in the book directly related to my themes of consciousness, souls, and reality. That is, until the appendix!! Those two dozens pages on quantum consciousness, free will, and multiple universes were spectacular. It’s as if he read my mind and added that section just for me! Spooky. Show Less
LibraryThing member fpagan
Physicist Kaku's usual combination of far-out possibilities and easily readable writing. Includes coverage of engineered forms of telepathy, telekinesis, personal knowledge/memories, and intelligence boosting; prospects for mind and dream control, artificial consciousness, uploading and lightspeed
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transmission of minds, finding alien minds. Show Less
LibraryThing member JeffV
Michio Kaku is a familiar sight on many science documentaries and, along with the likes of Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Bill Nye, a leading icon for self-proclaimed "science geeks." While this book does in a way convey the current state of understanding the mind (human and other), most of the concepts
The topics discussed are quite extensive. Brain injury is discussed, as well as methods that might enhance certain senses. Implanting memories, telepathy, even telekinesis are all areas of apparently legitimate research where gains are being made. Discussion on the probability of sentient alien life, whether or not we really ought to be seeking it, is all part of speculation regarding an alien mind. Robotics and artificial intelligence is probably the field nearest to realizing a major breakthrough -- in about 30 years, computer power should exceed that of the human mind and things can get interesting if these computers also become self-aware.
One of the more entertaining topics was that of memory preservation and the possibility that our memories could be implanted into clones, allowing our minds to live on indefinitely. Some of the more outrageous concepts of science fiction are closer than we think...although I suspect linear progress will hit a brick wall before some of this is realized. In any case, it appears I was probably born 100 years too early to benefit from the fun stuff.
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are described in terms of pop science fiction -- Star Trek, Star Wars, even Planet of the Apes; in addition to sci-fi literature like that of Azimov. A little goes a long way...Kaku goes overboard and much of this book seems like he is trying to impress sci-fi geeks and not necessarily giving current research the credit it deserves.The topics discussed are quite extensive. Brain injury is discussed, as well as methods that might enhance certain senses. Implanting memories, telepathy, even telekinesis are all areas of apparently legitimate research where gains are being made. Discussion on the probability of sentient alien life, whether or not we really ought to be seeking it, is all part of speculation regarding an alien mind. Robotics and artificial intelligence is probably the field nearest to realizing a major breakthrough -- in about 30 years, computer power should exceed that of the human mind and things can get interesting if these computers also become self-aware.
One of the more entertaining topics was that of memory preservation and the possibility that our memories could be implanted into clones, allowing our minds to live on indefinitely. Some of the more outrageous concepts of science fiction are closer than we think...although I suspect linear progress will hit a brick wall before some of this is realized. In any case, it appears I was probably born 100 years too early to benefit from the fun stuff.
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LibraryThing member UnderMyAppleTree
Science meets science fiction in this fascinating, informative, and highly readable book.
We begin with some background on the brain – how it works, what scientists already know, past research, and some interesting case studies. Then we move on to current research. Most interesting to me, and
Yes, this is a book about neuroscience, but author Michio Kaku’s interesting and enthusiastic writing style makes it accessible to everyone.
Audio production: The audiobook was read by Feodor Chin, his voice displaying the enthusiasm and excitement of the author’s writing.
We begin with some background on the brain – how it works, what scientists already know, past research, and some interesting case studies. Then we move on to current research. Most interesting to me, and
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probably to many of us, was the section on the growing problem of dementia in an aging population and its implications for the future. Finally, we move on to speculation of what the future might bring (see quote above). If only I were born a few decades later so I could live long enough to see it!Yes, this is a book about neuroscience, but author Michio Kaku’s interesting and enthusiastic writing style makes it accessible to everyone.
Audio production: The audiobook was read by Feodor Chin, his voice displaying the enthusiasm and excitement of the author’s writing.
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LibraryThing member nmarun
Firstly, I felt this book to be an unusual combination - a Physicist and the Mind, but I'm glad I continued to read as Dr. Kaku explains the functions of the various parts of the brain. This serves as a bit of foundation work for the rest of the 'future of the mind'.
The details provided on the
Dr. Kaku discusses topics like telepathy, dreams, immortality, 'out-of-body' experiences and various brain-related diseases and their potential cure, of course while considering the ethical issues that arise along with them. This shows he is a theoretical physicist with immense respect for humanity.
The final part of the book ends in talking about aliens and what might happen when we make a contact.
I've heard this from a Neurologist - "The world's best brains are working on the Brain". Dr. Kaku's book just proves it.
The details provided on the
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latest advancements in Neuroscience, their uses, implications and limitations were mind-boggling. I now have new-found respect for all the scientists that are relentlessly working towards understanding the brain and finding cure for our ailments.Dr. Kaku discusses topics like telepathy, dreams, immortality, 'out-of-body' experiences and various brain-related diseases and their potential cure, of course while considering the ethical issues that arise along with them. This shows he is a theoretical physicist with immense respect for humanity.
The final part of the book ends in talking about aliens and what might happen when we make a contact.
I've heard this from a Neurologist - "The world's best brains are working on the Brain". Dr. Kaku's book just proves it.
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LibraryThing member Limelite
Kaku certainly grabs hold of some fairly esoteric material -- what is the mind? how does it work? what will it become? -- and presents it in an easy reading manner. Perhaps too easy? In terms of accessibility and popularization of a complex and abstract subject, this reader gives the author full
Kaku frequently draws on Hollywood movies to illustrate points about futuristic applications of technology in which humans interact with the brains of various species (aliens and human). I found them too frequent, skipable, and unnecessary. He also tosses in quotes from various prominent researchers in the fields of AI, robotics, and "mind science." However, the quotes are the kinds of throw-away lines like on finds in newspaper articles. I would have preferred a more probing presentation of the thoughts these scientists have on their subjects. Of course, doing so raises the risk of not being Kaku's book.
But for the sheer thrill of speculating about the physically possible probabilities and implications for mankind that mind-technology interfaces will bring us, Kaku does a remarkable job in reporting the latest developments and projections.
My biggest take-away from this book? The ethical considerations surrounding this research and its future application and exploitation of same will launch an age of ethical contest and strife like none yet witnessed by mankind.
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marks. But his formula in writing this book may be a little too formulaic for some readers, especially if they have any scientific education, training, or career.Kaku frequently draws on Hollywood movies to illustrate points about futuristic applications of technology in which humans interact with the brains of various species (aliens and human). I found them too frequent, skipable, and unnecessary. He also tosses in quotes from various prominent researchers in the fields of AI, robotics, and "mind science." However, the quotes are the kinds of throw-away lines like on finds in newspaper articles. I would have preferred a more probing presentation of the thoughts these scientists have on their subjects. Of course, doing so raises the risk of not being Kaku's book.
But for the sheer thrill of speculating about the physically possible probabilities and implications for mankind that mind-technology interfaces will bring us, Kaku does a remarkable job in reporting the latest developments and projections.
My biggest take-away from this book? The ethical considerations surrounding this research and its future application and exploitation of same will launch an age of ethical contest and strife like none yet witnessed by mankind.
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LibraryThing member LaPhenix
Another phenomenal book by Dr. Michio Kaku with the vibrant flavors I've come to expect. The Future of the Mind explores the wonders of the brain and ponders the mysteries of the universe. Dr. Kaku expertly illustrates the abstract and paints vivid pictures of the unfathomable.
LibraryThing member ajlewis2
I enjoyed the first half of the book, but then it got too far into the future for me and seemed speculative. It would have to be speculative, but for me it was too far out. The reasoning for the speculation was based in the author's knowledge of physics, but I had trouble taking my mind there. The
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book dragged for me at that point. At the end I felt the author redeemed himself by once again bringing out the wonder of the human mind. I did get a lot of information from the book and it did stretch my imagination of where science might go with regards to the human brain, consciousness, curing mental illness, and more. There is a lot in the book that amazes and it is worth the read. Just be prepared for a possible struggle. Show Less
LibraryThing member DLMorrese
Although there is some interesting information about brains and brain function presented in this book, it hit a couple of pet peeves for me:
- Too many instances of tabloid-like prose
- Superficial explanations
- Dubious, inadequately justified predictions
- A presumption that scientific and
- Too many instances of tabloid-like prose
- Superficial explanations
- Dubious, inadequately justified predictions
- A presumption that scientific and
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technological advances are inevitable and occur in a predictable, linear fashion over time. There were so many instances of this, I cringed each time I came across another one by the middle of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Razinha
For all of his pedigree (building a cloud chamber in his teens?), Michio Kaku writes popular science for the layperson and not academia. He peppers his books with pop culture - some say to a fault - and there's no rigor, but the meat is there.
I was initially a little put off by the chapter titles
As good, if simple read.
I was initially a little put off by the chapter titles
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of Telepathy and Telekinesis, but Kaku actually won me over - with technology, of course. Then he lost me with altered states of consciousness, but I forgave that foray into sillyness with his discussion of reverse engineering the brain. And...as seemed to be the case with this book, he waxed into the realm of the bizarre with minds as pure energy. He was spot on with respect to alien intelligences.As good, if simple read.
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LibraryThing member addunn3
An interesting review of brain research and what the future may hold for our most complex organ. The writing was repetitive in style and the content sometimes promised a bit more in the future than based on the limited evidence, but well worth slogging through.
LibraryThing member LisCarey
Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist with a love of science fiction and of explaining science to non-scientists as well as of physics, once again takes a big, broad subject area that people are fascinated by, and explores what we know and can do now, what we can expect in the near future, and what
This is a readable, fascinating introduction to what we know about the workings of the human brain, and how the mind emerges from it, as well as the current state and realistic prospects for artificial intelligence.
In recent decades we have learned, with new tools many of which emerge from physics, startling details about the deep structure of the brain, what parts correspond to which abilities and behaviors, and how memory is constructed and stored. As we understand more about how our brains and minds really work, the problems of artificial intelligence become clearer. Past periods of optimism about AI were founded largely in a lack of understanding of the complexities involved. Now we have a much greater understanding of what intelligence and consciousness are, and a more realistic prospect of creating the computing power we need to replicate it--in the future. That capacity doesn't exist yet, and we are in the early stages of creating robots with minimal "intelligence" and learning ability. The breakthroughs we've made are exciting, though, and the prospects even more so.
As our ability to create intelligent machines increases, what will the implications be? Will our machines be our children, or will they be a threat to us? Will we use mechanical surrogates controlled by our own minds to explore distant worlds? Will we achieve immortality through replacement robotic bodies? Will we live our lives wholly inside a computer-generated environment?
Kaku also considers the question of intelligent alien life. Why haven't we heard from them? What will happen when we do find intelligent aliens? Aliens advanced enough to make traveling from their worlds to ours would not be just a few centuries ahead of us, technologically; they would be thousands of years ahead of us. Would they even notice us, or would the biggest danger we face from them be the danger the deer face from the developer--having our environment developed into uninhabitability, not out of malice but because we're not important enough to notice.
This is an entertaining, educational, and stimulating book. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
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the next century or two might bring us.This is a readable, fascinating introduction to what we know about the workings of the human brain, and how the mind emerges from it, as well as the current state and realistic prospects for artificial intelligence.
In recent decades we have learned, with new tools many of which emerge from physics, startling details about the deep structure of the brain, what parts correspond to which abilities and behaviors, and how memory is constructed and stored. As we understand more about how our brains and minds really work, the problems of artificial intelligence become clearer. Past periods of optimism about AI were founded largely in a lack of understanding of the complexities involved. Now we have a much greater understanding of what intelligence and consciousness are, and a more realistic prospect of creating the computing power we need to replicate it--in the future. That capacity doesn't exist yet, and we are in the early stages of creating robots with minimal "intelligence" and learning ability. The breakthroughs we've made are exciting, though, and the prospects even more so.
As our ability to create intelligent machines increases, what will the implications be? Will our machines be our children, or will they be a threat to us? Will we use mechanical surrogates controlled by our own minds to explore distant worlds? Will we achieve immortality through replacement robotic bodies? Will we live our lives wholly inside a computer-generated environment?
Kaku also considers the question of intelligent alien life. Why haven't we heard from them? What will happen when we do find intelligent aliens? Aliens advanced enough to make traveling from their worlds to ours would not be just a few centuries ahead of us, technologically; they would be thousands of years ahead of us. Would they even notice us, or would the biggest danger we face from them be the danger the deer face from the developer--having our environment developed into uninhabitability, not out of malice but because we're not important enough to notice.
This is an entertaining, educational, and stimulating book. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley.
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LibraryThing member DoingDewey
I’ve loved Michio Kaku’s books since high school, maybe earlier. He was able to write about theoretical physics in such an approachable, interesting way. Since reading his books, this is a topic which I always want to learn more about. As someone in working in science, I now also appreciate his
That said, I thought his discussion of future technologies was fantastic. As in Physics of the Future, his educated predictions about where science will be within the century were awe inspiring. Also similarly, he transitioned very smoothly from topic to topic and did a great job discussing the ethical implications of each potential technology. To finish with a quote from my review of Physics of the Future, which also applies to this book: “I would highly recommend this book to scientists as well as any non-scientists who’d like to be better informed (which in my opinion, should really be everyone, since that’s who this science is going to affect!). But for scientists in particular, it’s important to always remember three things: the social implications of your work; the ethical implications of your work; and the big dreams we should all be striving for in order to make our daily lives better. This book does a great job bringing home all of those points.”
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
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ability to bring science to the masses. This book was not quite as good at this as some of the earlier books. There were a few places where I felt an experiment on animals was inadequately explained to the point where it sounded like a mad scientist’s experiment. There were also a few typos that led to scientific inaccuracies in my ARC, but I think these will be fixed in the final version.That said, I thought his discussion of future technologies was fantastic. As in Physics of the Future, his educated predictions about where science will be within the century were awe inspiring. Also similarly, he transitioned very smoothly from topic to topic and did a great job discussing the ethical implications of each potential technology. To finish with a quote from my review of Physics of the Future, which also applies to this book: “I would highly recommend this book to scientists as well as any non-scientists who’d like to be better informed (which in my opinion, should really be everyone, since that’s who this science is going to affect!). But for scientists in particular, it’s important to always remember three things: the social implications of your work; the ethical implications of your work; and the big dreams we should all be striving for in order to make our daily lives better. This book does a great job bringing home all of those points.”
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
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LibraryThing member lasvegasbookie
Loved this book! Best I've read in months! Easily understood by the non-scientist. Opens the imagination to all sorts of ideas while at the same time bringing one up to date with emerging technologies and science research. This book, for me, has all the 5-star components: Entertaining, Informative,
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and Mind-Changing. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
2014-02-25
Physical description
377 p.; 25 cm
ISBN
038553082X / 9780385530828