LitPick Review
Peter Crowther's "We Think, Therefore We Are" is compiled with several short stories about the trepidation of artificial intelligence. As there are many different authors with their own points-of-view, there are many emotions that this book evokes. From the demented machine that thinks on the same level as a schizophrenic, to the fastidious robot that would kill people if it would increase production / efficiency, this book has it all. Even religion and love are conquered, as artificial intelligences vainly try to find God or have compassion for others. In many of the stories, the machines try to be more like humans and do not comprehend why they can never be. Sure, holograms and metal can make machines appear human, but true human emotions are never felt by robots. That is why the fear of robots killing humans without any tinge of remorse is so frighteningly plausible.
Opinion:
The short stories in Peter Crowther's "We Think, Therefore We Are" are definitely geared towards a certain audience--those with a scientific background. The impact of the book can not truly be felt by one who does not know of how science is dashing forward. After all, to those not immersed in science culture, the stories in the book are just for leisure; they are not something that will creep up on them possibly within the next couple of decades. Overall, the book was engaging. The only flaw was the occasional lewd sentence or interjected obscenity. On the whole, the book is very enjoyable and leaves readers sweating with fear if they know a thing or two about technological development.
