Something happened yesterday that was quite unexpected and exciting!
An answer that I posted on Quora a few months ago has been read by over a million people. It’s dizzying to think about, over a million people reading my words.
I’d always wished I'd reached a million readers with one of my books but, hey, I’ll take this as a win nevertheless.
New Book Update
The new book is coming along better than I could have imagined. It’s right on track for being completed sometime this autumn, worst case scenario by early 2025.
Here’s a brief glimpse…
Possible Titles
Bits, Bytes, and Beyond: Navigating the Age of AI with Wit and Wisdom.
A.I. Revolution: Preserving Our Humanity and Purpose in the Age of A.I.
Foreword
“We are a biological caterpillar that is making a cocoon to become a digital butterfly.” - Joe Rogan
Possible Introduction
Advanced robotics and artificial intelligence are on the precipice of changing human civilization forever. Much like the Industrial Revolution that came over a century before it, there will be a very clear distinction between the lives humanity led before the A.I. Revolution and our life experience afterwards. The smartest people among us are estimating machines will surpass human intelligence sometime between 2026 and 2030.
The question on everyone’s minds is will the birth of greater-than-human-level-artificial intelligence create a Utopian world or a Dystopian one? Even those people directly involved with the creation of A.I. admit they don’t know the answer to this question or how profoundly this technology will change our world. For the past few years a handful of tech companies have been in a race to accomplish this monumental goal. In their haste to be the first to cross the finish line many unnecessary risks are being taken.
How exactly should we prepare ourselves? This book is an attempt to answer this question.
Not all of us asked for artificial intelligence or even want it but it will be thrust into our world nevertheless. One thing is for sure, the change will happen quickly. Our happiness, success, and quality of life in this new world will depend upon how we are preparing ourselves right now. Let's get started, there’s not one second to lose. In the days, months, and years leading up to this pivot point in human history we must dig deep, temper our fear and greed, determine our purpose, and work to preserve our humanity as best we can.
Advanced robotics and artificial intelligence are poised to flip the script on human civilization like a proverbial pancake on a griddle. Picture this: the world before AI, and the world after—it's like comparing a horse-drawn carriage to a rocket ship. Experts say machines will out-think us by 2026-2030, which, in tech years, is a mere blip.
Now, the burning question: will AI usher in a Utopia where robots serve us Mai Tais on the beach, or a Dystopia where they use us as batteries in a giant virtual reality? Even the brainiacs behind AI are scratching their heads. Meanwhile, tech giants are sprinting to be the first to create super-smart AI, maybe taking a few too many risks in the process.
So, how do we prepare for this brave new world? This book is here to give you a roadmap to navigate the AI revolution.
Whether you're thrilled or terrified about AI, it's coming at us like a freight train. Our happiness, success, and overall awesomeness will depend on how we gear up for it. So, let's buckle up and get ready! We need to dig deep, keep our cool, figure out our purpose, and hold onto our humanity with both hands. The clock is ticking, and the future is calling—it's time to answer.
Question for You: Which Title and Intro Options Do You Prefer?
Thanks in advance for your input!
All for now.
Be well and make the most of this day. Thank you for reading!
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Off the cuff, I prefer option #2 of the introduction as it speaks more to my informal self and grabs my attention better. I'm not crazy about either one of the titles. Bits and pieces of each one, maybe re-juggle the words? I like 'bits, bytes and beyond' and prefer the 2nd option, maybe something about finding or exploring options, finding new purpose. I like the image, is it commissioned or did you use AI?
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback! The title is going to end up being a mash-up of both versions I think. I just found the image on the internet but I'll likely have another version of it done. I want to swirl it like the yin-yang symbol to illustrate balance.
I like the first title, Bits, Bytes, and Beyond: Navigating the Age of AI with Wit and Wisdom.
And the second option for the intro.
Good luck with it.
I appreciate it!
Congratulations on the one million viewership, Eric. U are a great writer. I like option 2 for the title. Have a nice day.
Thank you Eliana! You're too kind. Enjoy the weekend!
We were just talking about Rolexes the other day, I can't quite remember why. It ended up leading to lyrics from a Jay Z song. I like option 2 for the title. I'm not sure I can give you an answer for the intro. What is the tone you are trying to set with the book? Do you want it to be light and jovial or do you want it to be more serious. If you plan on being serious, I say option 1 is good. If you are looking to be more tongue in cheek and less serious, then I think option 2 fits that bill, but either way the one you pick is going to guide the rest of the book I think.
They were big in the rap culture for a while! I don't know many Jay Z lyrics so I'm not sure which one you're referring to.
My aim for this book is to just help prepare the average person as best I can for this fourth industrial revolution. Certain aspects of it will be quite shocking to experience. It'll also happen pretty quickly and, from what I'm seeing so far, governments aren't doing much to prepare people. We're already a few years into the transition but some of the more impactful stuff will happen after 2026 or so when AI surpasses the collective human intelligence and humanoid robots hit the market and start taking jobs. I'm leaning towards a combination of the two titles and want to keep things on the lighter side. Really, the danger is not preparing for the transition, if we're prepared there's not going to be much to fear. That's just my opinion though.
I think it had something to do with Rolex's not ticking so if it ticks, you know it's a fake. Something like that anyway. I would guess the second intro probably fits well with what you are looking for then.
Ah, that's true! My brother used to buy fake ones on Canal Street when he was in NYC on business and they ticked. Thanks for your input on the book! I can't believe how fast it's taking shape.
That's good though right?! 😃 About the book I mean.
One million views is a good number!!! I hope this is a divine sign for what will be your new book.
As for the title and introduction of the book, I'm leaning towards option 1. Although you could combine the first part of title 1 and the last part of two. As for the introduction, you should think about potential readers. Option 2 is less formal and rigorous. Best regards to you and have a nice weekend.
Thank you Nancy! I hope so too! I appreciate your opinion on this. I've put a lot of time into the book today and should be firing a draft off to beta readers soon. : ) Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy a few of those delicious Venezuelan beers!
You made me laugh with that comment!!! jajajajaja. Thanks, likewise. A big hug
I'm glad! Lol. I have one can of hefeweizen in the fridge that I might crack open tonight. : )
Well, when you open it, you remember me! When I open mine I will toast to your new book that is on its way. Cheers
That sounds like a plan! Cheers my friend!
Salud!!
Congratulations on the viewership! That's 1M people who may remember your name when they run across it on a book cover.
I like option 2 for the title, it jumps right into the meat of the subject. The intro is a bit tougher to choose between because I like them both, but lean toward option 2 as well.
It's going to be good no matter which you run with.
Thank you! I'm hoping a few of them click the links in my profile and check out my content on other platforms. I appreciate the feedback Tamara!
Hello!
Surprising no doubt, that a comment gets that many views after several months, in this world anything can happen, I say!
I would have liked to read the whole thing!
As for your question, and taking into account my limited knowledge of the extent to which AI will be used, except when I use it to create images, I prefer option two in both cases.
I think they offer me a better introductory perspective on the subject and manage to catch my curiosity in the fact of how we are going to deal with them, humanly I mean.
Thank you for the feedback! It's looking like the second intro is the winner!
Wow, a million views on Quora. Undoubtedly a monumental achievement. I hope your new book reaches these levels.
Well, from the title? I'll pass on it, I'll be honest: it doesn't grab my attention right away it sounds kind of academic to me. Although in the same vein, I find that both introductions to the book, give a clear glimpse and stimulate my expectations about it. By the way, I liked the second option. For a moment, I thought you should rephrase the crucial question (combining both) that gives substance to your pretensions with the book. Although, I trust your experience as a writer.
Many successes with the book, my friend. I hope to have access to it soon.
Crazy, and it's something I never would have guessed would get so many reads. Thanks for letting me know your preference!
Congratulations on the 1 million views!🎉 That's a huge expo room filled with peeps. Amazing!
I'll start with my intro preference and that's option 2 as it's jam-packed with visuals, engaging, and more relatable for avg. Joe. The first option uses more of an academic jargon and it feels a bit distant. As for the title, I lean towards option 1 as it incorporates two beautiful characteristics of the human soul "wit and wisdom". The second title puts too much emphasis on AI, hence you've used it twice in the title. Interesting cover image. Let's see what other creatives you come up with.
Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback! I'm considering incorporating an image of the "distruption X curve" for the cover in some creative way. Or maybe just somewhere in the front matter of the book.
I definitely prefer option #1 for the title. The alliteration will make it easier to remember for folks who are considering buying it, and it pops on my tongue pleasantly so I like saying it. An upbeat title for a possibly unnerving book. Makes me want to read it more than the second, which is too technical for my taste.
I prefer intro #2, but think you might want to add
to it.
And you didn't ask for this, but the second paragraph in the first intro bothers me. The last two sentences do not mesh well with the first two, are on a different topic.
As for the subject, hell no I won't go I am a Luddite about AI. I'll do my own thinking, thank you. That way, I will be plugged into Nature's flawless intelligence, and not into man's faulty intelligence.
Thanks @owasco! I'm leaning towards at least part of Title #1. Good point about keeping the tone light for such a heavy subject! I want this book to be for the average person who doesn't know much about the impact AI will have on their lives and what they can do to prepare. There's so much about this revolution on a macro level that will be inescapable this is why this book brought me out of semi-retirement. I'm totally with you about preferring Nature's intelligence. I appreciate your feedback!
Wow. A million views. Honestly I've always found the world of watches baffling, living in this digital age. Also exciting. I love people who wear actual, proper watches, instead of those hideous phone(y) contraptions on their wrist.
Book sounds exciting! I love the cover. Personally, I'd try to combine the titles. I love the "Bits, Bytes and Beyond", but the "wit and wisdom" part makes me think it's gonna be a little light-hearted and trite. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think that's what should be coming through.
I also much prefer the "preserving our humanity" part, though the AI Revolution is already done-to-death and off-putting. (Sorry for the bluntness)
And probably Option 2, though I'd switch
in instead of the burning question bit. Just my two cents' worth. Good luck with it. Can't wait to read it.
Craziness. I tried to imagine what a million people in one place would look like.
I have to tell you the watch collecting community is pretty amazing. Once you get started you have to really check yourself so it doesn't become a full-fledged addiction. Shortly after I began collecting seriously in the mid-2000's I started buying vintage American watches on eBay and learned how to refurbish them. Then I started reselling the ones I brought back to life. Interest in the older American timepieces have all but died out now. They just aren't practical to wear every day, you have to worry about dust, water, magnetic fields. I switched to Swiss and Japanese watches a few years ago and was able to sell of some of my vintage American watches for some more robust/modern ones. Some of the Swiss ones are great investments that appreciate in value and are a lot more fun than owning shares of stock.
Thanks and that's a great idea to combine parts of each title. I might just go that route. I appreciate your feedback!
I like that possible cover page, as it is gripping, and people might become interest enough to buy a book with a mother board equivalent of the human brain. As far as option one or two are concerned, as an AI novelist, I would rather be interested in the contents of the book. In my mind the preserving of our humanity is a priority.
All strength to you with this book effort Eric.
!BEER
Thank you my friend!
Always a pleasure!
Likewise!
How are you dear friend @ericvancewalton good morning
What a joy to know that you have had more than a million views on Quora, congratulations.
Great that the book is progressing by leaps and bounds, I hope you have it finished before the end of the year
Regarding your question, I think the title has to be option two.
¨AI Revolution: Preserving our humanity and our purpose in the age of AI¨
And regarding the introduction I am also inclined towards option two.
I wish you the greatest of success
I'm in utter disbelief that it's already Friday! : ) I hope you're well and have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for your feedback!
Wow, congratulations, one million views ain't a joke you know, I think I'll go for option two, it suits the content better.
Thank you! Much appreciated!
Absolutely thrilling! Your Quora answer reaching over a million readers is a milestone. Both book titles intrigue—AI’s impact awaits!
Thanks!
Wow congratulations on the Quora milestone brother. For the book, I like title #2 and intro #2 for the depth of it. Awesome book brother
Thank you!
You're always welcome brother
The cover photo of the book is the most special if it is interesting, then people will want to read the book and their interest is high, so you have selected something special. That your book will definitely be famous.
Thanks!
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