Formerly the purview of philosophers, human values are now being parsed by the designers of computerized machines that can make decisions regarding what's good for us. Narrator Eric Summerer wisely plays down the drama of these trends and focuses on delivering this discussion with pleasing vocal clarity and astute phrasing. The arresting material doesn't need amplification. The author says that benevolent artificial intelligence will require careful articulation of what matters to us. Though this could have been just another technology audio, the author's thoughtful writing reaches past the engineering issues and stimulates a lot of questions. Along with Summerer's understated performance, the author's use of his own experiences and thoughtful observations make his message as touching as it is relevant to our times.
Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2016
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781681680330
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The author describes her efforts to implement a meaningful sustainability initiative for Wales and the world at large. An educator and minister of the environment, sustainability, and housing in her tiny country, she's a wonderful narrator who sounds at once relaxed and passionate, likable and dignified. Her voice is a perfect vehicle for amplifying her humanitarian intentions as well as the breadth of her methodical thinking. But what makes this audio so inspiring are the personal asides she shares throughout concerning her willingness to be vulnerable and her calm resolve to do something for the world's future generations. Davidson's descriptions of the laborious process of cultural transformation would have been dry listening without her pleasing UK speaking voice.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2020
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Lisa Flanagan has a wonderful vocal personality--lithe with a broad palette of pitch patterns and a range of believable emotional tones. Her friendly voice works well with this lighthearted overview of how dramatically the Internet has changed the world in the past 30 years. Though being digitally connected has improved life in many ways, the author says we've lost many of the interpersonal experiences that used to sustain us. We have less privacy, don't need all those reference books, and have largely forgotten how to have vocal conversations with other people. The audiobook is entertaining nostalgia for anyone who feels incompetent navigating the World Wide Web, and a soothing reminder that those of us who miss the simplicity of the pre-Internet era are not alone.
Pub Date: Oct. 26, 2021
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593418055
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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