Einstein the musician, AI prophets and more: Books in brief

Evolutionary biologist Marlene Zuk's engaging book opens with a nighttime encounter with raccoons on her California deck. These animals, known as Procyon lotor, were playfully interacting with a hose. When Zuk attempted to remove them, one raccoon stood up and raised its forelegs, as if beckoning her to join their fun. Zuk refers to these creatures as "outsider animals" - those that can enter our lives, yet do not rely on us for survival. Her book also includes chapters on gulls, cockroaches, and coyotes, each with its own unique story.

Philosopher Carissa Véliz explores the concept of prophecy in her thought-provoking analysis of artificial intelligence. Prophecy originated from divination practices in ancient Mesopotamia during the third millennium BC. Today, it plays a significant role in predictions made by AI tools. Véliz draws parallels between the influence of tech executives and political leaders, reminiscent of the mystic Rasputin's relationship with Russian Tsar Nicholas II.

She warns that our reliance on AI predictions can strip us of our freedom, stating, "Democracy needs uncertainty to thrive." However, Véliz believes philosophy can serve as an antidote to this prophecy. Roland Ennos, a retired academic who studied comparative biomechanics, has authored a comprehensive history of humanity's journey towards generating increasing power and energy.

Ennos argues that industrialization fundamentally shaped modern history, leading to urbanization, the transformation of the countryside, and globalization. While admiring this progress, Ennos acknowledges the devastating consequences, as humans have become "bullies of the natural world."