The second meeting of Bytes & Books book club took place last night, bringing together readers who share a common passion for books that explore the connection between technology and society. This time, at the center of the conversation was “The Coming Wave” by Mustafa Suleyman – one of the most talked-about books in recent years on artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
It wasn’t an ordinary discussion. The book sparked a range of reactions, from enthusiasm about the potential technology offers, to deep reflections on its risks. Participants shared their impressions not only as readers but also as citizens living in a time when AI is no longer a distant concept but a reality that is increasingly influencing our daily lives.
One of the topics that ignited the most debate was the fundamental dilemma: Is technology just a tool in the service of humanity, or is it slowly becoming a goal in itself? From healthcare systems to the way cities function, from the ethics of genetic discoveries to the challenges of misinformation, participants brought diverse perspectives on the question Suleyman clearly raises in the book: How can we control a technology that is, by its nature, uncontrollable?
What made this gathering special was not just the book’s content, but the way it served as a catalyst for broader reflection. Instead of the usual divide between “optimists” and “pessimists,” the discussion brought forth a balanced approach: an effort to understand the direction of the “wave” and what it truly means to be prepared for it.
In the end, what remained was a spirit of conversation that is so rare in public discussions about technology – one grounded in knowledge, but also in human sensitivity. “The Coming Wave” was not just read as a warning, but as an opportunity to build a new awareness – one that challenges us not to be merely users of technology, but also co-creators of it.
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