Book · 2024 · Science
A Brief History of Intelligence
Why the Evolution of the Brain Holds the Key to the Future of AI
A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett has been mentioned in 3 episodes across 3 podcasts (3 episodes recommend it and 0 episodes discuss it), through . Most frequently brought up by Adam Marblestone (1 episode), Angela Duckworth (1 episode) and Emmanuel Ameisen (1 episode) on Dwarkesh Podcast (1 episode), Lenny's Podcast (1 episode) and No Stupid Questions (1 episode).
- episodes
- 3
- podcasts
- 3
- people
- 3
- episodes recommend it
- 3
I think you've read this great book, A Brief History of Intelligence, right? I think this is a really good book. Lots of AI researchers think this is a really good book it seems.
Questions about A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett
Who recommends A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett on podcasts?
Adam Marblestone (1 episode), Angela Duckworth (1 episode) and Emmanuel Ameisen (1 episode) have recommended A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett on podcasts. In all, 3 people brought it up across 3 podcasts.
Which podcasts mention A Brief History of Intelligence the most?
Dwarkesh Podcast (1 episode), Lenny's Podcast (1 episode) and No Stupid Questions (1 episode).
Is A Brief History of Intelligence recommended, or only discussed?
A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett was recommended in 3 episodes and discussed without a recommendation in 0 episodes, as of 2026-10-18.
What do people say about A Brief History of Intelligence?
Adam Marblestone on Dwarkesh Podcast (2025-12-30): "I think you've read this great book, A Brief History of Intelligence, right? I think this is a really good book. Lots of AI researchers think this is a really good book it seems."
When was A Brief History of Intelligence last mentioned on a podcast?
A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett was last recommended on Lenny's Podcast by Emmanuel Ameisen on 2026-10-18.
The best things said about it
And he said, A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett! And I said to Danny, I was like, never heard of Max Bennett! I spent 20-plus years studying intelligence and what it is and what it's not!
Angela Duckworth No Stupid Questions · Apr 2024 One I read recently and is A Brief History of Intelligence. Uh it's this really cool book that walks through the history of like basically brains and five key moments in in our evolution that sort of bootstraps these brain systems on top of one another. It's super accessible.
Where and when it comes up
Most episodes, by podcast
Why people recommend it
A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett is an accessible book that explores the evolution of brains and the key moments that built complex neural systems. On Lenny's Podcast, Emmanuel Ameisen recommended the book for its clear walkthrough of evolutionary milestones in brain development. Adam Marblestone also praised the book on the Dwarkesh Podcast, noting that many AI researchers consider it an exceptional read for understanding how learning developed across different organisms. On No Stupid Questions, Angela Duckworth shared a story about how Daniel Kahneman recommended the book to her. Although she was initially skeptical given her decades of studying human intelligence, she ultimately became a great admirer of Bennett's work and began recommending it to others as well. Across these podcasts, speakers highlighted the book's unique ability to synthesize complex neuroscience and evolutionary history into an engaging narrative that sheds light on the fundamental nature of intelligence, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the biological roots of cognition and artificial intelligence.
Every mention
Adam Marblestone I think you've read this great book, A Brief History of Intelligence, right? I think this is a really good… 1
“I think you've read this great book, A Brief History of Intelligence, right? I think this is a really good book. Lots of AI researchers think this is a really good book it seems.”
Angela Duckworth And he said, A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett! And I said to Danny, I was like, never heard o… 1
“And he said, A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett! And I said to Danny, I was like, never heard of Max Bennett! I spent 20-plus years studying intelligence and what it is and what it's not!”
“and he said a brief history of intelligence by Max Bennett”
Emmanuel Ameisen One I read recently and is A Brief History of Intelligence. Uh it's this really cool book that walks throug… 1
“One I read recently and is A Brief History of Intelligence. Uh it's this really cool book that walks through the history of like basically brains and five key moments in in our evolution that sort of bootstraps these brain systems on top of one another. It's super accessible”