Book · 2026 · Political Science
Prophecy
Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future, from Ancient Oracles to AI
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This is called Prophecy. Oh, here we go. Prediction, power, and the fight for the future from ancient oracles to AI by Carissa Veliz. And I think this is a brilliant conceit for a book.
Why people recommend it
Prophecy by Carissa Véliz is a thought-provoking exploration of prediction, power, and the future, tracing themes from ancient oracles to modern artificial intelligence. Appearing on The Book Review during the episode titled 23 Books We Are Looking Forward to This Spring on April 3, 2026, host Jumana Khatib recommended the book to listeners. Khatib expressed great enthusiasm for the title, praising its overarching premise as a brilliant conceit that connects historical forms of divination with contemporary technological advancements. By highlighting Véliz's work during the spring book preview, Khatib drew attention to the critical intersections between philosophy, data ethics, and AI governance. The recommendation positioned the book as an essential read for anyone interested in understanding how society attempts to forecast and control the future through both mystical and algorithmic means. Khatib's endorsement underscored the book's relevance in an era dominated by rapid technological changes, making it a standout nonfiction title for readers looking to engage deeply with the societal implications of modern digital tools.
Every mention
Joumana Khatib This is called Prophecy. Oh, here we go. Prediction, power, and the fight for the future from ancient oracl… 1
“This is called Prophecy. Oh, here we go. Prediction, power, and the fight for the future from ancient oracles to AI by Carissa Veliz. And I think this is a brilliant conceit for a book.”
Other mentions (4: passing, ad reads, own books)
“We're here with Oxford philosopher Carissa Veliz, who has a new book out this week called Prophecy, Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future from Ancient Oracles to AI, talking all about prediction and what it means for our society.”
“And we're back here on Big Technology Podcast with Carissa Véliz. She's an Oxford philosopher and the author of Prophecy, Prediction, Power, and the Fight for the Future from Ancient Oracles to AI. Great title.”
“I'm not saying I'd be mean or anything, but just like laugh a little bit about the absurdity of life. Um and humor is also a kind of intelligence. It's a kind of noticing um the absurd, and noticing what's off. And one example I give in the book is that of Seinfeld because it's it's also about curtailing predictions.”
“The book is Prophecy, Prediction, Power and the Fight for the Future from Ancient Oracles to AI. Cris of Liz, so great to have you. Thank you for coming on the show.”