Book · 2010 · Artificial intelligence
The Lifecycle of Software Objects
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If you want more about this, The Lifecycle of Software Objects is a short story by Ted Chiang, which was put together in his latest collection of short stories is really well worth your time.
Why people recommend it
The Lifecycle of Software Objects by Ted Chiang is a thoughtful science fiction novella exploring artificial intelligence, digital sentience, and the ethical responsibilities of raising virtual companions. Lon Harris recommended the story on an episode of This Week in Startups in November 2025, describing it as a phenomenal piece of speculative fiction included within the author's latest short story collection and asserting that it is well worth the reader's time. Additionally, Pamela Paul discussed the narrative on The Book Review podcast in July 2018. Paul highlighted the work as the longest and most prominent story in the collection, engaging in a detailed conversation about its thematic depth regarding unprecedented technological situations. Both speakers emphasized the literary and imaginative strength of Chiang's storytelling, positioning the collection as an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of humanity and artificial intelligence.
Every mention
Lon Harris If you want more about this, The Lifecycle of Software Objects is a short story by Ted Chiang, which was pu… 1
“If you want more about this, The Lifecycle of Software Objects is a short story by Ted Chiang, which was put together in his latest collection of short stories is really well worth your time.”
Pamela Paul this collection has a few stories that really stood out to me one was the Merchant and the alchemist's gate… 1
“this collection has a few stories that really stood out to me one was the Merchant and the alchemist's gate the other one I I want to talk about and then there's a third is the life cycle of software objects which is the longest story in the collection tell us what that's about”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Ted Chang's most recent collection called the life cycle of software objects where you have these people creating these kind of sentient avatars”