Person
Every book Gary Marcus recommended on podcasts
Gary Marcus approaches artificial intelligence with a rigorous, deeply analytical, and characteristically skeptical mindset, evaluating the actual capabilities, limitations, and future trajectory of modern machine learning technology, as demonstrated during his appearance on The Ezra Klein Show. When prompted by Ezra Klein to share reading recommendations, Marcus offered a diverse and engaging selection bridging cognitive science and captivating science fiction. He began his list with Steven Pinker's acclaimed book, The Language Instinct, noting two primary reasons for its enduring value in understanding human cognition and communication. Following his exploration of linguistics and cognitive development, Marcus recommended a work of fiction to round out his suggestions, choosing Andy Weir's novel The Martian. He enthusiastically described it as a wonderful and gripping page-turner that demonstrates human ingenuity and problem-solving under extreme conditions. By pairing a foundational text on human language acquisition with a thrilling survival narrative, Marcus bridges the gap between academic scientific inquiry and entertaining speculative fiction for his listeners.
Books recommended by Gary Marcus
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The Language Instinct
Steven Pinker's acclaimed pop-science book The Language Instinct argues that human language is an innate biological faculty shaped by evolution rather than a mere cultural invention.
Recommended“I will start with Steve pinker's the language Instinct for two reasons”
Where to get it
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The Martian
The Martian by Andy Weir is a science fiction novel that follows an astronaut stranded on Mars who must use his ingenuity and scientific knowledge to survive.
Recommended“and then I'll recommend a fiction book which is the Martian which is a wonderful page Turner”
Where to get it
Books Gary Marcus wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Skeptical Take on the A.I. Revolution | The Ezra Klein Show | 2023-02-17 | 2 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“so in rebooting AI we have the example of you ask a robot to tidy up your room”