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Every book Jack Clark recommended on podcasts
Jack Clark appeared on The Ezra Klein Show to discuss the rapid integration and future economic impact of artificial intelligence agents. During the conversation, Clark recommended several books that illuminate technology, human behavior, and systemic risk. He first highlighted Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea, pointing to its themes surrounding true names and the inherent hubris of pushing magic too far. Next, Clark recommended Eric Hoffer’s The True Believer to help explain mass movements, intense personal beliefs, and the psychological dynamics underlying tech cultures that sometimes resemble cults. Finally, Clark recommended There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm, a novel dealing with dangerous information hazards where mere contemplation poses a risk. He regularly recommends this work to individuals working on AI safety because it aligns closely with concepts surrounding artificial intelligence risk management and cognitive hazards in technological development.
Books recommended by Jack Clark
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A Wizard of Earthsea
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K.
Recommended“Ursula Le Guin "The Wizard of Earthsea" was the first book I read. It’s a book where magic comes from, knowing the true name of things, and it’s also a meditation on hubris, in this case, of a person with thinking they can push magic very far.”
Where to get it
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The True Believer
The True Believer by Eric Hoffer is a classic socio-psychological study examining the underlying causes of mass movements, fanaticism, and the personal motivations that drive individuals to join fanatical causes.
Recommended“Eric Hoffer, "The True Believer," which is a book on the nature of mass movements and the psychology of what causes people to have strong beliefs, which I read because I think that I technologists have strong beliefs and maybe part of a strong culture that includes the word cult. And so you need to understand the science and psychology”
Where to get it
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There Is No Antimemetics Division
There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm is a science fiction work that explores terrifying concepts and information hazards where simply thinking about dangerous ideas can pose a threat.
Recommended“And finally, a book called "There Is No Antimemetics Division" by a writer with the name qntm, which is about concepts that are in themselves information hazards where even thinking about them can be dangerous. And I always recommend it to people working on A.I. risk as a book adjacent to the things they worry about.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Fast Will A.I. Agents Rip Through the Economy? | The Ezra Klein Show | The Ezra Klein Show | 2026-02-24 | 3 |