¡°In this fascinating book, Jeff Hawkins develops a new theory about the nature of human intelligence and the recurrent dispute between our old instinctive reptilian brains and the think box contained in our mammalian neocortex. Hawkins also explores the consequences of creating truly intelligent robots, which he suggests is achievable within several decades.¡±
¡ªJohn Thornhill, Financial Times
¡°Intriguing.... Insightful stuff for readers immersed in the labyrinthine world of neuroscience.¡±¡ªKirkus
"A Thousand Brains eloquently expresses the ultimate goal of thousands of scientists: to understand the mechanics of the human mind. Jeff Hawkins uses wonderfully clear and fast-moving prose to give an accessible overview of a theory of human intelligence that is likely to be very influential in the future."¡ªMichael Hasselmo, Director, Boston University Center for Systems Neuroscience
"Jeff Hawkins¡¯ book is that rare beast: A new theory about one of the oldest mysteries, the mystery of intelligence. The book is thoughtful and original, erudite and visionary. A must read for anyone interested in how the next breakthroughs in artificial intelligence will emerge from the recent (and not so recent) discoveries in neuroscience."¡ªAnthony Zador, professor of neuroscience, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
"Neuroscience has been exploring the wilderness of the brain for well over a century. With A Thousand Brains, at last we have a map. Jeff Hawkins takes on questions most neuroscientists don¡¯t even dare ask, and finds answers in a new theory that explains now only how we make sense of the world, but how we are deceived. In a world threatened by the disintegration of truth into conspiracy and delusion, everyone should read this remarkable book."¡ªHenry Markram, Professor, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, founder of the Human Brain Project
"Brilliant....It works the brain in a way that is nothing short of exhilarating."¡ªRichard Dawkins
¡°A Thousand Brains takes us on a journey from the evolution of our brain to the extinction of our species. Along the way Hawkins beautifully describes neuroanatomy and landmark discoveries in neuroscience¡¦ Hawkins keeps the reader constantly engaged.¡±¡ªNew York Times Book Review
"[F]illed with fascinating insights into the architecture of the brain and tantalizing clues about the future of intelligent machines.¡±
¡ªBill Gates
Chapter Page
Foreword
by Richard Dawkins vii
Part 1 A New Understanding of the Brain 1
1. Old Brain-New Brain 11
2. Vernon Mountcastle's Big Idea 21
3. A Model of the World in Your Head 29
4. The Brain Reveals Its Secrets 39
5. Maps in the Brain 57
6. Concepts, Language, and High-Level Thinking 69
7. The Thousand Brains Theory of Intelligence 91
Part 2 Machine Intelligence 113
8. Why There Is No "I" in AI 119
9. When Machines Are Conscious 135
10. The Future of Machine Intelligence 145
11. The Existential Risks of Machine Intelligence 161
Part 3 Human Intelligence 171
12. False Beliefs 173
13. The Existential Risks of Human Intelligence 185
14. Merging Brains and Machines 199
15. Estate Planning for Humanity 209
16. Genes Versus Knowledge 223
Final Thoughts 241
Suggested Readings 247
Acknowledgments 255
Illustration Credits 259
Index 261