Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI

In the Epilogue, Harari reflects on the rise of AI and its implications for humanity, drawing from his personal experiences after publishing Homo Deus. Initially trained in history, Harari found parallels between past historical events and the unfolding AI revolution. He was given “the reputation of an AI expert” (396), which compelled him to learn more about the subject. 

Harari describes how new information technologies, such as AI, can significantly reshape societies, just as previous revolutions like the printing press and Industrial Revolution did. However, he cautions against simplistic comparisons, emphasizing the potential dangers of AI, including its ability to make independent decisions and create new challenges for political, economic, and social systems. AI could lead to catastrophic consequences, as history has shown with other powerful systems that lacked checks and balances.

Harari closes the book by urging humanity to avoid both naive optimism and excessive cynicism when dealing with AI. Instead, he advocates for creating balanced networks and institutions that promote wisdom and sustainability, reminding the audience that, while human civilization is fragile, the decisions made about AI’s development will “determine whether summoning this alien intelligence proves to be a terminal error or the beginning of a hopeful new chapter in the evolution of life” (404).