100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Auckland Bookstore open Sunday until 5pm! πŸŽ‰

The Singularity Is Near

When Humans Transcend Biology
3.93 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 12,381 ratings, 1,085 reviews)
Brief Description
The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil is a profound and visionary exploration of the inevitable fusion between human intelligence and machine capabilities. In this seminal work, Kurzweil meticulously examines the journey towards a revolutionary epoch where unprecedented technological advancements will enable humans to surpass their... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

A radical and optimistic view of the future course of human development from the bestselling author ofΒ How to Create a MindΒ and who Bill Gates calls 'the best person I know at predicting the future of artificial intelligence.'

From the world's preeminent AI futurist: his radical and influential original vision of the shared destiny of humans and machines

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Singularity Is Near by Ray Kurzweil is a profound and visionary exploration of the inevitable fusion between human intelligence and machine capabilities. In this seminal work, Kurzweil meticulously examines the journey towards a revolutionary epoch where unprecedented technological advancements will enable humans to surpass their biological constraints. He posits that through the integration with Artificial Intelligence, humanity will unlock vast new realms of creativity and understanding, propelling us into a future where the boundaries between man and machine blur, a phenomenon he compellingly designates as 'the singularity'.

Kurzweil's narrative is a compelling blend of scientific foresight and imaginative speculation, underpinned by decades of innovation and thought leadership in the domain of AI and technological evolution. He methodically outlines the stages leading up to the singularity, presenting a timeline that forecasts extraordinary developments in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and cybernetics that will drastically alter the human condition.

This edition, released alongside Kurzweil's newest publication, The Singularity is Nearer, revisits the groundbreaking insights of the original text, offering fresh perspectives and reflections on the progress and potential of human-machine convergence. Through an intricate weave of empirical data, theoretical analysis, and visionary predictions, Kurzweil challenges readers to contemplate the profound implications of a future where artificial intelligence and human life are inextricably linked.

Emphasising both the potential benefits and ethical considerations, Kurzweil's work is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of technology, philosophy, and human society. His arguments are bolstered by a thorough examination of current technological trends and future possibilities, making The Singularity Is Near not only thought-provoking but also a credible forecast of the transformative changes on the horizon.

PRAISE FOR THE SINGULARITY IS NEAR

The New York Times described it as "startling in scope and bravado," highlighting the book's broad and daring engagement with futuristic concepts. Similarly, the Los Angeles Times noted that it "artfully envisions a breathtakingly better world," praising Kurzweil's optimistic outlook on the potential of technological advancement.

The Boston Globe lauded the book as "elaborate, smart and persuasive," commending its detailed and convincing portrayal of the future. The Wall Street Journal summed up its appeal by stating it is "a pleasure to read."

Recognised widely for its impact, The Singularity Is Near was named an Amazon Best Science Book of 2005 and featured on CBS News's Best Autumn Books of 2005, as well as the St Louis Post-Dispatch's Best Nonfiction Book of 2005.

Dive into Ray Kurzweil's masterful examination of our future and grasp the profound implications of the technological leaps that await us. The Singularity Is Near is not just a book; it's a blueprint for understanding the transformative potential of human ingenuity fused with intelligent machines.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780715654521

Publisher: Duckworth Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 July 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Duckworth

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 672

About the Author

Ray Kurzweil is a prize-winning author and scientist and the director of engineering at Google. Recipient of the MIT-Lemelson Prize (the world's largest for innovation), and inducted into the Inventor's Hall of Fame, he received the 1999 National Medal of Technology. has been described as 'the restless genius' by The Wall Street Journal, and 'the ultimate thinking machine' by Forbes. Inc. magazine ranked him 8th among entrepreneurs in the United States, calling him the 'rightful heir to Thomas Edison,' and PBS selected Ray as one of 16 'revolutionaries who made America,' along with other inventors of the past two centuries. He is considered one of the world's leading inventors, thinkers, and futurists, with a 30-year track record of accurate predictions.

Also by Ray Kurzweil

View all
  • How to Create a Mind
    How to Create a Mind by Ray Kurzweil delves into one of the most fascinating and complex subjects of our time: the human brain and its function. In this thought-provoking and meticulously researched book, Kurzweil embarks on a journey to decode the inner workings of our mind, demonstrating how this knowledge can be harnessed to build intelligent machines that mimic...
    Paperback
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Singularity is Nearer
    The international bestseller from the legendary oracle of technological change. In this visionary and fundamentally optimistic book, the legendary oracle of technological change explains how AI will transform our species beyond recognition. 'The best person I know at predicting the future of AI' β€” BILL GATES 'A fascinating exploration of our future' β€” YUVAL NOAH HARARI 'Essential reading to understand...
    Paperback
    $3000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Singularity is Nearer
    The legendary oracle of technological change explains how AI will transform our species beyond recognition within two decades. By the end of this decade, AI will exceed human levels of intelligence. During the 2030s, it will become 'superintelligent', vastly outstripping our capabilities by almost every measure and enabling dramatic new interventions in our bodies. By 2045, we will be able...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Science & Nature

View all
  • Murder Under the Mistletoe
    BOOK 4 IN THE BESTSELLING CANON CLEMENT MYSTERY SERIES 'The best of the new cosy crime writers' Daily Telegraph 'You'll want to take a front row pew in Champton while this delicious series unfolds' Janice Hallett It is Christmas Day and at Champton Rectory, Canon Daniel Clement and his mother Audrey are joined by the residents and guests of the...
    Paperback
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • John and Paul
    THE SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 'A triumph.' Deborah Levy, New Statesman 'Tremendous.' Alwyn Turner, The Times 'Revelatory.' Simon Schama, Financial Times 'The gold standard of Beatles books.' Anthony Quinn, Observer 'As enthralling and astonishing as their music.' Jon Dennis, Sunday Telegraph 'A masterpiece.' Dylan Jones, Evening Standard '[Ian Leslie]...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Raising Hare
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE HATCHARDS AND BIOGRAPHERS' CLUB FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZE A BOOK OF THE YEAR FOR THE HAY FESTIVAL, SUNDAY TIMES, THE TIMES, FINANCIAL TIMES, SPECTATOR AND iNEWS 'A beautiful book' - ANGELINA JOLIE 'I...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • What If? 10th Anniversary Edition
    CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF THE MILLION-SELLING POP SCIENCE CLASSIC WITH A SPECIAL EDITION. THIS IS WHAT IF? . . . x10. THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Nerd royalty' β€” BEN GOLDACRE 'Totally brilliant' β€” TIM HARFORD 'Required reading across the world' β€” NEW YORK TIMES From the creator of the wildly popular xkcd.com, experience hilarious and informative answers to important questions...
    Hardback
    $4200
    Elsewhere:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Nuclear War
    The Sunday Times bestselling non-fiction thriller that has to be read to be believed. Baillie Gifford shortlisted, a favourite of Steven Bartlett, with an average reader rating of 4.6, sure to be a mass-market hit. Up to now, no one outside of official circles has known exactly what would happen if a rogue state launched a nuclear missile at the...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Anxious Generation
    A powerful argument for reclaiming childhoodβ€”and all human relationshipsβ€”from the online world, from the influential social psychologist and international bestselling author. Jonathan Haidt has spent his career speaking truth and wisdom in some of the most difficult spacesβ€”communities polarised by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the mental health emergency hitting teenagers today in many countries around...
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Prisoners of Geography
    Prisoners of Geography looks at the past, present, and future to offer crucial insights into one of the major factors that determine world history – because if you don’t know geography, you’ll never have the full picture. Originally published in 2015, this completely revised and updated edition brings it up to date with the events and trends of the past...
    Paperback
    $2899
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Booker Prize
    Orbital
    Winner of the Booker Prize 2024. Chair of the judges, Edmund de Waal, describes the winner as 'a book about a wounded world' adding that the panel's 'unanimity about Orbital recognises its beauty and ambition'. Life on our planet as you've never seen it before. A team of astronauts in the International Space Station collect meteorological data, conduct scientific experiments...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Diddly Squat: Home to Roost
    It's been another memorable year on Diddly Squat Farm - will the chickens finally come home to roost? Welcome back to Clarkson's Farm. The spring crop failed. Farming sheep, pigs, and cows was hardly more lucrative (better off breeding ostriches...) But in the face of uncooperative weather, bureaucracy, and the world's persistent refusal to recognise his genius, our hero's not...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Place of Tides
    To save the world, we have to start somewhere. One afternoon many years ago, James Rebanks met an old woman on a remote Norwegian island. She lived and worked alone on a tiny rocky outcrop, caring for wild ducks and gathering their down. Hers was a centuries-old trade that had once made men and women rich, but had long been...
    Paperback
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Ultra-Processed People
    Launching the runaway bestseller with ambitions to be the biggest non-fiction paperback of the year IT'S NOT YOU. IT'S THE FOOD. "If you only read one diet or nutrition book in your life, make it this one" - Bee Wilson "You've got to get this book in your life . . . Completely compelling . . . Read a page...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2800
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Island of Missing Trees
    The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a captivating and poignant novel that delves into the intertwined lives of two star-crossed lovers in war-torn Cyprus and their enduring legacy decades later. This Sunday Times bestselling novel intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and identity amidst a backdrop of cultural and historical turmoil. Set in 1974 on the island...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.