Between the covers

May 11, 2011 04:32 pm | Updated 04:32 pm IST

The Most Guman Human (A Defence of Humanity in the Age of the Computer). _ by Brian Christian.

The Most Guman Human (A Defence of Humanity in the Age of the Computer). _ by Brian Christian.

The Most Human Human: A Defence of Humanity in the Age of the Computer

Brian Christian

(Penguin Viking, Rs. 499)

Computers can fly planes, but can't ride bikes. Wondered why? In this funny, fast-paced and insightful book, Brian Christian tries to find an answer to that question and many more of a similar nature, as he explores first-hand the moral and practical implications of this great technological development.

Computer technology has reached such a sophisticated stage that we have begun to see these machines as human! But what does it say about our humanity?

Drawing from principles of Science, the Arts, Philosophy, Literature and various aspects of every day living, Christian argues that computers are indeed a boon to humanity, and provides a better understanding of it.

Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds and Actions

Guy Kawasaki

(Portfolio, Rs. 499)

This is Guy's tenth book. Drawing from personal experiences as an Apple employee and entrepreneur, Guy explains how to influence the actions of people while maintaining high ethical standards. He describes some of the tactics needed to enchant and transform situations, relationships, turn critics into believers and change hearts and minds.

He also explains when and why enchantment is essential and what the pillars of enchantment are — likeability, trustworthiness and a great cause. If you are the type who has this burning desire to change the world or even a small part of it, then you could pick up Guy's book.

How To Destroy The Universe and 34 Other Really Interesting Uses of Physics

Paul Parsons

(Quercus, Rs. 399)

You can find out how to save the planet from energy shortage by mining the vacuum of empty space, engineer the Earth's climate to reverse the effects of global warming, and protect yourself from asteroids.

What about the essential skills required to survive a lightning strike or an earthquake, or to build an anti-gravity machine? Well, there are some answers to those questions as well.

Also discover some cool stuff such as how to turn lead into gold, travel to the centre of the Earth, build an atomic bomb, crack supposedly unbreakable codes and use physics to predict the stock market.

Paul Parsons, who writes for various science magazines, introduces his readers to the awesome world of modern physics. This book is part of a series of works including ‘How to Live Forever and 34 Other Really Interesting Uses of Science.'

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