The Second Machine Age
Erik Brynjolfsson
Discover how the rapid evolution of AI and automation is fundamentally rewriting the rules of the global economy. By mastering the synergy between human intuition and digital power, you will gain the foresight needed to navigate and thrive in a landscape defined by exponential change.
The Power of Exponential Growth
Explores how digital technology differs from the steam engine, focusing on the speed and scale of the 'second half of the chessboard.'
The Inflection Point
The Second Half of the Chessboard
The Digital Advantage
Intelligence and Physicality
Examines the breakthroughs in AI and robotics that allow machines to perform complex cognitive and manual tasks.
Cognitive Breakthroughs
The Physical World
Combinatorial Innovation
The Bounty: Redefining Value
Argues that traditional economic metrics like GDP fail to capture the true wealth generated by digital technology.
Rethinking GDP
The Value of Free
Human Well-being Metrics
The Spread: Inequality in the Digital Age
Details the diverging fortunes of workers, where technology creates massive wealth for some while displacing others.
Skill-Biased Technical Change
The Superstar Effect
Capital vs. Labor
Strategies for Individuals
Offers practical advice on how humans can remain valuable by 'racing with the machines' rather than against them.
Education 2.0
Racing With Machines
The IDEAS Framework
Policy and the Future
Proposes systemic changes to taxes, labor, and social safety nets to ensure a flourishing future.
Taxing the Future
The Future of Work
Technological Optimism
Start reading with AI
Interactive Socratic dialogue, level by level