Ray Kurzweil

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About Ray Kurzweil

Ray Kurzweil is one of the world's leading inventors, thinkers, and futurists, with a thirty-year track record of accurate predictions. Called "the restless genius" by The Wall Street Journal and "the ultimate thinking machine" by Forbes magazine, he was selected as one of the top entrepreneurs by Inc. magazine, which described him as the "rightful heir to Thomas Edison." PBS selected him as one of the "sixteen revolutionaries who made America."

Ray was the principal inventor of the first CCD flat-bed scanner, the first omni-font optical character recognition, the first print-to-speech reading machine for the blind, the first text-to-speech synthesizer, the first music synthesizer capable of recreating the grand piano and other orchestral instruments, and the first commercially marketed large-vocabulary speech recognition.

Among Ray's many honors, he received a Grammy Award for outstanding achievements in music technology; he is the recipient of the National Medal of Technology, was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, holds twenty-one honorary Doctorates, and honors from three U.S. presidents.

Ray has written five national best-selling books, including New York Times best sellers The Singularity Is Near (2005) and How To Create A Mind (2012). He is Co-Founder and Chancellor of Singularity University and a Director of Engineering at Google heading up a team developing machine intelligence and natural language understanding.

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Books By Ray Kurzweil

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The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology Sep 22, 2005

by Ray Kurzweil

( 656 )

$12.99

“Startling in scope and bravado.” —Janet Maslin, The New York Times

“Artfully envisions a breathtakingly better world.” —Los Angeles Times

“Elaborate, smart and persuasive.” —The Boston Globe

“A pleasure to read.” —The Wall Street Journal

One of CBS News’s Best Fall Books of 2005 • Among St Louis Post-Dispatch’s Best Nonfiction Books of 2005 • One of Amazon.com’s Best Science Books of 2005

A radical and optimistic view of the future course of human development from the bestselling author of How to Create a Mind and The Age of Spiritual Machines who Bill Gates calls “the best person I know at predicting the future of artificial intelligence”

For over three decades, Ray Kurzweil has been one of the most respected and provocative advocates of the role of technology in our future. In his classic The Age of Spiritual Machines, he argued that computers would soon rival the full range of human intelligence at its best. Now he examines the next step in this inexorable evolutionary process: the union of human and machine, in which the knowledge and skills embedded in our brains will be combined with the vastly greater capacity, speed, and knowledge-sharing ability of our creations.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Preloaded Digital Audio Player

How to Create a Mind: The Secret of Human Thought Revealed Nov 13, 2012

by Ray Kurzweil

( 463 )

$4.99

The bold futurist and bestselling author explores the limitless potential of reverse-engineering the human brain

Ray Kurzweil is arguably today’s most influential—and often controversial—futurist. In How to Create a Mind, Kurzweil presents a provocative exploration of the most important project in human-machine civilization—reverse engineering the brain to understand precisely how it works and using that knowledge to create even more intelligent machines.

Kurzweil discusses how the brain functions, how the mind emerges from the brain, and the implications of vastly increasing the powers of our intelligence in addressing the world’s problems. He thoughtfully examines emotional and moral intelligence and the origins of consciousness and envisions the radical possibilities of our merging with the intelligent technology we are creating.

Certain to be one of the most widely discussed and debated science books of the year, How to Create a Mind is sure to take its place alongside Kurzweil’s previous classics which include Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever and The Age of Spiritual Machines.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , MP3 CD

The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence Jan 1, 2000

by Ray Kurzweil

( 234 )

$9.99

Ray Kurzweil is the inventor of the most innovative and compelling technology of our era, an international authority on artificial intelligence, and one of our greatest living visionaries. Now he offers a framework for envisioning the twenty-first century--an age in which the marriage of human sensitivity and artificial intelligence fundamentally alters and improves the way we live. Kurzweil's prophetic blueprint for the future takes us through the advances that inexorably result in computers exceeding the memory capacity and computational ability of the human brain by the year 2020 (with human-level capabilities not far behind); in relationships with automated personalities who will be our teachers, companions, and lovers; and in information fed straight into our brains along direct neural pathways. Optimistic and challenging, thought-provoking and engaging, The Age of Spiritual Machines is the ultimate guide on our road into the next century.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Danielle: Chronicles of a Superheroine Complete Edition Apr 23, 2019

by Ray Kurzweil

( 56 )

$4.99

Ray Kurzweil, legendary inventor and author of New York Times bestsellers The Singularity Is Near and How to Create a Mind, has created inventions and ideas that have changed human civilization. PBS called him “One of the revolutionaries who made America”, and Inc. magazine named him “Edison’s rightful heir.”

Now Kurzweil has created a novel, and an unforgettable character —Danielle — to help convey some of his most important ideas. Danielle, Chronicles of a Superheroine, tells the story of a precocious young girl who uses her intelligence and accelerating technology to solve humanity's grandest challenges. Now if only we can find more courageous visionaries like Danielle.

Written as an alternative history, Danielle’s journey as a driven young girl brings her face to face with many important figures from recent history and our modern world. Told through the eyes of Danielle’s equally remarkable sister Claire, a girl adopted from Haiti after surviving the earthquake, this story shows all readers a hopeful vision of humanity’s future—and how to achieve it.

The novel features 24 graphic novel style illustrations, one for each year of Danielle’s life, by New Yorker cartoonist and Ray’s daughter, Amy Kurzweil (author of Flying Couch: a graphic memoir, a New York Times Editor's Pick and Best of 2016).

Accompanying the novel are two nonfiction companion books by the author which is a literary first. How You Can Be a Danielle is a call to action, providing pragmatic, thought-provoking and clear guidance on how readers can be inspired to emulate Danielle and help bring about a better world. A Chronicle of Ideas: A Guide for Superheroines (and Superheroes) provides Kurzweil’s – and Danielle’s – unique spin on 282 concepts presented in the novel.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Audio CD

Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever Dec 21, 2010

by Ray Kurzweil , Terry Grossman

( 177 )

$6.49

In Transcend, famed futurist Ray Kurzweil and his coauthor Terry Grossman, MD, present a cutting edge, accessible program based on the vanguard in nutrition and science. They've distilled thousands of scientific studies to make the case that new developments in medicine and technology will allow us to radically extend our life expectancies and slow the aging process.

Transcend gives you the practical tools you need to live long enough (and remain healthy long enough) to take full advantage of the biotech and nanotech advances that have already begun and will continue to occur at an accelerating pace during the years ahead. To help you remember the nine key components of the program, Ray and Terry have arranged them into a mnemonic: Talk with your doctor, Relaxation, Assessment, Nutrition, Supplements, Calorie reduction, Exercise, New technologies, Detoxification.

This easy-to-follow program will help you transcend the boundaries of your genetic legacy and live long enough to live forever.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever Oct 7, 2004

by Ray Kurzweil , Terry Grossman

( 147 )

$12.99

One of the most respected scientists and futurists in America teams up with an expert on human longevity, to show how we can tap today's revolution in biotechnology and nanotechnology to virtually live forever.

Startling discoveries in the areas of genomics, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are occurring every day. The rewards of this research, some of it as spectacular as what was once thought of as science fiction, are practically in our grasp. Already it is possible to analyze our individual genetic makeups and evaluate our predisposition for breast cancer or other deadly diseases on a case-by-case basis. And once we've isolated these genes, the ability to repress or enhance them through biotechnology is just around the corner. Soon, for example, it will be feasible for 10% of our red blood cells to be replaced by artificial cells, radically extending our life expectancy and enhancing our physical and even mental abilities beyond what is humanly possible today. In Fantastic Voyage, Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman will show us how amazingly advanced we are in our medical technology, and how incredibly far each of us can go toward living as long as we dare imagine.

With today's mind-bending array of scientific knowledge, it is possible to prevent nearly 90% of the maladies that kill us, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman start the reader on a fantastic journey to undreamed-of vitality with a comprehensive investigation into the cutting-edge science on diet, metabolism, genetics, toxins and detoxification, the hormones involved with aging and youth, exercise, stress reduction, and more. By following their program, which includes such simple recommendations as drinking alkaline water and taking specific nutritional supplements to enhance your immune system and slow the aging process on a cellular level, anyone will be able to immediately add years of healthy, active living to his life.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Cómo crear una mente: El secreto del pensamiento humano (Spanish Edition) Jul 31, 2015

by Ray Kurzweil , José Luis Cordeiro , Carlos García Hernández

( 17 )

$18.99

2029: año en el que la inteligencia artificial no podrá distinguirse de la humana. Este es el horizonte hacia el que mira "Cómo crear una mente".

Siguiendo la estela de "La Singularidad está cerca", su libro anterior, el autor recorre la curva del crecimiento exponencial de la tecnología hasta el momento en el que la inteligencia de los ordenadores alcanza a la del hombre. ¿Qué pasará entonces? Si la creación de máquinas cada vez más potentes es una capacidad humana, entonces las máquinas también heredarán esta capacidad, pero con todas las ventajas que conllevan los sustratos no biológicos. Esto dará lugar a posteriores generaciones de máquinas cada vez más potentes que acompañarán al hombre hacia la singularidad tecnológica.

Ray Kurzweil explica el itinerario que el hombre está siguiendo para lograr este objetivo, así como la manera precisa en la que está llevando a cabo esta transformación. Según el autor, el futuro inteligente de las máquinas converge con el de los humanos, ya que seremos capaces de incorporar dicha inteligencia a nuestros propios cuerpos. ¿Cómo será el mundo en este escenario? Descúbralo con la lectura de este apasionante libro.

Other Formats: Paperback

A singularidade está próxima: quando os humanos transcendem a biologia (Coleção Os Livros do Observatório) (Portuguese Edition) Apr 11, 2019

by Ray Kurzweil , Ana Goldberger

( 22 )

$0.00

Ray Kurzweil (n. 1948) é cientista da computação, inventor e aquilo que a terminologia atual, ignora dos usos consolidados deste termo, designa como “futurista”. Autor de best- sellers, recebeu vários títulos de doutor honoris causa por diferentes universidades. Sua tese é que na primeira metade deste século XXI a inteligência artificial superará, de longe, a humana — e a singularidade terá acontecido. Essa inteligência superior será indistinguível da humana: conversando (sem aspas) com um interlocutor situado no lado de lá de uma parede, um humano não saberá se fala com outro humano ou com uma máquina.
As consequências desse desenvolvimento exponencial da computação são aterrorizantes ou significaram o paraíso na terra, conforme a perspectiva. Kurzweil é, claro, um “integrado”: tudo que resultar da cultura computacional será positivo — como a abolição a morte. Os “apocalípticos” falam em caos e sujeição do ser humano à máquina. Como indica o subtítulo deste livro, Kurzweil prevê o momento em que a humanidade superará as limitações da biologia: ser humano e máquina comporão uma mesma entidade na qual, é legítimo supor, o maquínico será cada vez mais potente e eliminará o que nessa entidade antes havia de humano. Um novo conceito de ser humano surgiria. Para Kurzweil, o resultado será apenas uma nova forma de humanidade. Se a teoria da evolução estiver correta, não há motivo, ele argumenta, para considerar o atual estágio do ser humano como último e definitivo. A utopia positiva (até hoje, uma contradição nos termos: as utopias sempre foram negativas mesmo quando se achavam positivas) pintada por Kurzweil encontra diversos tipos de opositores, entre eles E. M. Forster em seu A máquina parou, publicado nesta mesma coleção. A leitura deste livro, com sua ampla e argumentada antevisão do que pode ser a cultura computacional, a ninguém deixa indiferente.

Other Formats: Paperback

The Intelligent Universe: AI, ET, and the Emerging Mind of the Cosmos Jan 19, 2007

by James Gardner , Ray Kurzweil

( 21 )

$15.33

What is the ultimate destiny of our universe? That is the striking question addressed by James Gardner in The Intelligent Universe. Traditionally, scientists (and Robert Frost) have offered two bleak answers to this profound issue: fire or ice. In The Intelligent Universe, James Gardner envisions a third dramatic alternative—a final state of the cosmos in which a highly evolved form of group intelligence engineers a cosmic renewal, the birth of a new universe.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

Menschheit 2.0: Die Singularität naht (German Edition) Jul 6, 2015

by Ray Kurzweil , Martin Rötzschke

( 9 )

$26.99

Das Jahr 2045 markiert einen historischen Meilenstein: Es ist das Jahr, in dem der Mensch seine biologischen Begrenzungen mithilfe der Technik überwinden wird. Diese als technologische Singularität bekannt gewordene Revolution wird die Menschheit für immer verändern.

Googles Chefingenieur Ray Kurzweil, dessen wahnwitzigen Visionen in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten immer wieder genau ins Schwarze trafen, zeichnet in diesem Klassiker des Transhumanismus mit beispielloser Detailwut eine bunt schillernde Momentaufnahme der technischen Evolution und legt dar, weshalb diese so bald kein Ende finden, sondern im Gegenteil immer weiter an Dynamik gewinnen wird. Daraus ergibt sich eine ebenso faszinierende wie schockierende Vision für die Zukunft der Menschheit.

Other Formats: Paperback

The Eternal E-Customer: How Emotionally Intelligent Interfaces Can Create Long-Lasting Customer Relationship: How Emotionally Intelligent Interfaces Can Create Long-lasting Customer Relationships Nov 17, 2000

by Bryan Bergeron

( 14 )

$27.95

The Eternal E-Customer focuses on getting ebusinesses to the next level of customer loyalty. In the competitive world of ecommerce, the winners know that the key to success is customer appreciation and retention. Emotionally Intelligent Interfaces (EII) are driven by data from previous customer interactions, explicit customer preferences, and based on customer profiles. EIIs build trust and customer loyalty by offering shoppers the intimacy and individual attention they expect from the corner store. In this groundbreaking book, Harvard professor Bryan Bergeron provides a roadmap to get readers up to speed on all crucial business and technology aspects of EIIs, and explains how to create the information infrastructure needed to support EIIs tailored to their businesses.

• Focuses on achievable results using current technology

• Includes a companion Web site with links to examples of state-of-the-art EII technologies Foreword by Ray Kurzweil, author of The Age of Spiritual Machines

Other Formats: Hardcover

Die Intelligenz der Evolution (German Edition) Nov 10, 2016

by Ray Kurzweil , Ranga Yogeshwar , Elke Heinemann , Thomas Pfeiffer , Helmut Dierlamm

( 2 )

$10.99

Der Visionär, der bislang richtig lag
Beschleunigung ist das Gesetz der Zeit. Der entfesselte Fortschritt reißt alle Grenzen nieder. Computer überflügeln den Menschen in allen Belangen der Intelligenz und entwickeln Bewusstsein. Der Mensch "verbessert" seine natürliche Ausstattung mittels Gentechnik und Neuro-Implantaten. Ein neuer Evolutionssprung kündigt sich an.
Der Computerpionier Ray Kurzweil hat unser Informationszeitalter mitgeprägt. Nun beschreibt er die digitale Revolution unseres Jahrhunderts. Seine Prognosen für die ersten beiden Jahrzehnte des 21. Jahrhunderts sind erstaunlich präzise. Um das Jahr 2029 kann das menschliche Gehirn "gescannt" und in einem Computer dupliziert werden. Die Debatte über das Bewusstsein und die Würde der Maschinen setzt ein …
Eine atemberaubende Vision, die weitreichende ethische und philosophische Fragen aufwirft. Im Vorwort schreibt Ranga Yogeshwar: "Dieses Zukunftsbuch ist ein Beleg für Kurzweils großartigen Instinkt. Es strahlt noch immer eine besondere Frische aus."

Other Formats: Paperback

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