The first five chapters of this book provide the foundation for Ray Kurzweil to issue his predictions later in the book. It includes many theorems of physics and mathematics, so if one is not relatively familiar with them, it is possible to miss these essential principles. Nevertheless, his choice of words delineates some difficult concepts, making this tough but rewarding reading.The first chapter ultimately leads up to the most important principle of the book, The Law of Accelerating Returns, which follows:-An evolutionary process is not a closed system; therefore, evolution draws upon the chaos in the larger system in which it takes place for its options of diversity; and-Evolution bui ...view middle of the document...
In Turing view, thinking involves conscious intentions.The human brain has about 100 billion neurons. With about 1000 connections between each neuron and its neighbors, we have about 100 trillion connections, each capable of simultaneously calculation. With 100 trillion connections, each computing at 200 calculations per second, we get 20 million billion calculations per second. Due to the acceleration of computational power, following Moore's Law (which states the speed of computers doubles every 18 months), by the year 2020, the speed of the fastest computer will equal that of the human brain.After the relevant facts of the past 50+ years are displayed for us in the beginning of the book, the predictions for the future ensue, starting with the year 2009.In 2009 a personal computer can perform a trillion calculations per second. Computers are embedded in clothing and jewelry. Most routine business transactions take place between a human and a virtual person.In 2019 a computer is now equal to the human brain in computational ability. Computers...