Book Review : Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat

The first book I read in 2026 was Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat, the former Chief Business Officer at Google.

In today’s world, Artificial Intelligence plays an important role and impacts almost everyone. The job market, in particular, is increasingly influenced by AI and its rapid advancements. Many discussions around AI highlight both opportunities and risks, which can sometimes create fear and confusion.

To better understand AI, its impact, and how we can adapt to it, I decided to read this book. I came across Scary Smart during a random Google search, not through any recommendation, but it turned out to be a valuable and thought-provoking read.


However, the book did not meet my expectations and I felt disappointed. There were several points that did not convince me. The author shared many examples about the rise of AI, but most of them were taken from movies, especially Marvel and DC Hollywood films. While these movies may show ideas of future technologies, I did not feel they clearly represent the real or concerning growth of AI.

The author also tried to relate Virtual Reality to teleportation, which I personally found unconvincing. Teleportation refers to the instant transfer of matter or energy from one place to another without moving through physical space, which is very different from Virtual Reality. Overall, several examples used in the book did not appeal to me or align with my understanding.

Moreover, the author mentions the idea of an “emotional machine,” but does not clearly explain how this would actually be possible. The author mainly states that machines can become emotional, without providing enough reasoning or examples to support this claim. The discussion also compares different animal abilities and suggests that humans have developed various tools to replicate these abilities and eventually become super-intelligent. However, I respectfully do not fully agree with these arguments, as they are presented more as assumptions than clearly explained conclusions.

From my understanding, whenever a new invention emerges, especially those that have a major impact, it can transform human life significantly. Initially, these changes can feel challenging and even uncomfortable, but over time, humans learn to adapt and integrate them into everyday life.

Similarly, I believe that AI will have a profound impact on society. We need to learn how to use it effectively, adapt to its presence, and apply it appropriately in the right areas.

In my view, the author of the book tends to exaggerate some points. I chose this book because I wanted to understand where and how AI would make a real impact. However, it did not fully meet my expectations.

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