Reader reviews

Mathias Sundin envisions a future where our progress is measured in intellectual efficiency, not just in economic net profit. In my opinion, that is a superbly formulated hope. May it prove to be true.

A knowledgeable account of history and the future from a development- and tech-optimistic perspective. It can help strengthen hope for humanity — including our grandchildren.

A real eye-opener! After listening to the book I have started integrating AI broadly into my everyday life and work, which is fantastic!

Mathias Sundin has done it again — written a book that really everyone should read. With both historical depth and pedagogical sharpness, he places the AI revolution in a larger context and shows how it can be compared with earlier society-shaping epochs. What impresses most is his ability to combine a helicopter perspective with concrete examples, so that as a reader you understand both the long-term patterns of development and its meaning in our time. A thought-provoking, well-written and immensely important book for anyone who wants to understand where the world is heading. An extra plus to the AI voice Oscar in the audiobook, who does a truly impressive job with the narration — engaged, clear and with only a few charming pronunciation slips. By the way — I'd give almost anything to hear Mathias Sundin and Max Tegmark meet in an AI debate!

Strongly recommend this book. It describes the great changes that have occurred throughout history. The Fifth Acceleration that we are only at the beginning of will affect us powerfully. We get a good glimpse of the future. A highly worthwhile read.

May be one of the most important books I've read in 2025!!

Informative and interesting about new technology and where we are heading. Easy to follow and understand, even for an AI illiterate like me.

This is probably one of the best books I've listened to. If you want to understand what AI will mean — read it.

A fantastic book in the same spirit as Hans Rosling's Factfulness and Hannah Ritchie's Not the End of the World, but for AI. Highly recommended for a powerful dose of optimism.