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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Deep Thinking summary
Where Artificial Intelligence Ends and Human Creativity Begins
20 mins
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Deep Thinking by Garry Kasparov is a memoir and analysis of his historic chess matches and defeat against the IBM supercomputer, Deep Blue. It explores the relationship between humans and machines in the game of chess and beyond.
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Deep Thinking
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While chess’s reputation in the West is poor, it is revered in Russia.
Chess is an ancient game, and it’s had a place in Western culture for centuries. But while it's admired by most people, it’s often from a safe distance. That’s probably down to the fact that chess has a certain reputation it just can’t shake.
In the West, chess is seen as a game for nerds. Typically, chess obsessives are thought of as having no life outside the 64 squares of the chess board.
The author, Garry Kasparov, has gone out of his way to challenge such prejudices. However, despite all the interviews he has given where he speaks about politics and history, the media have continued to depict him and other chess players as eccentric oddballs. But actually, they are just ordinary folks with a special talent.
It’s hard to shift long-held cultural beliefs; chess players still linger at the bottom of any school social hierarchy.
But there are signs of gradual improvement the US, thanks to the introduction of school chess programs. Young children are discovering, without prejudice, that chess can actually be fun.
The American view of chess stands in great contrast to the situation in Russia. There, chess has long been revered.
When Kasparov was growing up, Russia was still part of the Soviet Union. Chess was widely played and extensively promoted. Consequently, it never had the unflattering associations it had in the West. Rather, it had much the same status as any other popular sport, like baseball in the US.
In fact, the tradition of holding chess players and teachers in high regard goes back to Tsarist times. Even though many aristocrats were killed during the Russian Revolution, the aristocratic tradition of playing chess did not die out. Instead, the Communists cultivated and encouraged it. They even went so far as to exempt elite chess players from military service in the ongoing Russian civil war so they could participate in Soviet chess championships.
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What is Deep Thinking about?
Deep Thinking (2017) looks at the relationship between human intelligence, chess, and artificial intelligence. Chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov gives readers a look into his favorite game and explains how computers have already surpassed human intelligence, at least when it comes to playing chess.
Deep Thinking Review
Deep Thinking is a thought-provoking book by Garry Kasparov that explores the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on human intelligence. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of chess and artificial intelligence, revealing the depth of strategic thinking and the potential of machines in decision-making.
- Through powerful storytelling and firsthand experiences, Kasparov sheds light on the emotional and psychological battles he faced while competing against IBM's Deep Blue.
- With a clear and logical structure, the book provides valuable insights into the relationship between human and machine intelligence, sparking thought-provoking discussions.
Best quote from Deep Thinking
We dont get to pick and choose when technological progress stops, or where.
—Garry Kasparov
Who should read Deep Thinking?
- Chess players
- Computer enthusiasts
- Workers worried about the rise of the machines
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Deep Thinking FAQs
What is the main message of Deep Thinking?
The main message of Deep Thinking is the potential of combining human and AI capabilities for better decision-making.
How long does it take to read Deep Thinking?
The reading time for Deep Thinking varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Deep Thinking a good book? Is it worth reading?
Deep Thinking is worth reading for its insights into the future of human-AI collaboration and the story of chess champion Garry Kasparov's battles with the AI opponent Deep Blue.
Who is the author of Deep Thinking?
The author of Deep Thinking is Garry Kasparov.
What to read after Deep Thinking?
If you're wondering what to read next after Deep Thinking, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Economic Singularity by Calum Chace
- How to Win at Chess by Levy Rozman
- Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
- Superhuman Innovation by Chris Duffey
- The Creativity Code by Marcus du Sautoy
- Move by Move by Maurice Ashley
- Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell
- How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter