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Hello World
- How to Be Human in the Age of the Machine
- Narrated by: Hannah Fry
- Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
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Hello World
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Summary
Random House presents the audiobook edition of Hello World by Hannah Fry.
You are accused of a crime. Who would you rather determined your fate - a human or an algorithm?
An algorithm is more consistent and less prone to error of judgment. Yet a human can look you in the eye before passing sentence.
You need a liver transplant to save your life. Who would you want in charge of organ allocation?
An algorithm can match organ donors with patients, potentially saving many more lives. But it may send you to the back of the queue.
You’re buying a (driverless) car. One vehicle is programmed to save as many lives as possible in a collision. Another promises to prioritise the lives of its passengers. Which do you choose?
Welcome to the age of the algorithm, the story of a not-too-distant future where machines rule supreme, making important decisions - in health care, transport, finance, security, what we watch, where we go, even whom we send to prison. So how much should we rely on them? What kind of future do we want?
Hannah Fry takes us on a tour of the good, the bad and the downright ugly of the algorithms that surround us. In Hello World she lifts the lid on their inner workings, demonstrates their power, exposes their limitations and examines whether they really are an improvement on the humans they are replacing.
Critic reviews
"Wise, sharp and witty, the definitive guide to living in the age of social media, algorithms and automation.'' (Adam Rutherford)
What listeners say about Hello World
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- Dave Barns
- 02-09-18
A fascinating journey through the murky world of algorithms!
An amazing listen. Beautifully written with wonderful narration from hannah. Packed with engaging stories that bring the world of algorithms to life.
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- Amazon Customer
- 17-10-19
Essential listening for any knowledge worker
There are few in the developed world that don't work with data and algorithms to some extent, but this beautifully crafted set of examples highlights the tradeoffs in the name of simplicity.
Everyone should have an awareness, from private organisations burying consent in T&C's to individuals relinquishing their [previously considered] private information for a "free" service. This book draws the patterns but let's the listener draw their own conclusions - superb.
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- Matthew
- 11-11-18
Very well explained and just as well performed
You don't necessarily expect a maths/computing professor to read so well, but Hannah's performance is brilliant. It is clear, has a good tone and adds personality and really makes the book tick.
The book explains a broad array of aspects relating to algorithms. Hannah explains the concepts really well using real world examples. Very clearly done and well executed!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Christian Vezjak
- 06-03-21
Great concepts. Reading not at all
The book's concepts and the stories that present them are great. I would enjoy the book much more though if I didnt have to constantly go back to try to figure out what the reader said.
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- Giles
- 13-03-23
Really enjoyable
Wasn't sure what to expect but, thoroughly enjoyed it.
The author / performer really knew their stuff, make me an easy for everyone to understand.
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- Anonymous User
- 10-01-19
Entertaining and informative
It has been an interesting and entertaining listen. I especially liked the anecdotes about Deep Blue playing chess, the Air France 2009 disaster and the autonomous cars chapter.
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- Ed
- 14-09-20
Great Overview of Modern Machine Learning
A highly-accessible overview of the role that machine learning plays in our society. Many of the examples will be familiar: self-driving cars, medical AI, creating art using machines etc. What makes this book stand out is that Fry does a great job of toning down the sensationalism that usually dominates these discussions (using crime prediction does not automatically lead to Minority Report). She approaches each topic judiciously, clearly describing the pros and cons of the various machine learning algorithms and their current state of development. This latter aspect alone can be very surprising, in particular how far we really are from the dream of fully autonomous (so-called "level 5") vehicles.
Brilliantly narrated, full of life and the great passion that Fry has for this topic is evident on every page. Highly recommended.
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- Michael Wilde
- 16-12-18
Just brilliant
I’ve loved Hannah Fry since I stumbled upon some of her YouTube talks. She is a great balance between informative and entertaining, and explains some more in-depth concepts so anyone can understand.
On top of that a very soothing narrator.
If the blurb sounds at all interesting to you it’s a must listen.
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- Shadytree
- 02-03-21
Funny answers to life's complex algorithm
Great breakdown and funny answers to life's complex computer algorithm. Thank you Hannah Fry for explaining the unexplainable and making my world brighter
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- Anonymous User
- 10-07-20
Interesting and entertaining
I learned about this book listening to Craig Barton's podcast interview with Hannah Fry. My appetite was whetted and I was pleased to find the book on Audible. Fry handles her material with a light touch, presenting complex ideas in an accessible and entertaining way. This is not a book aimed at women, but it is so refreshing to read a book that does not presume a male readership. I have really enjoyed the book and have listened several times to some of the chapters. Fry comes over to the reader as a woman so comfortable with her intellect that she feels no need to turn it into a campaign - respect!
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