WONDROUS CALS Book Club 4

28th of June, 2025

Already, I’m looking forward to hosting another group of clever, eloquent and unique individuals. I’m confident we’ll have another wondrous get-together discussing books and ideas. Some of you have been there every time, but there are always new attendees. Please feel free to join even if you’ve not attended, yet!

You can sign up, ask questions or vote for the next topic via the Contact page, the Signal group or mail list. All questions and comments are welcome!

Option 1: A Future of Artificial Intelligence

Although the discussions surrounding generative AI are still in full swing, there is even more uncertainty and speculation about the long-term effects of artificial intelligence. Many fear the advent of general artificial intelligence, some think it impossible, most have no idea how to imagine intelligence outside of humanity. To imagine possible future of AI, let us turn to writers, visionaries and literature!

Required reading: none!

Short read: “I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison, found here, and/or “EPICAC” by Kurt Vonnegut, found here.

Longer read: “The Lifecycle of Software Objects” by Ted Chiang.

Extra reading: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adam, Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Option 2: Giving a Voice to Nature

With humanity setting itself apart from nature, it has become common practice to see nature as something to be domesticated, dominated or exploited. Still, humanity cannot escape being a part of nature, which leads to a constantly guarded and redefined distinction between humans and the rest of the world, which is silenced in human discourse. To discuss the limits and possibilities of seeing nature’s perspective, let us read attempts at giving nature a voice.

Required reading: none!

Short read: “A Report for An Academy” by Franz Kafka

Longer read: The Animals in That Country by Laura Jean McKay

Extra Reading: Watership Down by Richard Adams, Saga of the Swamp Thing (Volume 1) by Alan Moore and varied artists, Great Apes by Will Self.

Curious? Please let me know via the Contact page, so I can put you on the mailing list or in the Signal group. Everyone’s welcome!