Explore Norbert Wiener’s seminal work, “The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society.” Originally published in 1950, this classic by the founder of cybernetics offers profound insights into the relationship between humans and machines, a topic more relevant than ever with today’s advancements in AI. Wiener, often misunderstood as a mere advocate for automation, actually presented a complex and prescient vision of technology’s role in society. He foresaw both the potential for machines to liberate humans from drudgery for creative pursuits and the dangers of dehumanization and displacement. This edition, featuring an introduction by Brian Christian, highlights Wiener’s foundational contributions to contemporary AI safety discussions. His exploration of cybernetics’ impact on education, law, language, and science remains a crucial read for understanding our increasingly interconnected world and our dialogue with AI.