What if we learned to live more with machines, integrated in a society where we harness their full powers and capabilities to build a better world? This is what Husain explores in a Cybernetic Society.

He takes us through various parts of society and lists the opportunities, the current projects and future developments. It’s all an interesting society that is being showcased in this book.

Unfortunately, the book soon starts feeling like it’s a list of cool projects and things happening, many of which Husain and his wife are involved in. It gets a little tedious trying to keep up with it all, especially if you’re not super familiar with the world (I am somewhat, but not intimately).

Ultimately, I land in the conclusion that Husain and I probably don’t share the same dream of where the world is heading. I see myself as a tech optimist, I’d like to see creative solutions to problems that seem impossible, like climate change. At the same time, I can’t share the overwhelming joy that a city like Neom (which is hailed many times in the book as a prime example of a cybernetic city) is being built on human rights violations and poor working conditions. We have to treat our people well, no matter how grand the vision.

Problems — legal as well as ethical — are skirted over with a level of ignorance or nonchalance, in a way that doesn’t sit right with me. But if one can ignore that, it’s a pretty exciting read for a sci fi that is not too far away.

Thanks to NetGalley and Basic Books for allowing me to review this book!

The author takes you on a though proving journey through the human and machine relationship, showing how they’re merging in the future and, maybe, already happening to an extent today. Should we be excited or scared about this future? Husain leaves that up to us which I did appreciate. This book takes us on a true journey that’ left you with not just answers but also some serious questions about the world we are going to soon inhabit.
Well researched and written and far more accessible than many without presenting opinions as conclusions which I found most refreshing!

If this book doesn't make you think about what is happening in this world, you aren't paying attention. Well done.