When Smart Is Not: Technology and Michio Kaku's The Future of the Mind [Leading Edge]

Examines the societal benefits of technology to enhance our lives. Presents a commentary on the research and works of theoretical physicist and best-selling author, Dr. Michio Kaku, who explores the future of of brain science and technology. While Kaku acknowledges the double-edged sword character to both science and technology, writing that “One side of the sword can cut against poverty, disease, and ignorance, but the other side can cut against people”, the main thrust of his book lies in celebrating the soaring positive possibilities of brain science. In this, Kaku, with some reservations, follows the conventional wisdom that any technology that eliminates effort, that makes life easier or more convenient, that responds instantly to our every wish and command is, ipso facto, good.