The Atomic Human – Understanding Ourselves in the Age of AI

The Atomic Human by Neil D. Lawrence offers a compelling and profound exploration of what it means to be human in an era dominated by artificial intelligence. Lawrence, a renowned expert in AI, draws a parallel between ancient atomism and the way we deconstruct human intelligence through technology. Rather than fearing AI as a threat, he argues that our sense of awe—and our humanity—emerge from what remains when AI takes over the rest.

By comparing evolved, embodied human cognition with the logical and calculative strengths of machine intelligence, Lawrence reveals a core of "atomic" human elements: creativity, consciousness, empathy. His lucid writing turns complex ideas into accessible insights, making this not just for experts but for anyone curious about the future of intelligence.
This paperback from Penguin Press will be released on September 9, 2025. It spans 448 pages, and, per second-hand listing details, is sized at 198 × 129 × 35 mm and weighs approximately 500 g