A Brief History of Intelligence
Evolution, AI, and the Five Breakthroughs That Made Our Brains
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 3 months for $0.99/mo
Buy Now for $32.62
-
Narrated by:
-
George Newbern
-
Written by:
-
Max S. Bennett
About this listen
Equal parts Sapiens, Behave, and Superintelligence, but wholly original in scope, A Brief History of Intelligence offers a paradigm shift for how we understand neuroscience and AI. Artificial intelligence entrepreneur Max Bennett chronicles the five “breakthroughs” in the evolution of human intelligence and reveals what brains of the past can tell us about the AI of tomorrow.
In the last decade, capabilities of artificial intelligence that had long been the realm of science fiction have, for the first time, become our reality. AI is now able to produce original art, identify tumors in pictures, and even steer our cars. And yet, large gaps remain in what modern AI systems can achieve—indeed, human brains still easily perform intellectual feats that we can’t replicate in AI systems. How is it possible that AI can beat a grandmaster at chess but can’t effectively load a dishwasher? As AI entrepreneur Max Bennett compellingly argues, finding the answer requires diving into the billion-year history of how the human brain evolved; a history filled with countless half-starts, calamities, and clever innovations. Not only do our brains have a story to tell—the future of AI may depend on it.
Now, in A Brief History of Intelligence, Bennett bridges the gap between neuroscience and AI to tell the brain’s evolutionary story, revealing how understanding that story can help shape the next generation of AI breakthroughs. Deploying a fresh perspective and working with the support of many top minds in neuroscience, Bennett consolidates this immense history into an approachable new framework, identifying the “Five Breakthroughs” that mark the brain’s most important evolutionary leaps forward. Each breakthrough brings new insight into the biggest mysteries of human intelligence. Containing fascinating corollaries to developments in AI, A Brief History of Intelligence shows where current AI systems have matched or surpassed our brains, as well as where AI systems still fall short. Simply put, until AI systems successfully replicate each part of our brain’s long journey, AI systems will fail to exhibit human-like intelligence.
Endorsed and lauded by many of the top neuroscientists in the field today, Bennett’s work synthesizes the most relevant scientific knowledge and cutting-edge research into an easy-to-understand and riveting evolutionary story. With sweeping scope and stunning insights, A Brief History of Intelligence proves that understanding the arc of our brain’s history can unlock the tools for successfully navigating our technological future.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
You may also enjoy...
-
No-Regret Decisions
- Making Good Choices During Difficult Times
- Written by: Shannon Lee Simmons
- Narrated by: Shannon Lee Simmons
- Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 7
Every one of us will face an unexpected decision crisis in our lives. Whether it’s a life-changing situation—job loss, illness, divorce, death—or a happier event—a new job opportunity, buying a first home, or other important occasion—there are times when you will be forced to make big decisions under great pressure.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
No-Regret Decisions
- By Robyn on 2023-10-07
Written by: Shannon Lee Simmons
-
The Purest Bond
- Understanding the Human-Canine Connection
- Written by: Jen Golbeck, Stacey Colino
- Narrated by: Jen Golbeck
- Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 9
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 8
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 8
With all of the seismic shifts in today’s world, rates of anxiety and depression have been skyrocketing, and people have been turning to their dogs for solace and stability. Amidst these dire realities, something wonderful has taken shape. As people have brought furry friends into their lives for the first time or seized this opportunity to deepen the connections they already have, they are looking to understand how owning a dog can change their lives. Now, The Purest Bond explores the benefits our dogs can have on our physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Unnecessarily Repetitive
- By Amazon Customer on 2024-05-16
Written by: Jen Golbeck, and others
-
When Harry Met Pablo
- Truman, Picasso, and the Cold War Politics of Modern Art
- Written by: Matthew Algeo
- Narrated by: Pat Grimes
- Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1
Harry Truman and Pablo Picasso were contemporaries and were both shaped by and shapers of the great events of the twentieth century—the man who painted Guernica and the man who authorized the use of atomic bombs against civilians. But in most ways, they couldn’t have been more different. Picasso was a communist, and probably the only thing Truman hated more than communists was modern art. Picasso was an indifferent father, a womanizer, and a millionaire. Truman was utterly devoted to his family. How did they come to be shaking hands in front of Picasso’s studio in the south of France?
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Really rather good
- By RW on 2024-06-24
Written by: Matthew Algeo
-
The Skeptics' Guide to the Future
- What Yesterday's Science and Science Fiction Tell Us About the World of Tomorrow
- Written by: Steven Novella, Bob Novella, Jay Novella
- Narrated by: Steven Novella
- Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 17
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 14
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 14
From the bestselling authors and hosts of "The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe," a high-tech roadmap of the future in their beloved voice, cracking open the follies of futurists past and how technology will profoundly change our world, redefining what it means to be human. Our predictions of the...
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
amazing high quality content
- By Yara on 2025-04-03
Written by: Steven Novella, and others
-
Yoga Life
- Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos
- Written by: Brett Larkin
- Narrated by: Brett Larkin
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 4
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 4
“Brett translates the magic of ancient yoga for those who need it most.” —James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath Overwhelmed? Overscheduled? Want to access the benefits of yoga, but can’t seem to make it to the mat? Beat stress with a yoga ritual that works for you in...
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Hard to get through the religious stuff
- By Howl on 2024-09-14
Written by: Brett Larkin
-
Dream
- The Art and Science of Slumber
- Written by: Scott Carney
- Narrated by: Scott Carney
- Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3
Why do so many of us have trouble falling asleep? Why do our thoughts spin in wild directions after dark? More important: why do we dream? In this groundbreaking new book, investigative journalist and anthropologist Scott Carney sets out to discover how the sleeping world reverberates in the waking one. Unlock the power of the immune system at the same time you dig deeply into the source of creativity. Discover the evolutionary process that forges both memory and emotions.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
What an eye opener!
- By Chariotmaker on 2024-08-08
Written by: Scott Carney
-
No-Regret Decisions
- Making Good Choices During Difficult Times
- Written by: Shannon Lee Simmons
- Narrated by: Shannon Lee Simmons
- Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 7
Every one of us will face an unexpected decision crisis in our lives. Whether it’s a life-changing situation—job loss, illness, divorce, death—or a happier event—a new job opportunity, buying a first home, or other important occasion—there are times when you will be forced to make big decisions under great pressure.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
No-Regret Decisions
- By Robyn on 2023-10-07
Written by: Shannon Lee Simmons
-
The Purest Bond
- Understanding the Human-Canine Connection
- Written by: Jen Golbeck, Stacey Colino
- Narrated by: Jen Golbeck
- Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 9
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 8
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 8
With all of the seismic shifts in today’s world, rates of anxiety and depression have been skyrocketing, and people have been turning to their dogs for solace and stability. Amidst these dire realities, something wonderful has taken shape. As people have brought furry friends into their lives for the first time or seized this opportunity to deepen the connections they already have, they are looking to understand how owning a dog can change their lives. Now, The Purest Bond explores the benefits our dogs can have on our physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Unnecessarily Repetitive
- By Amazon Customer on 2024-05-16
Written by: Jen Golbeck, and others
-
When Harry Met Pablo
- Truman, Picasso, and the Cold War Politics of Modern Art
- Written by: Matthew Algeo
- Narrated by: Pat Grimes
- Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 1
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1
Harry Truman and Pablo Picasso were contemporaries and were both shaped by and shapers of the great events of the twentieth century—the man who painted Guernica and the man who authorized the use of atomic bombs against civilians. But in most ways, they couldn’t have been more different. Picasso was a communist, and probably the only thing Truman hated more than communists was modern art. Picasso was an indifferent father, a womanizer, and a millionaire. Truman was utterly devoted to his family. How did they come to be shaking hands in front of Picasso’s studio in the south of France?
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Really rather good
- By RW on 2024-06-24
Written by: Matthew Algeo
-
The Skeptics' Guide to the Future
- What Yesterday's Science and Science Fiction Tell Us About the World of Tomorrow
- Written by: Steven Novella, Bob Novella, Jay Novella
- Narrated by: Steven Novella
- Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 17
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 14
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 14
From the bestselling authors and hosts of "The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe," a high-tech roadmap of the future in their beloved voice, cracking open the follies of futurists past and how technology will profoundly change our world, redefining what it means to be human. Our predictions of the...
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
amazing high quality content
- By Yara on 2025-04-03
Written by: Steven Novella, and others
-
Yoga Life
- Habits, Poses, and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the Chaos
- Written by: Brett Larkin
- Narrated by: Brett Larkin
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 4
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 4
“Brett translates the magic of ancient yoga for those who need it most.” —James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath Overwhelmed? Overscheduled? Want to access the benefits of yoga, but can’t seem to make it to the mat? Beat stress with a yoga ritual that works for you in...
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Hard to get through the religious stuff
- By Howl on 2024-09-14
Written by: Brett Larkin
-
Dream
- The Art and Science of Slumber
- Written by: Scott Carney
- Narrated by: Scott Carney
- Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3
Why do so many of us have trouble falling asleep? Why do our thoughts spin in wild directions after dark? More important: why do we dream? In this groundbreaking new book, investigative journalist and anthropologist Scott Carney sets out to discover how the sleeping world reverberates in the waking one. Unlock the power of the immune system at the same time you dig deeply into the source of creativity. Discover the evolutionary process that forges both memory and emotions.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
What an eye opener!
- By Chariotmaker on 2024-08-08
Written by: Scott Carney
-
Let That Sh*t Go
- Find Peace of Mind and Happiness in Your Everyday
- Written by: Nina Purewal, Kate Petriw
- Narrated by: Nina Purewal, Kate Petriw
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 155
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 126
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 125
It’s no wonder you can’t calm down: your to-do list is as long as your arm, your bank balance keeps dropping, you feel guilty for not calling your parents more often and there always seems to be a big deadline to meet at work. You need a serious breather - but you can barely find time to shower, let alone to exercise or meditate.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Life-changing
- By Hazel on 2020-08-02
Written by: Nina Purewal, and others
-
The Way We Eat Now
- How the Food Revolution Has Transformed Our Lives, Our Bodies, and Our World
- Written by: Bee Wilson
- Narrated by: Bee Wilson
- Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 12
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 11
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 11
An award-winning food writer takes us on a global tour of what the world eats--and shows us how we can change it for the better Food is one of life's great joys. So why has eating become such a source of anxiety and confusion? Bee Wilson shows that in two generations the world has undergone a...
Written by: Bee Wilson
-
And Then We Rise
- A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self
- Written by: Common
- Narrated by: Common
- Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall3.5 out of 5 stars 2
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars 2
-
Story3 out of 5 stars 2
From the multi-award-winning performer, author, and activist, a comprehensive program for addressing mental and physical health—and encouraging communities to do the same—featuring a conversation between the author and Lauren Von Der Pool, “…one of the people who has played an important...
Written by: Common
-
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
- Written by: Charlie Mackesy
- Narrated by: Charlie Mackesy
- Length: 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 174
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 148
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 146
Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful audiobook, following the tale of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse who find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love. The shared adventures and important conversations between the four friends are full of life lessons that have connected with listeners of all ages.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
I LOVE THIS BOOK
- By Chelsea Hoyt on 2023-02-08
Written by: Charlie Mackesy
-
How We Learn
- Why Brains Learn Better Than Any Machine...for Now
- Written by: Stanislas Dehaene
- Narrated by: Kaleo Griffith
- Length: 10 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 10
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 10
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 10
The human brain is an extraordinary machine. Its ability to process information and adapt to circumstances by reprogramming itself is unparalleled and it remains the best source of inspiration for recent developments in artificial intelligence. In How We Learn, Stanislas Dehaene decodes the brain's biological mechanisms, delving into the neuronal, synaptic, and molecular processes taking place. He explains why youth is such a sensitive period, but assures us that our abilities continue into adulthood and that we can enhance our learning and memory at any age.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Definitely one of the best pop-education books
- By Cal on 2021-04-18
Written by: Stanislas Dehaene
-
The Lost Van Gogh
- A Novel
- Written by: Jonathan Santlofer
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars 9
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 9
-
Story3 out of 5 stars 9
For years, there have been whispers that, before his death, Van Gogh completed a final self-portrait. Curators and art historians have savored this rumor, hoping it could illuminate some of the troubled artist's many secrets, but even they have to concede that the missing painting is likely lost forever. But when Luke Perrone, artist and great-grandson of the man who stole the Mona Lisa, and Alexis Verde, daughter of a notorious art thief, discover what may be the missing portrait, they are drawn into a most epic art puzzles.
Written by: Jonathan Santlofer
-
The History of Philosophy
- Written by: A. C. Grayling
- Narrated by: Neil Gardner
- Length: 28 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 10
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 9
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 9
The story of philosophy is an epic tale, spanning civilizations and continents. It explores some of the most creative minds in history. But not since the long-popular classic by Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy, published in 1945, has there been a comprehensive and entertaining single-volume history of this great, intellectual, world-shaping journey.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Even-handed Treatment of the History of Philosophy
- By MEM on 2021-06-12
Written by: A. C. Grayling
-
The Introvert's Edge
- How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone
- Written by: Matthew Pollard
- Narrated by: Jamie Jackson
- Length: 4 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 24
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 21
Sales is a skill anyone can learn and master - and introverts are especially good at it once they learn how to leverage their natural strengths. Introverts aren't comfortable with traditional tactics like aggressively pushing a product or talking over a customer's objections. That's the beauty of The Introvert's Edge: it doesn't focus on the sale itself but on a sales system that helps introverts feel sincere instead of sales-y.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
book review
- By Zoey on 2024-04-28
Written by: Matthew Pollard
-
Solitude
- Dimension Space, Book One
- Written by: Dean M. Cole
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 153
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 136
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 135
The Martian meets Gravity when Army Pilot Vaughn Singleton, Earth’s last man, rushes to Area 51 in search of a spaceplane after he discovers the last woman is stranded on the International Space Station and barely alive - thus beginning a race against time. The event that wiped life from the planet started at the supercollider. It created a rift in space-time. The astronaut stranded aboard the space station, Commander Angela Brown, is a theoretical physicist who used to work at the collider.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Wish it wasn’t a series
- By Stuka Pilot on 2023-08-14
Written by: Dean M. Cole
-
Fiction Land
- Written by: RR Haywood
- Narrated by: Gethin Anthony
- Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall3.5 out of 5 stars 12
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 9
-
Story3.5 out of 5 stars 9
A delivery driver finds himself inside a world occupied by characters from unfinished novels and must accept he is not real. But the world around him doesn’t feel right, and when he starts asking questions, the authorities soon take extreme measures to stop him finding the truth about Fiction Land.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Surprisingly philosophical
- By Madeleine on 2025-07-14
Written by: RR Haywood
-
Briefly Perfectly Human
- Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End
- Written by: Alua Arthur
- Narrated by: Alua Arthur
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 19
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 17
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 17
For her clients and everyone who has been inspired by her humanity, Alua Arthur is a friend at the end of the world. As our country’s leading death doula, she’s spreading a transformative message: thinking about your death—whether imminent or not—will breathe wild, new potential into your life. Warm, generous, and funny AF, Alua supports and helps manage end-of-life care on many levels.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great reminder to live!!
- By Minnelle on 2024-08-08
Written by: Alua Arthur
-
Calm Your Mind with Food
- A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety
- Written by: Uma Naidoo MD MD
- Narrated by: Deepti Gupta
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3
A revolutionary full-body approach to relieving anxiety, from bestselling author and nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, MD In this groundbreaking guide, Dr. Uma Naidoo presents cutting-edge research about the ways anxiety is rooted in the brain, gut, immune system, and metabolism. Drawing on...
Written by: Uma Naidoo MD MD
The art of scientific storytelling
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Delivers!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Nicely researched.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
As this was an Audible I can say the narrator did an excellent job keeping the listener's attention and the story was thoroughly engaging. Definitely a 5 star value if you are looking for basic insight in to intelligence evolution.
Excellent Overview of Intelligence Formation
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I am still listening to the book and am really enjoying the measured and thoughtful insights.
What I am startled by is the dreadful editing. The additions are clearly recorded poorly and yet were cut into the performance. George Newbern's performance is messed with. I listen while I am walking and some of the edits triggered my attention as if something threatening was happening around me. Not very pleasant. Whoever did the recording of the edits, and whoever allowed them to be used should not be allowed near audio recording: your mistakes are there for all to hear!
Audio Editing and Recording are Dreadful
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.