The title of Benjamín Labatut’s book The MANIAC refers to the computer developed by John von Neumann (Mathematical Analyzer, Numerical Integrator, and Automatic Computer Model), but also to von Neumann’s life’s work as a thinker and developer possessing an incomprehensible mathematical intellect, particularly in the fields of quantum physics, functional analysis, and game theory. The book explores the breathtaking achievements of this unique individual, which also include his unfinished work on the development of artificial intelligence. Von Neumann was involved in the Manhattan Project, and Albert Einstein, known as a pacifist, called him a “mathematical weapon.”
Through the game of Go, Von Neumann’s work connects to the self-learning program AlphaGo, developed by the technology company DeepMind, which defeated a human Go master. Its developer, Demis Hassabis, later created a program called AlphaFold that predicts protein structures. Hassabis and John Jumper were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work on the program. As an AI developer, Hassabis is one of those who warn against the uncontrolled use of artificial intelligence. He has since focused on applying AI in biotechnology and medicine.
The book is written in a truly captivating style. This work of fiction is grounded in facts. The book drew me in and occasionally prompted me to do online searches for additional information. The book provides a clear introduction to the factors leading to the emergence of AI, particularly the influence of von Neumann and Hassabis. I highly recommend it.