“This book goes beyond the question of "what is life to what is I?" This has to be the most significant questions of our times! I firmly believe that our knowledge of computers and software will lead the way to the answers that we seek. What do you think?”
“Hofstadter attempts to explain the concept of "I", defining "I" as an entity, not as just parts of the brain, but by certain concepts, some of those concepts being self, self-awareness, personality, ideas, knowing, thinking, memory, learning by example, interpretation of events, e.g., by using analogies, abstracts, allegories and metaphors. I think he is trying to say that the human identity ("I") is not contructed by the lower level hardware of the brain, but by the above concepts. If you read for inspiration, to escape or because you read for the joy of reading, I would not recommend this book. Although I understood the basics of what the author is attenpting to say, (and enjoyed some of the "stories"), the examples, allegories, analogies, etc. became quite overwhelming for me. Additionally, Hofstadter delves into physics, mathematics, philosopy and psychology to support his reasons for the concept of "I", and those were all mostly beyond my understanding.”
