Book Review: Ways of Being: Animals, Plants, Machines: The Search for… by James A. Lemoine
Sometimes, a book captures your interest purely by its title, and “Ways of Being” did just that for me. As an avid explorer of how diverse forms of life interact with the world, I thought that James A. Lemoine’s exploration of animals, plants, and machines would provide valuable insights. However, I found that while Lemoine harbors intriguing concepts, the way he presents them left me feeling quite despondent.
At its core, Ways of Being delves into the intelligence of living organisms in contrast to artificial intelligence. Lemoine takes us on a winding journey through science, philosophy, and his own musings, which at times feel more like personal rants than structured arguments. The book has its moments of brilliance, touching on topics like the communication abilities of animal species and the remarkable behaviors of plants, such as their memory of predatory sounds—a truly fascinating topic that I wished Lemoine had spent more time unpacking. Unfortunately, these gems are wrapped in a narrative that is often long-winded and perplexing.
One aspect of Lemoine’s writing style that struck me was his snarky tone. I found it grating rather than engaging. For instance, his dismissive remarks about chess programs “destroying human opposition” failed to recognize their significant role in the evolution of AI. While he pokes fun at what he considers the “stupid” uses of our computer minds, I felt this approach undermined the value of human engagement with technology. Lemoine’s tendency to go “off into the weeds,” such as his comparisons of Parnassus’ dancing to self-driving cars, left me longing for a more focused narrative and practical insights.
While he certainly includes moments of lyrical prose and vivid descriptions—especially in discussing his experiences with self-driving technology—these often served as filler rather than meaningful contributions. His storytelling could benefit from a judicious editorial hand to tighten the narrative and emphasize key points more effectively.
However, I must commend Lemoine for presenting intriguing facts and wildlife phenomena that sparked my curiosity. For instance, his insights into the cooperative behaviors of giant redwood trees left a lasting impression. It’s clear he possesses a wealth of knowledge about nature’s complexities, and I appreciate his enthusiasm for these topics even if the delivery often fell flat.
In conclusion, I find myself torn about recommending Ways of Being. If you can navigate around Lemoine’s convoluted prose and are willing to sift through some unnecessarily elaborate explanations, you may unearth many enlightening moments. But bring your proverbial hiking boots and a stick, as the journey can feel arduous at times. This book may resonate most with those open to exploring the book’s scientific threads amid Lemoine’s personal biases. For now, I give it a 2/5 stars—a testament to the potential I see within, buried under layers of verbosity.
If you’re intrigued by the science of life or the relationship between the organic and the artificial, then this book might just have something for you, albeit with some caveats on approachability. Happy reading!
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