Here's a Discourse video and written editorial review of Reality Unbound. I really like the reviewers. They have such a friendly demeanor and conversational approach. I do think they struggled quite a bit, to explain the book during the review and explaining the concepts, which is understandable since this is not their area of expertise. For example, when she said that I wrote, "not having language doesn't mean you are not intelligent" - I said the opposite, that language is critical to intelligence. Specifically, "The differences in how people think does not mean that people whose thoughts are expressed internally through sound, visual sign language, or the sensation of touch does not make any member of these groups less intelligent..." So I think she conflated what I said about speech, with language, which are two different things, but related. They focused on some of passing statements but not the core or central thesis of the book. Anyway, here is the review:
"Reality Unbound" is one of those books that makes big ideas feel surprisingly easy to understand. Instead of drowning the reader in heavy jargon, E. Hughes breaks down complex topics like consciousness, perception, evolution, and artificial intelligence into simple, relatable explanations. The book reads like a friendly guide walking you through some of the biggest questions humans have ever asked: What is the mind? Is reality even real? Could a machine ever think the way we do? Hughes uses down-to-earth examples, everyday language, and real-world connections that make these deep concepts feel accessible and even exciting.
What makes the book especially enjoyable is how smoothly it blends science, philosophy, and technology without ever feeling overwhelming. Hughes invites readers to think, question, and imagine possibilities about the universe, the brain, and the future of AI. Even if you've never studied these subjects before, the book feels welcoming and thought-provoking rather than intimidating. If you're curious about how the mind works, how reality might not be what it seems, or where AI could be heading, "Reality Unbound" is a great place to start.
- Discourse
