The player piano is an excellent image for all computerized processes, including AI. The song can be played only one way, the way it is programmed to play. The original programmer is a human, and the brilliance and the error of any program are ultimately the human source's fault. It is progress with a (possible? inevitable?) side of self-destruction.
There’s a great scene in the book were Finnerty is playing the player piano—which is a great reminder that whatever the machine might do or be able to do, we can still override it.
I remember seeing Vonnegut paperbacks in my home when I was growing up. I'll have to check this one out. Your review is very timely; I just read a story about a completely artificial rock group (Velvet Sundown) on Spotify that has more than a million listens!
Not much trusting man naturally leads to not much trusting man's machines, which will have the same unreliabilities as their creators, while having none of the divine image that man bears from his Creator.
I read Player Piano fifty years ago. I had forgotten much about it. Thanks for this great review and reminder. I suppose I'm like Vonnegut in one respect, I don't trust mankind much either.
The player piano is an excellent image for all computerized processes, including AI. The song can be played only one way, the way it is programmed to play. The original programmer is a human, and the brilliance and the error of any program are ultimately the human source's fault. It is progress with a (possible? inevitable?) side of self-destruction.
There’s a great scene in the book were Finnerty is playing the player piano—which is a great reminder that whatever the machine might do or be able to do, we can still override it.
I remember seeing Vonnegut paperbacks in my home when I was growing up. I'll have to check this one out. Your review is very timely; I just read a story about a completely artificial rock group (Velvet Sundown) on Spotify that has more than a million listens!
Ahaha 🤣
I saw that story! Totally bonkers. I can’t wait for the Rick Beato video on that.
Not much trusting man naturally leads to not much trusting man's machines, which will have the same unreliabilities as their creators, while having none of the divine image that man bears from his Creator.
Likely true. We still manage some genuine wonders.
"Who radicalized you?"
*points at _Player Piano_*
I can see why.
I've had this in my TBR for a while. Maybe this is my incentive to finally read it! I definitely need more Vonnegut in my life.
I’ve only read this and Slaughterhouse-Five. I’m now planning on reading the whole lot.
I've read Slaughterhouse-Five (which I loved) and Jailbird (which I liked). So many more to come!
Yes! I’m excited about everything else in the stack!
I read Player Piano fifty years ago. I had forgotten much about it. Thanks for this great review and reminder. I suppose I'm like Vonnegut in one respect, I don't trust mankind much either.
My pleasure! I definitely share his take that we’re alternately brilliant and stupid.
Another book to add to the “must read” list.
You aren’t helping, Joel!😎😉😀