** spoiler alert ** This book is about the human evolution from the near future into a future where “real” humans are a minority and the solar system is inhabited by semi godlike creatures. It is filled with ideas about the evolution of mind and technology and the author really knows what he is talking about. As a view on a plausible future it is a masterpiece. However, the story that binds the book together is very week. We follow three (four) generations of a family. Starting with the incredible innovative Manfred, that files several patents a day. He is the most interesting character in the book. The rest is difficult to accept. They are all very stubborn and I have difficulties in liking them.
The major idea in the book is that we will soon start to use integrated augmented realities, where we in certain way can spawn sub-processes. Later we will be able to simulate environments so well, that it is hard to distinguish from the “real “. Furthermore, processes that turn “dumb matter” into computronium (microprocessors) will start turning the entire solar system into a connected computer. Finally, most humans will transcend and solely live in the simulated environment.
Event though it is probably a very important part of the future, I find all the legal and corporate manoeuvring somewhat boring. I like the techno ideas better.
In general I find stories set in universes where you are in doubt if it is real or all just a simulation very difficult to grasp. Do you really care if something happens to the 110th (virtual) clone of John Doe?