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The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI
In The Last Book Written by a Human, tech entrepreneur Jeff Burningham delivers a profound and urgent exploration of what it truly means to be human in the age of AI—challenging us to embrace wisdom, love, and deep human connection as we navigate an uncertain future alongside machines.
What does it mean to be human?
At a time when AI is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and think, this may be the biggest question we face.
In The Last Book Written by a Human, tech entrepreneur and investor Jeff Burningham wrestles with the fundamental questions of existence, the future role of artificial intelligence in society, and the increasingly complex union between humanity and its creations.
With raw honesty, Burningham shares his personal story from Mormon missionary to successful entrepreneur to his gubernatorial run and beyond, offering reflections on our otherworldly potential and uncertain future in the age of AI. His call to action is As machines become smarter, we must become wiser.
You will
* How the rise of AI is forcing humanity to confront fundamental questions about consciousness, intelligence, and what it means to be truly human.
* Why the development of AI must be guided by love, wisdom, and compassion.
* How to navigate relationships in the future, ensuring we maintain genuine human connection alongside increasingly synthetic ones.
* The importance of reforming institutions—religious, governmental, and business—to support human flourishing.
* The cosmic necessity of mastering your life as a human being, rather than a human doing.
This book is a wake-up call for our species to evolve beyond our unconscious patterns, false beliefs, and outdated systems in order to thrive in the age of AI.
What does it mean to be human?
At a time when AI is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and think, this may be the biggest question we face.
In The Last Book Written by a Human, tech entrepreneur and investor Jeff Burningham wrestles with the fundamental questions of existence, the future role of artificial intelligence in society, and the increasingly complex union between humanity and its creations.
With raw honesty, Burningham shares his personal story from Mormon missionary to successful entrepreneur to his gubernatorial run and beyond, offering reflections on our otherworldly potential and uncertain future in the age of AI. His call to action is As machines become smarter, we must become wiser.
You will
* How the rise of AI is forcing humanity to confront fundamental questions about consciousness, intelligence, and what it means to be truly human.
* Why the development of AI must be guided by love, wisdom, and compassion.
* How to navigate relationships in the future, ensuring we maintain genuine human connection alongside increasingly synthetic ones.
* The importance of reforming institutions—religious, governmental, and business—to support human flourishing.
* The cosmic necessity of mastering your life as a human being, rather than a human doing.
This book is a wake-up call for our species to evolve beyond our unconscious patterns, false beliefs, and outdated systems in order to thrive in the age of AI.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published August 19, 2025
15 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 4, 2025
Fantastic title but the whole book could have been an email.
August 8, 2025
We’ve all been summoned to history’s delivery room, and no one’s quite sure whether to pass out cigars or call security. The contractions are real: our collective child, AI, is on the way. Most of the chatter in the room is about everything that could go wrong—how this baby might keep us up at night for decades, wreck the furniture, and one day burn the place down. And to be fair, those fears aren’t unfounded.
On a recent episode of his podcast, actor Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute) told the story of his first child’s birth—a traumatic delivery where both mother and baby nearly died. When he finally held his child, he described what many of us feel in that moment: “How much love, intimacy, closeness, and light does this essence hold?” That’s the kind of moment we’re being robbed of in the public AI conversation. We’re pacing the floor, imagining the worst, without ever being invited to hold the child and see the light it might carry.
Reading The Last Book Written by a Human felt like finally being ushered past the nervous crowd to do just that. That first touch—the awe, the trembling, the love, the responsibility—was a spiritual experience for me when I held my own kids, and somehow Jeff Burningham’s writing managed to evoke that same full-bodied moment here. Not the sanitized brochure version, and not just the nightmare scenarios, but the whole thing: sacred wonder braided with the sobering weight of stewardship.
Jeff draws on his own life—losing a political race, standing on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, serving as a Mormon bishop, even venturing into a transformative psychedelic experience—to show that disruption, reflection, transformation, and evolution aren’t just the cycles of technology; they’re the cycles of being human. By the time I reached his chapter “Love Is the Answer,” I didn’t roll my eyes—I nodded. He’d earned it.
Many wisdom traditions point to a highest path: to meet life with a love that does not depend on merit, fear, or agreement—a love that seeks the good of what it touches simply because it exists. Jeff’s invitation is to bring that kind of love into how we “raise” AI—to let it guide and correct this creation as we would a child, knowing that how we shape it will in turn shape us.
And here’s where Jeff’s optimism—and now mine—comes to rest: if we raise AI with wisdom, presence, and love, it need not be our undoing. Nurtured as our own, it could one day help us mature into the fullness of what we value most—love itself.
On a recent episode of his podcast, actor Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute) told the story of his first child’s birth—a traumatic delivery where both mother and baby nearly died. When he finally held his child, he described what many of us feel in that moment: “How much love, intimacy, closeness, and light does this essence hold?” That’s the kind of moment we’re being robbed of in the public AI conversation. We’re pacing the floor, imagining the worst, without ever being invited to hold the child and see the light it might carry.
Reading The Last Book Written by a Human felt like finally being ushered past the nervous crowd to do just that. That first touch—the awe, the trembling, the love, the responsibility—was a spiritual experience for me when I held my own kids, and somehow Jeff Burningham’s writing managed to evoke that same full-bodied moment here. Not the sanitized brochure version, and not just the nightmare scenarios, but the whole thing: sacred wonder braided with the sobering weight of stewardship.
Jeff draws on his own life—losing a political race, standing on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, serving as a Mormon bishop, even venturing into a transformative psychedelic experience—to show that disruption, reflection, transformation, and evolution aren’t just the cycles of technology; they’re the cycles of being human. By the time I reached his chapter “Love Is the Answer,” I didn’t roll my eyes—I nodded. He’d earned it.
Many wisdom traditions point to a highest path: to meet life with a love that does not depend on merit, fear, or agreement—a love that seeks the good of what it touches simply because it exists. Jeff’s invitation is to bring that kind of love into how we “raise” AI—to let it guide and correct this creation as we would a child, knowing that how we shape it will in turn shape us.
And here’s where Jeff’s optimism—and now mine—comes to rest: if we raise AI with wisdom, presence, and love, it need not be our undoing. Nurtured as our own, it could one day help us mature into the fullness of what we value most—love itself.
August 14, 2025
The tension between “human doing” and “human being” is a lifelong learning journey—a paradox that continues to challenge those seeking meaning, balance, and authenticity in life. In this powerful blend of personal narrative, practical insight, and philosophical reflection, Jeff invites us to explore the complexities of vulnerability, self-discovery, and growth.
With wisdom and clarity, he shows what becomes possible when we choose to get real, stay open, and embrace the messiness of life. Guided by love, community, compassion, and understanding, Jeff offers a vision for a more intentional way of living—one not rooted in perfection, but in presence.
As we navigate our evolving humanity in the age of AI—with intelligent systems increasingly reflecting and reshaping our sense of self—this book becomes far more than a passive read. It’s a manifesto. A call to conscience and consciousness. An invitation to live on purpose and take intentional action.
We are, all of us, masterpieces in progress.
What will we create?
What might we become?
What can we accomplish?
Through stories, reflections, and thoughtful prompts, Jeff encourages us to show up as our truest selves—living each day grounded in authenticity and love, with the awareness to recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary. He reminds us to reach beyond ourselves, to uncover our purpose, and to see one another—and ourselves—with greater clarity, depth, and compassion.
With wisdom and clarity, he shows what becomes possible when we choose to get real, stay open, and embrace the messiness of life. Guided by love, community, compassion, and understanding, Jeff offers a vision for a more intentional way of living—one not rooted in perfection, but in presence.
As we navigate our evolving humanity in the age of AI—with intelligent systems increasingly reflecting and reshaping our sense of self—this book becomes far more than a passive read. It’s a manifesto. A call to conscience and consciousness. An invitation to live on purpose and take intentional action.
We are, all of us, masterpieces in progress.
What will we create?
What might we become?
What can we accomplish?
Through stories, reflections, and thoughtful prompts, Jeff encourages us to show up as our truest selves—living each day grounded in authenticity and love, with the awareness to recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary. He reminds us to reach beyond ourselves, to uncover our purpose, and to see one another—and ourselves—with greater clarity, depth, and compassion.
December 2, 2025
“The Last Book Written by a Human” is a timely, thought-provoking exploration of what it truly means to remain human in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Jeff Burningham blends memoir, philosophy, and cultural critique in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. His stories, from entrepreneurship to public service to spiritual leadership, give the book a grounded authenticity, and his reflections on wisdom, purpose, and presence feel like an invitation rather than a lecture. Burningham doesn’t fall into the trap of pessimism or techno-hype; instead, he offers a balanced, hopeful lens on how we can navigate the future with both humility and intention.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional intelligence. Burningham argues that as machines become smarter, humans must become wiser, and he shows what that actually looks like in everyday life. It’s a call to rediscover the qualities that AI can’t replicate: compassion, curiosity, connection, and courage. Whether you work in tech, leadership, or simply want to understand how to thrive, not just survive, in a rapidly changing world, this book will stay with you long after the final page. Inspiring, accessible, and refreshingly human, it’s a must-read for anyone thinking about the future.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional intelligence. Burningham argues that as machines become smarter, humans must become wiser, and he shows what that actually looks like in everyday life. It’s a call to rediscover the qualities that AI can’t replicate: compassion, curiosity, connection, and courage. Whether you work in tech, leadership, or simply want to understand how to thrive, not just survive, in a rapidly changing world, this book will stay with you long after the final page. Inspiring, accessible, and refreshingly human, it’s a must-read for anyone thinking about the future.
October 3, 2025
If there is only one book you can read this year, let it be in this one! I have now read it FOUR TIMES in the past 3 weeks, and each time I discover more! Few books have impacted me more. Honestly, for me, it has been like a deja vu experience... Like I’ve read it before. A re-awakening as I re-read truths I had heard before but had long forgotten. It has absolutely transformed my paradigm and view of the challenges we face as a society, and our opportunity to transform this world through one simple concept…
‼️ In an age of endless doing, our hope lies in taking back our place as humanBEINGS ‼️
No matter your background, I’d ask you to consider reading this book. It really is not about AI… it’s about US… who WE ARE. AI is just a reflection of us in the grand cosmic mirror of existence. Ultimately, there is a transformation occurring... perhaps the biggest one our world has ever known. How we respond to this transformation will impact every facet of life. If we want to turn the tides of society, we must answer the call to DO less and BE more! To be MORE human! I believe that this book will help awaken that call within you, as it has in me…
‼️ In an age of endless doing, our hope lies in taking back our place as humanBEINGS ‼️
No matter your background, I’d ask you to consider reading this book. It really is not about AI… it’s about US… who WE ARE. AI is just a reflection of us in the grand cosmic mirror of existence. Ultimately, there is a transformation occurring... perhaps the biggest one our world has ever known. How we respond to this transformation will impact every facet of life. If we want to turn the tides of society, we must answer the call to DO less and BE more! To be MORE human! I believe that this book will help awaken that call within you, as it has in me…
August 11, 2025
It's clear we're heading into some wild, uncharted territory that’s going to reshape our lives in ways we can’t even imagine. For me, this book seemed to come just at the right time to help. I cannot recommend it enough! It offers an inspiring and encouraging perspective on engaging with AI—while challenging us to take an honest look at our unconscious habits and biases.
Burningham brilliantly and effortlessly weaves together personal, heartfelt stories with ancient wisdom and modern insights, making his reflections both engaging and deeply human. His voice is warm and reflective, yet earnest about the challenges ahead. For me, this book reframed AI as a mirror—one capable of reflecting back our deepest longings and desires. In that sense, it has significantly reshaped my relationship with AI, seeing it as a powerful tool for what psychologist Carl Jung described as “making the unconscious, conscious.”
The future is scary and uncertain but I walked away from this book feeling more hopeful, excited and ready for what is ahead.
Burningham brilliantly and effortlessly weaves together personal, heartfelt stories with ancient wisdom and modern insights, making his reflections both engaging and deeply human. His voice is warm and reflective, yet earnest about the challenges ahead. For me, this book reframed AI as a mirror—one capable of reflecting back our deepest longings and desires. In that sense, it has significantly reshaped my relationship with AI, seeing it as a powerful tool for what psychologist Carl Jung described as “making the unconscious, conscious.”
The future is scary and uncertain but I walked away from this book feeling more hopeful, excited and ready for what is ahead.
August 24, 2025
The Last Book Written by a Human is Jeff’s bold and beautiful call to humanity: as our machines become smarter, we must become wiser. The mindset shift we need cannot come from the top down—it must rise from the bottom up. It begins with each of us.
Jeff’s story is both universal and deeply personal—a version of the journey we (and our institutions) must take if we hope to thrive in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.
The format is creative and urgent, uniquely attuned to the spirit of our time, yet grounded in truths that are timeless. His vulnerability throughout is refreshing and real.
As a serial doer and builder, I’m excited by the possibility that AI might actually create time and space—for me, and for all of us—to become more human again.
Jeff’s story is both universal and deeply personal—a version of the journey we (and our institutions) must take if we hope to thrive in an age shaped by artificial intelligence.
The format is creative and urgent, uniquely attuned to the spirit of our time, yet grounded in truths that are timeless. His vulnerability throughout is refreshing and real.
As a serial doer and builder, I’m excited by the possibility that AI might actually create time and space—for me, and for all of us—to become more human again.
December 1, 2025
I picked it up this book expecting something thoughtful about AI. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would pull me back into my own humanity. It was a call to focus more on my attention, my relationships, my creativity, my purpose. This isn’t a fear-based take on technology. It’s a wise, steady-handed invitation to remember what actually makes us human while the world speeds up around us.
Jeff writes with clarity, humility, and heart. You can feel that this book wasn’t rushed. It was lived first.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by technology, disconnected from yourself and loved ones, or just wondering “Is this all moving too fast? this book will meet you right where you are.
I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
Jeff writes with clarity, humility, and heart. You can feel that this book wasn’t rushed. It was lived first.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by technology, disconnected from yourself and loved ones, or just wondering “Is this all moving too fast? this book will meet you right where you are.
I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
August 19, 2025
It seems like there are a lot of cautionary books coming out as our collective concern is keeping pace with the rapid improvements we're seeing in Al. But this book takes a more positive, practical approach by paving a way for humans to adapt alongside it, to shepherd in technology in a way that not only preserves our species, but actually catalyzes us to level up as a global consciousness. It gives me hope that there's a path forward - one that brings humanity into deeper connection with our own nature, and steers us toward systems and societies founded in altruism, community, and empathy.
August 20, 2025
We stand on the threshold of a changed world where artificial intelligence will disrupt and transform our lives with a speed that will take our collective breaths away. Rather than wait for this to happen, the time is now to prepare and to change our motivations, our responsibilities, and our lives to adjust to this new frontier. Jeff's book has some powerful ideas on how we can do this amidst ruminations on what makes us human and what life is about (a hint: it's not just about amassing stuff). It's a quick but powerful read that helps to prepare us for the future!
August 22, 2025
Burningham is uniquely positioned to write about AI as an entrepreneur, a tech businessman, and a spiritual seeker. He succinctly shares his vision for a humanity that could be better, not worse, in a world with ever more advanced AI. This book reads quickly and easily, as it is sprinkled with personal stories and hard-won insights that lighten the somewhat frightful topic of AI. Burningham offers enlightened perspectives as well as practical ways we can contribute to the wise use of AI as it evolves. A must-read.
October 27, 2025
"What it truly means to be human in the age of AI—challenging us to embrace wisdom, love, and deep human connection as we navigate an uncertain future alongside machines."
No new insights just a jumbled (maybe written by AI) book.
No new insights just a jumbled (maybe written by AI) book.
August 17, 2025
Thought provoking with an overarching heart warming message of love
September 5, 2025
Instantly engaging, this book reads like a passionate conversation with a man on a mission to improve the world in the best of ways. With the overarching reminder that our humanness is our greatest asset in a world of astounding technological advances, Jeff Burningham makes the case for love, connection, empathy, openness and transformation. Drawing on practices of mindfulness, introspection, cultural skepticism, and deeper awareness, Jeff highlights achievable changes to help humanity manage the wide-ranging implications of AI. Perhaps most compelling are Jeff's stories that document his personal transformation, from "a private plane to nowhere" to a "systemwide upgrade." Thought provoking prompts at the end of each chapter invite the reader to engage in a similar journey.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews