The Human Edge Book Summary - The Human Edge Book explained in key points
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The Human Edge summary

Greg Orme

How Curiosity and Creativity are Your Superpowers in the Digital Economy

4.5 (256 ratings)
23 mins

Brief summary

The Human Edge by Greg Orme explores how humans can stay relevant in the age of AI. It suggests that success is about harnessing unique human qualities such as creativity, empathy and curiosity.

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    The Human Edge
    Summary of 8 key ideas

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    Artificial Intelligence can match some human mental skills, and as a result, do some of our jobs.

    Let’s step back in time for a moment.

    It’s the late eighteenth century and the nature of work is changing. Thanks to steam-powered machines, manufacturing is becoming faster, more efficient, and less reliant on manual labor.

    Today, nearly 250 years later, machines are once again changing the world. But this time, they’re not replacing our arms and legs.

    The key message here is: Artificial Intelligence can match some human mental skills, and as a result, do some of our jobs.

    Machines with logic and analytical skills, also known as Artificial Intelligence or AI, are everywhere. They’re in our smartphones, deciding which songs to play next. They’re in our homes, keeping a digital eye on what’s in our refrigerators and how clean our floors are.

    And they’re gaining a strong foothold in the workplace, too. Tech companies like Facebook and Google already rely heavily on AI, and other industries are next in line. The McKinsey Global Institute predicts that AI will transform fields such as marketing, sales, customer management, finance, and human resources. And according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan Management Review, 85 percent of companies believe that AI will help them succeed.

    However, this success comes at a cost. Just as machines took over from human factory workers years ago, AI is poised to take over certain jobs.

    In fact, this is already happening to routine tasks and roles. Think of the chatbots replacing customer care agents, and the self-driving cars that will make human taxi and truck drivers obsolete. Or consider AI that can filter through job applications or analyze blood and bone marrow for diseases. This advanced tech means that many new hires won’t need a desk in the open-plan office, just a bit of digital real estate in the cloud.

    So, just how many jobs will AI take from humans? Well, researchers from Oxford University, the World Economic Forum, and a number of consulting firms have predicted that between 14 and 47 percent of jobs will go to AI – and that’s just in the next 15 years!

    If these figures have you worried about your job prospects, then you’ll be relieved to learn that it is possible to future-proof your career. Sure, AI has come a long way, but it can’t outshine humans in every area. Knowing this is the first step in developing your edge.

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    What is The Human Edge about?

    The Human Edge (2019) is a guidebook to help you learn skills that will set you apart and safeguard your career in the digital economy. In a world where Artificial Intelligence can perform some tasks faster and more efficiently than we can, these blinks will show you how to develop your human superpowers and thrive in the workplace.

    The Human Edge Review

    The Human Edge (2021) explores how to develop a competitive advantage in today's fast-paced world. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It offers insightful case studies and practical strategies for gaining an edge in personal and professional life.
    • With real-world examples and thought-provoking ideas, it presents a fresh perspective on achieving success in a rapidly changing landscape.
    • Its deep research and engaging storytelling make it a compelling read, ensuring that you won't find it boring for a minute.

    Best quote from The Human Edge

    Curiosity compels us to pursue whats meat and drink for our mind.

    —Greg Orme
    example alt text

    Who should read The Human Edge?

    • People who want to future-proof their careers
    • Managers who want to upskill their staff
    • HR managers interested in how AI will impact work

    About the Author

    Greg Orme is an acclaimed speaker and thought leader in the fields of creativity, innovation, and organizational change. He’s a program director at the London Business School and the founder of its Centre for Creative Business. Orme is also the author of The Spark: How to Ignite and Lead Business Creativity.

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    The Human Edge FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Human Edge?

    The main message of The Human Edge is the importance of human skills in the age of AI and automation.

    How long does it take to read The Human Edge?

    The reading time for The Human Edge varies, but it can be read in a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Human Edge a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Human Edge is worth reading for its insights into the future of work. It offers practical advice on developing the skills that will make us irreplaceable in the age of artificial intelligence.

    Who is the author of The Human Edge?

    The author of The Human Edge is Greg Orme.

    What to read after The Human Edge?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Human Edge, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Robots Are Coming! by Andrés Oppenheimer
    • Humans are Underrated by Geoff Colvin
    • 2030 by Mauro F. Guillén
    • Human Compatible by Stuart Russell
    • Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark
    • Making Sense by Sam Harris
    • The Creative Thinking Handbook by Chris Griffiths & Melina Costi
    • The Next Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley & Sarah Stanley Fallaw
    • Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
    • Marriage Be Hard by Kevin and Melissa Fredericks