Book Review: ‘The Human Use of Human Beings’ by Norbert Wiener

When machines challenge what makes us human

Book Title: The Human Use of Human Beings: Cybernetics and Society
Author: Norbert Wiener
Publisher: Mariner Books Classics
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1800815926
Date Published: Jul. 3, 2025
Price: INR 512

The Human Use of Human Beings by Norbert Wiener

Book Review

Norbert Wiener’s “The Human Use of Human Beings” is a profoundly influential work that scrutinises the societal and ethical dilemmas posed by cybernetics, emphasising the interplay between computers, the human nervous system, and societal implications. The book serves as a foresight into the potential dehumanisation and job displacement triggered by automation, advocating for a societal commitment to human values beyond mere commerce and labour. Critics highlight its relevance amid the rise of artificial intelligence, addressing issues such as AI-safety and the transformative impacts of technology on communication, art, and social networks.

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The book remains strikingly relevant for its foresight into technology’s impact on humanity. Blending science and philosophy, he warns that automation may erode human creativity and dignity unless guided by ethical, human-centred values. As the founder of cybernetics, Wiener explores feedback, control, and communication as keys to understanding both machines and minds, making his book a timeless reflection on how the digital age reshapes work, knowledge, and democracy.

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