Emergence
How Our Twenty-Watt Brains Unlocked Intelligence Beyond Biology
When Eric Kandel studied sea slug neurons in the 1970s, peers thought he wasted his career. Instead, he discovered synaptic plasticity—the blueprint of learning that governs everything from mollusks to modern AI.
In Emergence, AI systems builder Bob Burgin connects neuroscience and computer science to show how understanding biological minds unlocks artificial ones. Drawing on fifteen years of AI development and collaborations with top neuroscientists, Burgin explores how our energy-constrained brains evolved elegant prediction systems—and what happened when we plugged those systems into the power grid.
Key Insights
- The Shared Blueprint: How biological learning architecture mirrors modern AI.
- The Power of Limits: Why constraint drives creativity in evolution, learning, and code.
- Human-Shaped Machines: The vital roles of emotion and memory in intelligence.
- The Horizon: What it takes to build safe, conscious machines—and if it's even possible.
From the tragic memory loss of Henry Molaison to Jane Goodall's chimpanzee breakthroughs, Emergence is an essential guide for anyone seeking clarity on where intelligence came from, and where it is going.
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Pre-Order the BookFree Chapter: Preview Emergence
Curious how the human brain inspired the rise of artificial intelligence—and what it means for our future? Download a free chapter of Emergence and explore how intelligence, both biological and artificial, emerges, adapts, and evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emergence about?
In Emergence, AI systems builder Bob Burgin connects neuroscience and computer science to show how understanding biological minds unlocks artificial ones. Drawing on fifteen years of AI development and collaborations with top neuroscientists, Burgin explores how our energy-constrained brains evolved elegant prediction systems—and what happened when we plugged those systems into the power grid.
When is Emergence being released?
Emergence is currently available for pre-order, with a publication date of September 8, 2026.
Where can I buy Emergence?
Emergence can be pre-ordered on Amazon.
Can I read a free chapter before buying?
Yes. A free chapter of Emergence is available to download in exchange for your email address, further down this page.
Who is Bob Burgin, the author of Emergence?
Bob Burgin is a serial entrepreneur and AI pioneer building a career rooted in connection and collaboration. He is the author of Emergence: How Our Twenty-Watt Brains Unlocked Intelligence Beyond Biology.