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Quantum Supremacy
An exhilarating tour of humanity's next great technological achievement—quantum computing—which may eventually illuminate the deepest mysteries of science and solve some of humanity's biggest problems, like global warming, world hunger, and incurable disease, by the bestselling author of The God Equation.
The runaway success of the microchip processor may be reaching its end. Running up against the physical constraints of smaller and smaller sizes, traditional silicon chips are not likely to prove useful in solving humanity’s greatest challenges, from climate change, to global starvation, to incurable diseases. But the quantum computer, which harnesses the power and complexity of the atomic realm, already promises to be every bit as revolutionary as the transistor and microchip once were. Its unprecedented gains in computing power herald advancements that could change every aspect of our daily lives.
Automotive companies, medical researchers, and consulting firms are betting on quantum computing, hoping to exploit its power to design more efficient vehicles, create life-saving new drugs, and streamline industries to revolutionize the economy. But this is only the beginning. Quantum computers could allow us to finally create nuclear fusion reactors that create clean, renewable energy without radioactive waste or threats of meltdown. They could help us crack the biological processes that generate natural, cheap fertilizer and enable us to feed the world’s growing populations. And they could unravel the fiendishly difficult protein folding that lies at the heart of previously incurable diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s, helping us to live longer, healthier lives. There is not a single problem humanity faces that couldn’t be addressed by quantum computing. Told with Kaku’s signature clarity and enthusiasm, Quantum Supremacy is the story of this exciting frontier and the race to claim humanity’s future.
The runaway success of the microchip processor may be reaching its end. Running up against the physical constraints of smaller and smaller sizes, traditional silicon chips are not likely to prove useful in solving humanity’s greatest challenges, from climate change, to global starvation, to incurable diseases. But the quantum computer, which harnesses the power and complexity of the atomic realm, already promises to be every bit as revolutionary as the transistor and microchip once were. Its unprecedented gains in computing power herald advancements that could change every aspect of our daily lives.
Automotive companies, medical researchers, and consulting firms are betting on quantum computing, hoping to exploit its power to design more efficient vehicles, create life-saving new drugs, and streamline industries to revolutionize the economy. But this is only the beginning. Quantum computers could allow us to finally create nuclear fusion reactors that create clean, renewable energy without radioactive waste or threats of meltdown. They could help us crack the biological processes that generate natural, cheap fertilizer and enable us to feed the world’s growing populations. And they could unravel the fiendishly difficult protein folding that lies at the heart of previously incurable diseases like Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s, helping us to live longer, healthier lives. There is not a single problem humanity faces that couldn’t be addressed by quantum computing. Told with Kaku’s signature clarity and enthusiasm, Quantum Supremacy is the story of this exciting frontier and the race to claim humanity’s future.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2023
About the author
Michio Kaku
31 books6,533 followers(Arabic: ميشيو كاكو
Russian: Митио Каку
Chinese: 加來道雄)
Dr. Michio Kaku is an American theoretical physicist at the City College of New York , best-selling author, a futurist, and a communicator and popularizer of science. He has written several books about physics and related topics of science.
He has written two New York Times Best Sellers, Physics of the Impossible (2008) and Physics of the Future (2011).
Dr. Michio is the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory.
Kaku was a Visitor and Member (1973 and 1990) at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and New York University. He currently holds the Henry Semat Chair and Professorship in theoretical physics at the City College of New York.
Russian: Митио Каку
Chinese: 加來道雄)
Dr. Michio Kaku is an American theoretical physicist at the City College of New York , best-selling author, a futurist, and a communicator and popularizer of science. He has written several books about physics and related topics of science.
He has written two New York Times Best Sellers, Physics of the Impossible (2008) and Physics of the Future (2011).
Dr. Michio is the co-founder of string field theory (a branch of string theory), and continues Einstein’s search to unite the four fundamental forces of nature into one unified theory.
Kaku was a Visitor and Member (1973 and 1990) at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and New York University. He currently holds the Henry Semat Chair and Professorship in theoretical physics at the City College of New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
April 5, 2024
2.5 stars -- 3 stars is "liked it", and in this case I can't force myself to say I did. On the other hand, it had plenty of interesting information, some of which was new to me.
The underlying idea of this book is right up there in the title: quantum computers will change everything.
And then it goes like this, more or less.
Me: Why?
Author: Because quantum computers will be much more powerful than classical computers, millions times faster.
Me: And why is that? Why are they so quick and powerful?
Author: Because normal computers compute bit by bit with zeroes and ones while quantum computers work on quantum level, with quantum particles, using multiple states.
Me: What multiple states?
Author: Never mind. It's quantum magic. Quantum magic with quantum particles, I've told you so.
Me: Yes, but how exactly does it work? You explained pretty well how digital computers function. You told their history. Anyway, I've known this already. For example, in digital computers computation is based on Boolean algebra and bit math. Now I'd like to understand how quantum computation works.
Author: I said digital have bits, quantum have qubits. That's powerful.
Me: Yes, but how is the computation performed with qubits? Why is it so powerful? Why do particles have to be entangled?
Author: Digital computation is bit by bit, quantum is... Never mind. Let me tell you about different approaches used to build quantum computers by different companies and research projects.
Me, after a long while: This has been quite interesting. But I would still like to understand how quantum computation--
Author: Let me tell you how quantum computers will change EVERYTHING.
***Hundreds of pages later***
Me: When you say everything, you really do mean everything. You've been through practically all the hot scientific and engineering problems: understanding protein folding; performing simulations for computational chemistry; fighting aging, viruses, diseases; preventing global warming; fusion energy breakthrough; black holes; gene engineering; dangerous asteroids; and so on and so forth. It's always the same scenario: quantum computers with their huge computational power and/or effective big data processing to the rescue et voila -- everything changes. I do hope you might leave out dark energy, dark matter and strings theory. By the way, I still don't understand about the quantum computation.
The author proceeds to tell about dark matter, dark energy, strings theory, the theory of everything and the origin of the universe. Needless to say, all these questions will be promptly answered as soon as we apply quantum computers to the task.
Me: Very well. I get this: quantum computers will change EVERYTHING. You've described the EVERYTHINNG. It was pretty interesting, and some of this information was new to me.
But I still don't understand... Well, never mind. I've been spoilt by The Teaching Company science courses, which at least try to explain how things work, with the help of logic, not magic (nowadays TTC has been modestly rechristened as The Great Courses and coupled with the stream service Wondrium, which is probably going to swallow it in its entertaining dumbing down depths much sooner than Quantum computers will do their universally-changing magic). By the way, I don't recall another popular science book that would mention magic as frequently as "Quantum Supremacy" does: proteins are "doing their magic", catalysts are "doing their magic"... All right, I give up, quantum computers will do their magic and change everything.
The underlying idea of this book is right up there in the title: quantum computers will change everything.
And then it goes like this, more or less.
Me: Why?
Author: Because quantum computers will be much more powerful than classical computers, millions times faster.
Me: And why is that? Why are they so quick and powerful?
Author: Because normal computers compute bit by bit with zeroes and ones while quantum computers work on quantum level, with quantum particles, using multiple states.
Me: What multiple states?
Author: Never mind. It's quantum magic. Quantum magic with quantum particles, I've told you so.
Me: Yes, but how exactly does it work? You explained pretty well how digital computers function. You told their history. Anyway, I've known this already. For example, in digital computers computation is based on Boolean algebra and bit math. Now I'd like to understand how quantum computation works.
Author: I said digital have bits, quantum have qubits. That's powerful.
Me: Yes, but how is the computation performed with qubits? Why is it so powerful? Why do particles have to be entangled?
Author: Digital computation is bit by bit, quantum is... Never mind. Let me tell you about different approaches used to build quantum computers by different companies and research projects.
Me, after a long while: This has been quite interesting. But I would still like to understand how quantum computation--
Author: Let me tell you how quantum computers will change EVERYTHING.
***Hundreds of pages later***
Me: When you say everything, you really do mean everything. You've been through practically all the hot scientific and engineering problems: understanding protein folding; performing simulations for computational chemistry; fighting aging, viruses, diseases; preventing global warming; fusion energy breakthrough; black holes; gene engineering; dangerous asteroids; and so on and so forth. It's always the same scenario: quantum computers with their huge computational power and/or effective big data processing to the rescue et voila -- everything changes. I do hope you might leave out dark energy, dark matter and strings theory. By the way, I still don't understand about the quantum computation.
The author proceeds to tell about dark matter, dark energy, strings theory, the theory of everything and the origin of the universe. Needless to say, all these questions will be promptly answered as soon as we apply quantum computers to the task.
Me: Very well. I get this: quantum computers will change EVERYTHING. You've described the EVERYTHINNG. It was pretty interesting, and some of this information was new to me.
But I still don't understand... Well, never mind. I've been spoilt by The Teaching Company science courses, which at least try to explain how things work, with the help of logic, not magic (nowadays TTC has been modestly rechristened as The Great Courses and coupled with the stream service Wondrium, which is probably going to swallow it in its entertaining dumbing down depths much sooner than Quantum computers will do their universally-changing magic). By the way, I don't recall another popular science book that would mention magic as frequently as "Quantum Supremacy" does: proteins are "doing their magic", catalysts are "doing their magic"... All right, I give up, quantum computers will do their magic and change everything.
May 10, 2023
Mediocre – I was hoping for explanations of the workings of quantum computers, but instead the vast majority of the book was simply a list of problems humanity faces, followed by the statement that quantum computers may one day solve them. I suppose I should have somewhat expected that from the subtitle.
November 3, 2023
If the reader is a bit suspicious of both the future of computing and AI and how it will affect our lives, Kaku’s effort is heads above the numerous books I’ve read on quantum computing work, separately, and the great potential when working together. Kaku produces great insights and explanations of how they work together. As a physicist, his investigation clears up many of the challenging technical issues that are glossed over by non-scientist authors. This is a huge differentiator.
Even better, because ultimately, all things tiny are quantum. Kaku dives into our future with genetic medicine which will revolutionize our healthcare.
Quantum Supremacy is definitely the best book on quantum computing, its expected integration to AI, and the startling results of this combination.
His understanding of these technologies with helpful examples and detail will give every reader a clearer picture of the future.
A great, great read. If you read and like this one, try Physics of the Impossible and The God Equation; the Quest for a Theory of Everything. – Tom L.
Even better, because ultimately, all things tiny are quantum. Kaku dives into our future with genetic medicine which will revolutionize our healthcare.
Quantum Supremacy is definitely the best book on quantum computing, its expected integration to AI, and the startling results of this combination.
His understanding of these technologies with helpful examples and detail will give every reader a clearer picture of the future.
A great, great read. If you read and like this one, try Physics of the Impossible and The God Equation; the Quest for a Theory of Everything. – Tom L.
March 15, 2024
Michio Kaku is out of control.
On Hawking: "The hope is that one day the quantum theory will return the favor and find a way for quantum computers to cure this horrible disease."
On Hawking: "The hope is that one day the quantum theory will return the favor and find a way for quantum computers to cure this horrible disease."
October 26, 2023
"When tediously computing the paths taken by a mouse in a maze, a digital computer has to painfully analyze each possible path, one after the other. A quantum computer, however, simultaneously analyzes all possible paths at the same time."
May/mā/
verb
expressing possibility
Might/mīt/
verb
used to express possibility or make a suggestion.
This book has a whole lot of speculation, a lot of 'mays' and 'mights'. 'Might' is used 178 times and 'may' a whopping 304.
It's about what quantum computers "might" be able to do in the future if we can build sophisticated enough ones to solve practical problems that require far too much data for digital computers.
Some of the problems and possible solutions Mr Kaku explores are:
•how to cure Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, as well as all the kinds of cancer there are
•how to build better batteries that can hold a lot more energy than they currently do
•how to create a reliable renewable energy that can supply the entire world with clean, cheap energy
•how to better predict the weather
•how to combat the worst of climate change
•how to uncover what dark matter and dark energy are
He discusses why our current supercomputers are unable to solve these problems and how quantum computers could. He breaks the problems down to their molecular levels to show how they could be solved with enough computational power.
I found some of this exciting but it was frustrating to know we don't really know if we'll ever solve these problems. I found it a little irritating how optimistic he is that we will suddenly create technology that will save us from climate change.
Maybe I'm pessimistic but I think that if we rely on "mays" and "mights" rather than changing our behavior, we're going to be in an even bigger mess. Hopefully we can somehow manage to turn things around but we have no idea if we can.
I find it unethical (or at least unwise) to act as though technology will save us just in the nick of time, like some god sweeping down out of the heavens, waving his arms, and wah-lah! All the problems disappear.
The first couple chapters are about the history of computers and I found that boring because it was stuff I already knew. I enjoyed much more learning how quantum computers work and the specifics of how they could solve many real-world problems.
It's a fun book on one hand, but annoying on the other. All those "mights" and "mays" about drove me nuts.
Another thing that drove me nuts was how America-centric it is. He often talks about all the benefits for "the country" and how the citizens of "this entire country" will have such and such.
Um.... what about the rest of the world? They don't have access to this technology? The rest of the world has plummeted into the Dark Ages?
Unfortunately, this is my least favorite Michio Kaku book. It was disappointing because he's one of my favorite authors, but I'll still be looking forward to his next.
(Definitions from Oxford Languages)
May/mā/
verb
expressing possibility
Might/mīt/
verb
used to express possibility or make a suggestion.
This book has a whole lot of speculation, a lot of 'mays' and 'mights'. 'Might' is used 178 times and 'may' a whopping 304.
It's about what quantum computers "might" be able to do in the future if we can build sophisticated enough ones to solve practical problems that require far too much data for digital computers.
Some of the problems and possible solutions Mr Kaku explores are:
•how to cure Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, as well as all the kinds of cancer there are
•how to build better batteries that can hold a lot more energy than they currently do
•how to create a reliable renewable energy that can supply the entire world with clean, cheap energy
•how to better predict the weather
•how to combat the worst of climate change
•how to uncover what dark matter and dark energy are
He discusses why our current supercomputers are unable to solve these problems and how quantum computers could. He breaks the problems down to their molecular levels to show how they could be solved with enough computational power.
I found some of this exciting but it was frustrating to know we don't really know if we'll ever solve these problems. I found it a little irritating how optimistic he is that we will suddenly create technology that will save us from climate change.
Maybe I'm pessimistic but I think that if we rely on "mays" and "mights" rather than changing our behavior, we're going to be in an even bigger mess. Hopefully we can somehow manage to turn things around but we have no idea if we can.
I find it unethical (or at least unwise) to act as though technology will save us just in the nick of time, like some god sweeping down out of the heavens, waving his arms, and wah-lah! All the problems disappear.
The first couple chapters are about the history of computers and I found that boring because it was stuff I already knew. I enjoyed much more learning how quantum computers work and the specifics of how they could solve many real-world problems.
It's a fun book on one hand, but annoying on the other. All those "mights" and "mays" about drove me nuts.
Another thing that drove me nuts was how America-centric it is. He often talks about all the benefits for "the country" and how the citizens of "this entire country" will have such and such.
Um.... what about the rest of the world? They don't have access to this technology? The rest of the world has plummeted into the Dark Ages?
Unfortunately, this is my least favorite Michio Kaku book. It was disappointing because he's one of my favorite authors, but I'll still be looking forward to his next.
(Definitions from Oxford Languages)
May 15, 2023
As an aspiring science geek, I was thrilled to pick up Kaku's book. Last week he spoke at a local book store and it was a pleasure to see his infectious enthusiasm for all things science.
Kaku is known for his ability to distill complex scientific concepts into layman's terms. In this book he takes on the enormous task of explaining quantum computing - a topic that even some of the brightest minds find intimidating. And for the most part, he does a good job. His analogies are creative as he fleshes out the real-world implications of this bleeding edge science.
That being said, I must admit there were moments where the complexity of the subject matter outpaced Kaku's explanatory prowess. This isn't so much a criticism of Kaku's writing as it is a testament to the sheer complexity of quantum mechanics. Even though Kaku takes great pains to simplify and explain, there are sections of the book that may require a second or third reading to fully comprehend.
In a lot of ways, this book wasn’t so much about the essentials of quantum computing but the ramifications of the technology. He discusses the potential benefits, such as solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers, as well as the possible drawbacks, like the threat to current encryption methods.
A lot of these chapters became repetitious. The essence of each of these was that quantum computing would allow us to jettison the need for real-world testing. Modeling could now be done virtually, thus drastically cutting down on the expense and resources required to make breakthroughs.
He made this point over and over again for a variety of different scientific specialties. This caused the book to take on a more general tone. One after the other, he provided a general overview of each individual field’s promises and challenges. I just felt like he strayed too far from the primary topic.
The book's saving grace is that it is peppered with Kaku's signature storytelling and analogies, but even these feel forced and lack the usual spark. It's like listening to a brilliant lecturer who, for some reason, just isn't able to connect with his audience this time around.
If you're willing to grapple with some complex concepts and share in Kaku's enthusiasm for the future of quantum computing, then this book is certainly worth your time. It's a testament to Kaku's skill as a science communicator that he's able to make such a daunting topic accessible to the average reader. Even with its occasional complexities and repetitive last chapters, "Quantum Supremacy" is a good read. I learned a lot.
Kaku is known for his ability to distill complex scientific concepts into layman's terms. In this book he takes on the enormous task of explaining quantum computing - a topic that even some of the brightest minds find intimidating. And for the most part, he does a good job. His analogies are creative as he fleshes out the real-world implications of this bleeding edge science.
That being said, I must admit there were moments where the complexity of the subject matter outpaced Kaku's explanatory prowess. This isn't so much a criticism of Kaku's writing as it is a testament to the sheer complexity of quantum mechanics. Even though Kaku takes great pains to simplify and explain, there are sections of the book that may require a second or third reading to fully comprehend.
In a lot of ways, this book wasn’t so much about the essentials of quantum computing but the ramifications of the technology. He discusses the potential benefits, such as solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers, as well as the possible drawbacks, like the threat to current encryption methods.
A lot of these chapters became repetitious. The essence of each of these was that quantum computing would allow us to jettison the need for real-world testing. Modeling could now be done virtually, thus drastically cutting down on the expense and resources required to make breakthroughs.
He made this point over and over again for a variety of different scientific specialties. This caused the book to take on a more general tone. One after the other, he provided a general overview of each individual field’s promises and challenges. I just felt like he strayed too far from the primary topic.
The book's saving grace is that it is peppered with Kaku's signature storytelling and analogies, but even these feel forced and lack the usual spark. It's like listening to a brilliant lecturer who, for some reason, just isn't able to connect with his audience this time around.
If you're willing to grapple with some complex concepts and share in Kaku's enthusiasm for the future of quantum computing, then this book is certainly worth your time. It's a testament to Kaku's skill as a science communicator that he's able to make such a daunting topic accessible to the average reader. Even with its occasional complexities and repetitive last chapters, "Quantum Supremacy" is a good read. I learned a lot.
July 11, 2023
A drinking game: take a shot every time you hear "For example"
June 2, 2023
After seeing a clip of Kaku on Rogan claiming that quantum computers would somehow make ChatGPT "more truthful", I knew this book was going to be embarrassingly bad. And, well, yeah, this book is incredibly dangerous and misleading to the quantum computing community. I think the majority of my own thoughts are aligned with those on Scott Aaronson's blog post:
https://scottaaronson.blog/?p=7321
https://scottaaronson.blog/?p=7321
July 3, 2023
I can't believe how much I hated this. It is literally a list of problems, and then a variation of the sentence "who knows, quantum computers can probably solve this". I finished solely out of respect for the author, but YIKES, no thank you. Just a slog to finish. Read the opening, read the last chapter, and you've read it, you've read the whole book.
August 9, 2023
Muy buena lectura, no solo por la explicación clara sobre que es la computación cuántica, sino sobre todo por los problemas que seguramente va a solucionar en la siguiente Generacion. Es una gran esperanza - y hoy realidad en varios aspectos - para la humanidad.
September 9, 2023
A deep dive into the speculative world of quantum and A.I. possibilities, it’s as hopeful as it is imaginative.
December 22, 2023
I don’t know why I every so often after some time has passed keep giving these Michio Kaku books a chance again. They are just so misleading about the present state of science. This book isn’t about Quantum Computing very much but instead the effect greater computing power generally will have on technology. He doesn’t discuss how QC works very much or the different theories behind it. One thing I really don’t like is he doesn’t distinguish between well established science and wildly speculative theories. It is more a broad survey of technological advances over the last century which really doesn’t provide any new information if you are decently knowledgeable of trends in physics and astronomy over the last 100 years or so. His explanations are pretty lacking and are not very high level or detailed. Sagan and Asimov are two authors that I really like who don’t dumb things down nor oversimplify them to the point of bordering on being wrong like Kaku does.
November 20, 2023
Idk I’m starting to get irritated reading about artificial intelligence bc humans haven’t weeded out natural stupidity yet
June 29, 2023
Understand quantum computers and what they have to do with your future
If you’ve ever read a comic book or watched The Big Bang Theory, you’ve probably heard a little quantum terminology such as parallel universe and Schrödinger’s cat. But many people think that quantum physics is beyond their realm of understanding and consequently not worth the effort to learn about.
If you’re one of those people, get ready to change your mind. Not only is it possible and easy to understand the practical implications of quantum physics in our world, but it’s also important. The quantum realm isn’t just a subject for comic books. In fact, it’s being explored right now.
The future of computing – and therefore the world – is quantum. Given the possibilities for humanity in terms of fuel, medicine, and economics, advancements in quantum computing are something everyone should be paying attention to.
In this book, we’ll take a look at the state of quantum computers as they exist today – including their power and their limitations. We’ll also take a quick trip through the history of computing that led us to this point. And finally, we’ll talk about the potential impact of quantum computers on society, medicine, and the world at large.
-
Goodbye silicon
In 2019, Google created a quantum computer called Sycamore. It could solve, in just 200 seconds, a complex mathematical problem that would take our current fastest supercomputer 10,000 years to solve. In digital computing, the basic unit of information is a bit whereas in quantum computing, it’s a qubit. Sycamore runs on 53 qubits and, at that time, that made it the most powerful computer in the world.
But just two years later, the Quantum Innovation Institute in China claimed that their quantum computer was 100 trillion times faster than supercomputers. It ran on 113 qubits.
On November 16 of that same year, the IBM Eagle was revealed which beat them both with 127 qubits. A year later IBM launched Osprey at 433 qubits.
When a quantum computer can outperform a digital computer at a specific task, it’s known as quantum supremacy. Clearly, this point has already been reached. What’s more, we’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible.
There are several different ways in which quantum computing functions. Most inventors are using entangled atoms – more on that shortly – but a few researchers have found a way to send information on light beams using a clunky mirror-based setup. The race is on to be the first to optimize this technology. But we’re still many years away from a functioning quantum computer that can solve real-world problems in fields ranging from medicine to fuel to cybersecurity.
Even so, the age of silicon appears to be coming to an end. Moore’s Law, first postulated in 1965, suggests that the number of transistors that can be built into a microchip doubles every 18 months. Effectively, that means computer power also doubles every 18 months. But if we continue primarily using silicon, this law will stop being true in the very near future.
You see, digital computers are reaching their capacity to be able to solve large-scale problems – or at least to be able to solve them quickly enough to be useful. But quantum computers can take us into a new era with their insanely fast speeds and ability to simultaneously analyze multiple paths and problems to create the best solution.
So what is it that makes quantum computers so powerful? Well, two key factors contribute to this power.
The first is superposition, or the ability of an atom to exist in multiple states at the same time. This is how quantum computers can solve problems so quickly – by analyzing all paths at the same time to determine the path of least action.
The second factor is known as entanglement. This is when two atoms establish interaction with each other, sharing information, and keep that connection even when they’re separated at a great distance.
Now, you’re probably already wondering, How do I get my hands on one of these quantum computers? Why isn’t all technology already based on quantum computing? Well, the problem is that there’s one primary challenge, and it has to do with something called coherence.
For quantum computers to work, a system has to be completely stable. Atoms are fragile and the least disturbance disrupts them. So quantum computers as they currently exist have to be framed in systems that keep them at absolute zero temperatures.
There’s hope, though. Mother nature achieves coherence at regular temperatures in a little process called photosynthesis. So scientists are studying how coherence is achieved in nature in the hope of finding a way to recreate the process in a computer.
But before we talk about the practical applications of quantum computers, let’s take a quick look back at how we got here.
-
Two thousand years of computers
In 1901, off the coast of a Greek island called Antikythera, researchers discovered the remains of a first-century trading ship. On that ship, they found Roman artifacts that they speculate were being sent as a gift to Julius Caesar.
Among those artifacts was a strange hunk of bronze. It was clearly man-made but impossible to identify at the moment of its discovery. In fact, this piece of metal kept researchers confused for decades. In the 1970s, X-ray imaging was used to investigate the artifact, but it wasn’t until CT scans were published in 2006 that researchers started to recognize the implications of the device.
What’s now known as the Antikythera Mechanism provided a highly complex simulation of the universe as it was known at the time. The device could make predictions about events like eclipses, and it could even calibrate in anticipation of changes in speed due to the elliptical orbit of the Earth.
Simulation is the goal of quantum computing. When we can simulate the world around us down to the quantum level, we can begin to analyze some of the many problems that have plagued us since the beginning of time.
No device came close to the technical advancement of the Antikythera device – let alone built on it – until the 1800s. It was then that Charles Babbage invented the first digital computer. Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron, figured out how to feed the computer information to get it to perform complicated mathematical tasks that were essential in industries such as construction or navigation. She was essentially the first programmer.
By 1900, things were gathering pace, Max Planck challenged Newtonian physics and created what’s now called Planck’s Constant, representing the size of quantum energy. This constant would become the foundation of quantum mechanics and quantum theory.
Then, in 1926, Erwin Schrödinger built on this by creating a wave equation using Planck’s Constant. Rather than seeing electrons as particles, Schrödinger suggested they exist as a wave. In other words, an electron exists in many places at once until the moment it’s measured – which is when the wave would collapse into a particle.
To illustrate this idea, the analogy of Schrödinger’s cat was created. While the cat is in the box, the cat can be considered to be both dead, alive, and all states in between – until it’s observed. At that point, all the states of the cat collapse into the measurable one.
Ten years later, in 1936, Alan Turning described what would eventually become the Turing machine – the basis for all modern computing. His machine helped break the previously uncrackable codes used by the Nazis during WWII. As a result, the war was shortened by two years and an estimated 14 million lives were saved.
In 1948, Richard Feynman finalized his path integral formulation. Prior to that, scientists had observed in photosynthesis that quantum particles tend to follow the path of least action. But how did the particles “know” what that path was? Feynman answered that question. He postulated that because electrons exist in waves, they’re able to experience all paths at once.
This idea led Feynman to create his path integral formulation. Isaac Newton had invented calculus to solve problems that involved motion. The path integral formulation solved those same problems in a much simpler way and it paved the way for yet more quantum discoveries.
If the description of the path integral formulation sounds familiar, that’s probably because we’ve already talked about how quantum computers can experience and analyze all possibilities simultaneously before choosing the best solution. Everything these scientists and inventors of the past created has led to the development of what we know as quantum science today.
One more name needs to be added to this esteemed list, that of Hugh Everett. For a long time, scientists argued about the wave theory and the idea that a wave collapsed into a single reality when measured. This was a huge problem to overcome until Everett proposed that maybe the wave doesn’t actually collapse; maybe all versions of the reality experienced by the wave exist simultaneously.
So, if you enjoy the multiverse of comic books or any other fiction that explores parallel dimensions, Everett is the man to thank.
OK, so while the many worlds theory does make for good entertainment, it’s serious subject matter for quantum physicists and continues to be explored today. So let’s get back to understanding what the value of all of these quantum developments might be in the near future.
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Good and evil in progress
In 1918, Fritz Haber won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for inventing a process which used intense heat and pressure to convert nitrogen into nitrate fertilizer. As a result, a green revolution started, which produced enough food to grow the human species into the 8 billion population size that it is today.
But Fritz Haber is also known by another name: the father of chemical warfare. His inventions were responsible for millions of deaths throughout World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the Holocaust.
Today, that crude and resource-eating process of nitrogen-fixing first invented by Haber is being challenged by quantum scientists.
Thanks to two breakthroughs, we now better understand the building blocks of life.
In 1952, Stanley Miller created an experiment that used many of the elements thought to have existed on prehistoric earth, along with a jolt of electricity, and was able to spontaneously produce amino acids. We now know, through simulations using the elements found in gas clouds in space, that it’s likely that amino acids exist in space and may have been brought here in meteorite dust.
The second breakthrough was that of Francis Crick and James Watson. In his 1944 book entitled What is Life? Schrödinger described the characteristics of an unknown molecule that would explain the development of life as we know it. Crick and Watson took his idea further and identified the double-helix shape of what we now know to be DNA.
Thanks to all of these inventions and discoveries, we understand the pieces and processes needed to produce the energy that sustains life. But there are still many obstacles to overcome. Just like Haber’s crude process for nitrogen-fixing, many of our attempts at coming up with clean energy are actually sourced through unsustainable means, and our efforts at discovery are still done largely by trial and error.
Quantum computers have the potential to be able to solve problems like nitrogen-fixing and harnessing the power of sunlight. Hopefully, it won’t be long before quantum computing can deliver a second green revolution.
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When cancer loses
On December 23, 1971, President Richard Nixon signed into effect the National Cancer Act, declaring war on cancer – cancer won. The problem with cancer is that it comes from far too many different variables to easily identify and stop it.
Cancer isn’t a foreign invader; it’s created by our own healthy cells. Once we reach adulthood, some cells are programmed to die as others divide. In the case of cancer, healthy cells forget to die off and instead reproduce at an alarming rate.
There are many diseases caused by our bodies harming themselves as opposed to foreign invaders. Take COVID-19, for instance. The deaths associated with COVID-19 weren’t as a result of the symptoms of the virus, but rather the cytokine storm created by the immune system going off the rails.
Another example of the body turning against itself is in autoimmune diseases which happen when the body receives misinformation about an otherwise healthy particle and begins to attack itself.
Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders may be a result of something called prions, which are improperly folded proteins. No one knows why a protein misfolds, but when it does, it can send that information to other proteins, spreading the disorder.
Technological advancements have improved our quality and length of life. From sanitation to antibiotics and vaccines to better nutrition, we’ve taken the human race from lifespans of approximately 30 years to 70 years and improved the overall quality of those lifespans, too. But we’ve done all of this largely by trial and error. When it comes to things like cancer and Alzheimer's where there are so many factors at play we may never be able to find answers on our own, quantum computers may save us.
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Our planet and beyond
Let’s now switch our focus to climate change and space.
Earth is warming up as a result of human behavior. This warming is creating a variety of problems. One of those is the release of the greenhouse gas methane due to the melting of polar ice caps. As it’s released, it contributes to yet more global warming.
Another consequence of climate change is that the polar vortex, which has always been quite stable, is becoming unstable. This area of cold air and low pressure at the poles is always there but is stronger in winter. In recent decades, it’s been expanding, pushing colder, more unpredictable weather further south.
The consequences of climate change range from mildly inconvenient to catastrophic, and the fact is that we can no longer prevent disaster, we can only mitigate it.
Unfortunately, we’re also reaching a limit on what digital computers can do as far as predicting weather patterns and assessing climate change. Quantum computers, on the other hand, can theoretically provide virtual weather reports that could alter the future of humanity. Their ability to simultaneously assess many paths means they can more quickly generate accurate predictions about short- and long-term weather situations.
Beyond our climate, there’s another important application of quantum computers, and that’s the ability to understand the stars.
Back in 1859, the biggest solar flare in recorded history hit Earth. It resulted in intensely beautiful Northern Lights – but it also resulted in telegraph wires setting alight.
Today, if that same storm were to hit, it would potentially set us back 150 years, not only disrupting our satellite and radio communications but also completely destroying power grids.
The big problem is that we don’t understand how stars work or what causes different intensities in solar storms, so we have no means of predicting and preparing for them. With their ability to simulate the universe, quantum computers could help us better understand our sun and not be caught off guard by unexpected solar flares.
These computers can also help us bottle the power of the sun. The current state of fusion reactors is moving forward. In December 2022, a fusion reaction greater than the amount of energy it took to create that reaction was achieved.
But we’re still at least several decades away from commercializing fusion and powering our world with it. The problem is that we have to figure all of this out by trial and error. And the expense involved in failing is prohibitive. Quantum computers can help us more quickly find our best path forward, simulating all possibilities and showing us the right one.
When we can better understand our planet and our universe, we can not only improve the life and longevity of our planet, we can truly become an interplanetary species.
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Quantum computers exist and are rapidly improving. Not only are there functioning computers cracking codes and performing complex equations at unheard-of speeds, but there are also different forms of them. Quantum computers are the natural progression in a short, rapid series of discoveries and inventions by people like Erwin Schrodinger, Richard Feynman, and Hugh Everett. The possibilities for things like a second green revolution and a cure for cancer all hinge on our ability to take quantum computers to the next level.
If you’ve ever read a comic book or watched The Big Bang Theory, you’ve probably heard a little quantum terminology such as parallel universe and Schrödinger’s cat. But many people think that quantum physics is beyond their realm of understanding and consequently not worth the effort to learn about.
If you’re one of those people, get ready to change your mind. Not only is it possible and easy to understand the practical implications of quantum physics in our world, but it’s also important. The quantum realm isn’t just a subject for comic books. In fact, it’s being explored right now.
The future of computing – and therefore the world – is quantum. Given the possibilities for humanity in terms of fuel, medicine, and economics, advancements in quantum computing are something everyone should be paying attention to.
In this book, we’ll take a look at the state of quantum computers as they exist today – including their power and their limitations. We’ll also take a quick trip through the history of computing that led us to this point. And finally, we’ll talk about the potential impact of quantum computers on society, medicine, and the world at large.
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Goodbye silicon
In 2019, Google created a quantum computer called Sycamore. It could solve, in just 200 seconds, a complex mathematical problem that would take our current fastest supercomputer 10,000 years to solve. In digital computing, the basic unit of information is a bit whereas in quantum computing, it’s a qubit. Sycamore runs on 53 qubits and, at that time, that made it the most powerful computer in the world.
But just two years later, the Quantum Innovation Institute in China claimed that their quantum computer was 100 trillion times faster than supercomputers. It ran on 113 qubits.
On November 16 of that same year, the IBM Eagle was revealed which beat them both with 127 qubits. A year later IBM launched Osprey at 433 qubits.
When a quantum computer can outperform a digital computer at a specific task, it’s known as quantum supremacy. Clearly, this point has already been reached. What’s more, we’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible.
There are several different ways in which quantum computing functions. Most inventors are using entangled atoms – more on that shortly – but a few researchers have found a way to send information on light beams using a clunky mirror-based setup. The race is on to be the first to optimize this technology. But we’re still many years away from a functioning quantum computer that can solve real-world problems in fields ranging from medicine to fuel to cybersecurity.
Even so, the age of silicon appears to be coming to an end. Moore’s Law, first postulated in 1965, suggests that the number of transistors that can be built into a microchip doubles every 18 months. Effectively, that means computer power also doubles every 18 months. But if we continue primarily using silicon, this law will stop being true in the very near future.
You see, digital computers are reaching their capacity to be able to solve large-scale problems – or at least to be able to solve them quickly enough to be useful. But quantum computers can take us into a new era with their insanely fast speeds and ability to simultaneously analyze multiple paths and problems to create the best solution.
So what is it that makes quantum computers so powerful? Well, two key factors contribute to this power.
The first is superposition, or the ability of an atom to exist in multiple states at the same time. This is how quantum computers can solve problems so quickly – by analyzing all paths at the same time to determine the path of least action.
The second factor is known as entanglement. This is when two atoms establish interaction with each other, sharing information, and keep that connection even when they’re separated at a great distance.
Now, you’re probably already wondering, How do I get my hands on one of these quantum computers? Why isn’t all technology already based on quantum computing? Well, the problem is that there’s one primary challenge, and it has to do with something called coherence.
For quantum computers to work, a system has to be completely stable. Atoms are fragile and the least disturbance disrupts them. So quantum computers as they currently exist have to be framed in systems that keep them at absolute zero temperatures.
There’s hope, though. Mother nature achieves coherence at regular temperatures in a little process called photosynthesis. So scientists are studying how coherence is achieved in nature in the hope of finding a way to recreate the process in a computer.
But before we talk about the practical applications of quantum computers, let’s take a quick look back at how we got here.
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Two thousand years of computers
In 1901, off the coast of a Greek island called Antikythera, researchers discovered the remains of a first-century trading ship. On that ship, they found Roman artifacts that they speculate were being sent as a gift to Julius Caesar.
Among those artifacts was a strange hunk of bronze. It was clearly man-made but impossible to identify at the moment of its discovery. In fact, this piece of metal kept researchers confused for decades. In the 1970s, X-ray imaging was used to investigate the artifact, but it wasn’t until CT scans were published in 2006 that researchers started to recognize the implications of the device.
What’s now known as the Antikythera Mechanism provided a highly complex simulation of the universe as it was known at the time. The device could make predictions about events like eclipses, and it could even calibrate in anticipation of changes in speed due to the elliptical orbit of the Earth.
Simulation is the goal of quantum computing. When we can simulate the world around us down to the quantum level, we can begin to analyze some of the many problems that have plagued us since the beginning of time.
No device came close to the technical advancement of the Antikythera device – let alone built on it – until the 1800s. It was then that Charles Babbage invented the first digital computer. Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron, figured out how to feed the computer information to get it to perform complicated mathematical tasks that were essential in industries such as construction or navigation. She was essentially the first programmer.
By 1900, things were gathering pace, Max Planck challenged Newtonian physics and created what’s now called Planck’s Constant, representing the size of quantum energy. This constant would become the foundation of quantum mechanics and quantum theory.
Then, in 1926, Erwin Schrödinger built on this by creating a wave equation using Planck’s Constant. Rather than seeing electrons as particles, Schrödinger suggested they exist as a wave. In other words, an electron exists in many places at once until the moment it’s measured – which is when the wave would collapse into a particle.
To illustrate this idea, the analogy of Schrödinger’s cat was created. While the cat is in the box, the cat can be considered to be both dead, alive, and all states in between – until it’s observed. At that point, all the states of the cat collapse into the measurable one.
Ten years later, in 1936, Alan Turning described what would eventually become the Turing machine – the basis for all modern computing. His machine helped break the previously uncrackable codes used by the Nazis during WWII. As a result, the war was shortened by two years and an estimated 14 million lives were saved.
In 1948, Richard Feynman finalized his path integral formulation. Prior to that, scientists had observed in photosynthesis that quantum particles tend to follow the path of least action. But how did the particles “know” what that path was? Feynman answered that question. He postulated that because electrons exist in waves, they’re able to experience all paths at once.
This idea led Feynman to create his path integral formulation. Isaac Newton had invented calculus to solve problems that involved motion. The path integral formulation solved those same problems in a much simpler way and it paved the way for yet more quantum discoveries.
If the description of the path integral formulation sounds familiar, that’s probably because we’ve already talked about how quantum computers can experience and analyze all possibilities simultaneously before choosing the best solution. Everything these scientists and inventors of the past created has led to the development of what we know as quantum science today.
One more name needs to be added to this esteemed list, that of Hugh Everett. For a long time, scientists argued about the wave theory and the idea that a wave collapsed into a single reality when measured. This was a huge problem to overcome until Everett proposed that maybe the wave doesn’t actually collapse; maybe all versions of the reality experienced by the wave exist simultaneously.
So, if you enjoy the multiverse of comic books or any other fiction that explores parallel dimensions, Everett is the man to thank.
OK, so while the many worlds theory does make for good entertainment, it’s serious subject matter for quantum physicists and continues to be explored today. So let’s get back to understanding what the value of all of these quantum developments might be in the near future.
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Good and evil in progress
In 1918, Fritz Haber won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for inventing a process which used intense heat and pressure to convert nitrogen into nitrate fertilizer. As a result, a green revolution started, which produced enough food to grow the human species into the 8 billion population size that it is today.
But Fritz Haber is also known by another name: the father of chemical warfare. His inventions were responsible for millions of deaths throughout World War I, the Russian Revolution, and the Holocaust.
Today, that crude and resource-eating process of nitrogen-fixing first invented by Haber is being challenged by quantum scientists.
Thanks to two breakthroughs, we now better understand the building blocks of life.
In 1952, Stanley Miller created an experiment that used many of the elements thought to have existed on prehistoric earth, along with a jolt of electricity, and was able to spontaneously produce amino acids. We now know, through simulations using the elements found in gas clouds in space, that it’s likely that amino acids exist in space and may have been brought here in meteorite dust.
The second breakthrough was that of Francis Crick and James Watson. In his 1944 book entitled What is Life? Schrödinger described the characteristics of an unknown molecule that would explain the development of life as we know it. Crick and Watson took his idea further and identified the double-helix shape of what we now know to be DNA.
Thanks to all of these inventions and discoveries, we understand the pieces and processes needed to produce the energy that sustains life. But there are still many obstacles to overcome. Just like Haber’s crude process for nitrogen-fixing, many of our attempts at coming up with clean energy are actually sourced through unsustainable means, and our efforts at discovery are still done largely by trial and error.
Quantum computers have the potential to be able to solve problems like nitrogen-fixing and harnessing the power of sunlight. Hopefully, it won’t be long before quantum computing can deliver a second green revolution.
-
When cancer loses
On December 23, 1971, President Richard Nixon signed into effect the National Cancer Act, declaring war on cancer – cancer won. The problem with cancer is that it comes from far too many different variables to easily identify and stop it.
Cancer isn’t a foreign invader; it’s created by our own healthy cells. Once we reach adulthood, some cells are programmed to die as others divide. In the case of cancer, healthy cells forget to die off and instead reproduce at an alarming rate.
There are many diseases caused by our bodies harming themselves as opposed to foreign invaders. Take COVID-19, for instance. The deaths associated with COVID-19 weren’t as a result of the symptoms of the virus, but rather the cytokine storm created by the immune system going off the rails.
Another example of the body turning against itself is in autoimmune diseases which happen when the body receives misinformation about an otherwise healthy particle and begins to attack itself.
Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders may be a result of something called prions, which are improperly folded proteins. No one knows why a protein misfolds, but when it does, it can send that information to other proteins, spreading the disorder.
Technological advancements have improved our quality and length of life. From sanitation to antibiotics and vaccines to better nutrition, we’ve taken the human race from lifespans of approximately 30 years to 70 years and improved the overall quality of those lifespans, too. But we’ve done all of this largely by trial and error. When it comes to things like cancer and Alzheimer's where there are so many factors at play we may never be able to find answers on our own, quantum computers may save us.
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Our planet and beyond
Let’s now switch our focus to climate change and space.
Earth is warming up as a result of human behavior. This warming is creating a variety of problems. One of those is the release of the greenhouse gas methane due to the melting of polar ice caps. As it’s released, it contributes to yet more global warming.
Another consequence of climate change is that the polar vortex, which has always been quite stable, is becoming unstable. This area of cold air and low pressure at the poles is always there but is stronger in winter. In recent decades, it’s been expanding, pushing colder, more unpredictable weather further south.
The consequences of climate change range from mildly inconvenient to catastrophic, and the fact is that we can no longer prevent disaster, we can only mitigate it.
Unfortunately, we’re also reaching a limit on what digital computers can do as far as predicting weather patterns and assessing climate change. Quantum computers, on the other hand, can theoretically provide virtual weather reports that could alter the future of humanity. Their ability to simultaneously assess many paths means they can more quickly generate accurate predictions about short- and long-term weather situations.
Beyond our climate, there’s another important application of quantum computers, and that’s the ability to understand the stars.
Back in 1859, the biggest solar flare in recorded history hit Earth. It resulted in intensely beautiful Northern Lights – but it also resulted in telegraph wires setting alight.
Today, if that same storm were to hit, it would potentially set us back 150 years, not only disrupting our satellite and radio communications but also completely destroying power grids.
The big problem is that we don’t understand how stars work or what causes different intensities in solar storms, so we have no means of predicting and preparing for them. With their ability to simulate the universe, quantum computers could help us better understand our sun and not be caught off guard by unexpected solar flares.
These computers can also help us bottle the power of the sun. The current state of fusion reactors is moving forward. In December 2022, a fusion reaction greater than the amount of energy it took to create that reaction was achieved.
But we’re still at least several decades away from commercializing fusion and powering our world with it. The problem is that we have to figure all of this out by trial and error. And the expense involved in failing is prohibitive. Quantum computers can help us more quickly find our best path forward, simulating all possibilities and showing us the right one.
When we can better understand our planet and our universe, we can not only improve the life and longevity of our planet, we can truly become an interplanetary species.
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Quantum computers exist and are rapidly improving. Not only are there functioning computers cracking codes and performing complex equations at unheard-of speeds, but there are also different forms of them. Quantum computers are the natural progression in a short, rapid series of discoveries and inventions by people like Erwin Schrodinger, Richard Feynman, and Hugh Everett. The possibilities for things like a second green revolution and a cure for cancer all hinge on our ability to take quantum computers to the next level.
Read
May 17, 2023clear and informative peppered with flights of fancy, in the classic Kaku style
September 28, 2023
I listened to this one as an audio book.
I have to say the book covers a wide range of options and topics - ranging from how quantum computers “could” help model climate change, the conditions of the Big Bang, nuclear fusion, cancer response etc.
I found the range of topics covered to be interesting but overall the explanation of how quantum computing actually works, and what it would take to scale it very lacking. Too speculative yet for me … but maybe it will end up being visionary. I also did not not like the audio narrator.
I would give this one a miss
I have to say the book covers a wide range of options and topics - ranging from how quantum computers “could” help model climate change, the conditions of the Big Bang, nuclear fusion, cancer response etc.
I found the range of topics covered to be interesting but overall the explanation of how quantum computing actually works, and what it would take to scale it very lacking. Too speculative yet for me … but maybe it will end up being visionary. I also did not not like the audio narrator.
I would give this one a miss
December 28, 2023
Despite its title, Michio Kaku’s ‘Quantum Supremacy’ is about literally everything except quantum computing. If that sounds like a good thing to you, let me assure you - it’s not. The author talks about the basic histories of an absurd number of issues that plague humanity, but refuses to go past the surface level for any of them. The book consists of a single pattern repeated:
[A few pages explaining a problem facing humanity (ie Global Warming, Cancer, Clean Energy, Dying??), and why we haven’t solved it]
“[insert problem here] may be solved by quantum computing!”
[optional cliche segue into the next problem]
Rinse and repeat for 300 pages. It’s presented like a student who was told to write a 300 page essay on how quantum computing could fix the world the night before it was due, and they just gave Wikipedia standard summaries of a ton of problems that “could be solved by quantum computing!”
Additionally, it’s incredibly confusing who this book is targeted to. The author glosses over terms potentially confusing to an uninformed reader such as neural networks, quarks, and superconductivity without batting an eye, yet takes the time to explain to you that plasma is in fact the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid, and gas (wow!). It’s entirely inconsistent, not that it really matters, as if you do find yourself understanding a majority of the content, there’s likely not a lot of new information in this book for you.
As if this all wasn’t bad enough on its own, the absolute cherry on top is the final chapter - a self-indulgent fictional passage that had me properly cackling as I read it, and can only be properly described as a quantum computing enthusiasts wet dream. The inclusion of this passage was bizarre as it was laughably entertaining.
All that aside, it’s not like reading this book was worthless to me, and there were certainly some interesting tidbits I found and learned throughout my time with it, but it was the kind of information that didn’t need to be in a full-length novel.
Edit: Actually upon further investigation it seems not only is the book shit in general, it’s also factually inaccurate in a number of places, so the one potential pro has been nixed. 0 stars?
[A few pages explaining a problem facing humanity (ie Global Warming, Cancer, Clean Energy, Dying??), and why we haven’t solved it]
“[insert problem here] may be solved by quantum computing!”
[optional cliche segue into the next problem]
Rinse and repeat for 300 pages. It’s presented like a student who was told to write a 300 page essay on how quantum computing could fix the world the night before it was due, and they just gave Wikipedia standard summaries of a ton of problems that “could be solved by quantum computing!”
Additionally, it’s incredibly confusing who this book is targeted to. The author glosses over terms potentially confusing to an uninformed reader such as neural networks, quarks, and superconductivity without batting an eye, yet takes the time to explain to you that plasma is in fact the fourth state of matter after solid, liquid, and gas (wow!). It’s entirely inconsistent, not that it really matters, as if you do find yourself understanding a majority of the content, there’s likely not a lot of new information in this book for you.
As if this all wasn’t bad enough on its own, the absolute cherry on top is the final chapter - a self-indulgent fictional passage that had me properly cackling as I read it, and can only be properly described as a quantum computing enthusiasts wet dream. The inclusion of this passage was bizarre as it was laughably entertaining.
All that aside, it’s not like reading this book was worthless to me, and there were certainly some interesting tidbits I found and learned throughout my time with it, but it was the kind of information that didn’t need to be in a full-length novel.
Edit: Actually upon further investigation it seems not only is the book shit in general, it’s also factually inaccurate in a number of places, so the one potential pro has been nixed. 0 stars?
April 29, 2023
The growth of technology is slowing due to the physical limitations of silicon chips. Quantum computing promises a revolution in computing power. In the not-so-distant future, it could change our daily lives in unimaginable ways, and solve major challenges like climate change, the global food crisis, and deadly diseases.
Michio Kaku is a brilliant and enthusiastic science communicator. In an easy-to-read style, this book paints an exciting and optimistic view of what the future could hold.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Michio Kaku is a brilliant and enthusiastic science communicator. In an easy-to-read style, this book paints an exciting and optimistic view of what the future could hold.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 10, 2023
This book does an excellent job of explaining the basics of Quantum Mechanics in laymen's terms. The second half of the book, which shows how quantum computers could be applied to major problems (medicine etc) is a bit repetitive.
September 3, 2023
It is a theory only a mother can love. It is like putting an aardvark, a platypus, and a whale together with Scotch tape and calling it nature's finest creation.
April 5, 2024
Michio Kaku has a great formula for making money from writing this type of book. He writes good introductions to a plethora of physics topics, extrapolates advancements to fantastical futuristic hopes, and then ties it to a main theme. Change the main buzzword on the cover, discuss the same subtopics, and then print it as a new book.
He does a good job in explaining a wide array of topics in a way that is accessible to everyone. He added a few new topics concerning recent events such as the NIF discovery or solar flares affecting communication satellites. Doing one's part in popularizing science is always a noble endeavor. I just wasn't a fan of this book because it's only vaguely tied to quantum computing.
He explained the advantages of future large-scale quantum computers compared to the limitations of digital computers. When he went into his usual discussions of each physics subtopic, he just sort of shrugged off the conclusions by saying that our understanding of each will be improved with the greater computational power that quantum computers might provide. This just seemed like he was rehashing one of his previous books or public presentations.
He does a good job in explaining a wide array of topics in a way that is accessible to everyone. He added a few new topics concerning recent events such as the NIF discovery or solar flares affecting communication satellites. Doing one's part in popularizing science is always a noble endeavor. I just wasn't a fan of this book because it's only vaguely tied to quantum computing.
He explained the advantages of future large-scale quantum computers compared to the limitations of digital computers. When he went into his usual discussions of each physics subtopic, he just sort of shrugged off the conclusions by saying that our understanding of each will be improved with the greater computational power that quantum computers might provide. This just seemed like he was rehashing one of his previous books or public presentations.
December 4, 2023
Quantum computers may very well reveal answers to questions that we frankly may not have yet evolved enough to properly handle. That is a daunting reality of this revolotionary technology and its capabilities.
Michio Kaku presents in several broad strokes the vast areas of opportunity where this new technology can make significant impacts within our world. It is arguably more impactful than even our best and brightest can fully comprehend or fathom, though it is exciting to consider the possibilities.
If you are interested in computer technology, quantum physics or human technological evolution you will thoroughly enjoy this easy to read book of the profound possibilities arriving in the very near future.
Michio Kaku presents in several broad strokes the vast areas of opportunity where this new technology can make significant impacts within our world. It is arguably more impactful than even our best and brightest can fully comprehend or fathom, though it is exciting to consider the possibilities.
If you are interested in computer technology, quantum physics or human technological evolution you will thoroughly enjoy this easy to read book of the profound possibilities arriving in the very near future.
May 9, 2024
2.5 stars. The science discussion is accurate. The writing quality is superior to most of these type. The best part of the book is the end if you make it that far.
This book would be difficult to comprehend if you haven’t had some undergraduate-level quantum mechanics course.
The format of each chapter follows this pattern: introduce technology advancement that utilized a computer—state how digital supercomputers can’t do anything—state how quantum computers will save the world. As other reviewers stated, the biggest disappointment is the lack of information on quantum computers themselves: how do they work? What needs do they have that today’s computers don’t? What are some ideas on how to solve the challenges keeping quantum computers working and operating?
This book would be difficult to comprehend if you haven’t had some undergraduate-level quantum mechanics course.
The format of each chapter follows this pattern: introduce technology advancement that utilized a computer—state how digital supercomputers can’t do anything—state how quantum computers will save the world. As other reviewers stated, the biggest disappointment is the lack of information on quantum computers themselves: how do they work? What needs do they have that today’s computers don’t? What are some ideas on how to solve the challenges keeping quantum computers working and operating?
June 17, 2023
I can always rely on Michio Kaku to present the best of current physics and developing technology along with the most Star Trek optimism of the future where everything turns out well and no science-denying lobbyists and politicians get in the way. It’s escapism wishful non-fiction. The one note I’ll say here is that the vast majority of this book explores the variety of fascinating ways a quantum computer would be superior to digital computers, but offers very little on where we are now in the development.
November 7, 2023
Having read physics of the future years ago, I didn’t originally realize this was the same author until a good part of the way through the book when I researched the author more. Michio Kaku does a fantastic job breaking down quantum computing into digestible bits and ties each piece with an example in order to reinforce the readers capability to understand and retain the knowledge. This goes on throughout the book where he also offers views into different areas where quantum computing and AI will provide benefits in the near and distant future.
March 30, 2024
I love Dr. Kaku & watching him talk, this is my first book of his.
Really exciting & kind of scary to think about all the things that quantum computers will do for our society, the possibility to eliminate diseases and cancer, solving the energy crisis & global warming, unlocking the secrets of photosynthesis, unlocking material science, and so much more.
My only thing, it was a little repetitive. As in the majority of the book is just explaining a current or past problem & saying pretty much “quantum computers would solve this”.
Really exciting & kind of scary to think about all the things that quantum computers will do for our society, the possibility to eliminate diseases and cancer, solving the energy crisis & global warming, unlocking the secrets of photosynthesis, unlocking material science, and so much more.
My only thing, it was a little repetitive. As in the majority of the book is just explaining a current or past problem & saying pretty much “quantum computers would solve this”.
December 27, 2023
I was hoping to read more about how quantum computers work, but this was touched upon only superficially.
This book is great for learning the potential scope of quantum computers, solving very large and complex problems. The author goes through an exhaustive list of cases where quantum computers could be applied but it often reads as a thesis, rather than the expected flow of a book for the public.
Nevertheless, the book is informative and thought/provoking. Just not a great read.
This book is great for learning the potential scope of quantum computers, solving very large and complex problems. The author goes through an exhaustive list of cases where quantum computers could be applied but it often reads as a thesis, rather than the expected flow of a book for the public.
Nevertheless, the book is informative and thought/provoking. Just not a great read.
June 2, 2023
I found this book to be interesting in trying to explain a complex subject. At times the stories or topics seemed to be repeated and that seemed to reduce the enjoyment of the content however. I have enjoyed many of the authors books. This was good although I’m not sure I would see it as one of his better efforts.
October 24, 2023
First 25% was interesting, then I found myself drifting off as each chapter because a repetition of how quantum computers will solve it. Some of that lead to interesting tidbits of information, but for the most part it felt like he was padding out the book. I ended up skipping a few chapters about 60% of the way through before checking here to see if I should just push through it.
December 19, 2023
Excellent and easy to follow book, by a physicist initially trained in Harvard and Berkeley, who sees quantum computers as the post digital computers being used today. Quantum computers are set to offer extremely high computing speed in achieving future solutions/ results.
Read this book. You will not be disappointed…
Read this book. You will not be disappointed…
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