The bottom line for Christopher Steiner’s book – Automate This: How Algorithms Came To Rule Our World (2012) is that it is an excellent read. Steiner takes the reader through the evolution of how algorithms have come to dominate many parts of our lives – from Wall Street, to medicine, automated customer service, and artistic expression – the book provides a simple, readable understanding of just how pervasive algorithms have become in so many dimensions of our lives. Though sometimes criticized by members of the scientific and academic class, that is not Steiner’s audience. He could have named the book The Use of Algorithms for Dummies.
For those of you with math phobia. seeing the word “Algorithm” in the title might cause an immediate repulsion. Don’t let the title throw you. This is a fairly humanistic lifestyle book with information that will help you to make better choices and to understand the companies and institutions that you encounter every day of your life. Honestly, Automate This gets a big thumbs up.
