The book in an hour: short versions of all volumes
Version: July 24, 2026. Sources: the one-page summaries of accepted chapters from Volumes 1 and 2, plus a separate current print proof of Volume 3.
The short version of When Intelligence Became Cheap takes you through the main conclusion of each chapter. Every chapter fits on one page with its thesis, reasoning, main framework, and practical takeaway.
This is not a replacement for the full book. The stories, evidence, caveats, and author's voice remain in the chapters. Use this version for a quick start, a refresher, or to choose where you want to go deeper in the Practicum.
Volume 1: open the HTML version
The complete web version of the short Volume 1, including the cover, contents, and one-page chapter summaries.
Volume 1: download the PDF
The same short version of Volume 1 as a PDF for reading, printing, or sharing.
Volume 2: open the HTML version
The short version of the currently accepted part of Volume 2: "From the Author," Chapters 1 through 11, the epilogue, and the appendix on artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Volume 2: download the PDF
The same short version of Volume 2 as a PDF. It is updated with the print and HTML-to-PDF builds.
Volume 3: open the current HTML version
A separate short proof of Volume 3 with the accepted opening from the author and Chapters 1 through 7. Each page is a compact map of one chapter, not a replacement for the full manuscript.
Volume 3: download the current PDF
The same separate proof of Volume 3 as a PDF. Its publication does not mean that the full volume has been accepted.
Continue in the Practicum
After the overview, move to the workbook, your profession audit, and the exercises.
How to read itStart with the HTML version and use it as a map. Do not try to memorize everything. Then choose one or two chapters where you see the most risk or the greatest potential benefit. Return to the full book and the Practicum exercises for those chapters. Volume 2 includes only the part the author has already accepted. Volume 3 is published separately as a current proof. The author has accepted Chapters 1 through 7, but this is not the final version of the full volume. Later chapters and the epilogue are not part of this package yet.