Kurzweil popularizes and explains the concept of Singularity in this book. Singularity is a point around 2045 when AI will surpass human intellect, altering how society fundamentally functions. Kurzweil backs this up with exponential growth data across computing, genetics, and nanotech. He shows that technological acceleration follows predictable patterns, and that the progress is not linear, but exponential because new inventions make newer inventions more plausible. (What it might have taken the entire 20th century can be achieved in 20 years in the 21st century).

His optimism about merging with machines and achieving immortality is compelling but somehow uncanny too. The entire thing depends on whether we can properly manage all these advancements that develop faster than our ability to fully grasp their consequences. Either way, we're not prepared for what's coming.