Explores the limitless potential of reverse-engineering the human brain, outlining the controversial implications of increasing intelligence in order to address global problems while comparing emotional and moral intelligence and considering the origins of consciousness.

Thought experiments on the world -- Thought experiments on thinking -- A model of the neocortex : the pattern recognition theory of mind -- The biological neocortex -- The old brain -- Transcendent abilities -- The biologically inspired digital neocortex -- The mind as computer -- Thought experiments on the mind -- The law of accelerating returns applied to the brain -- Objections.