How It Works
Welcome to the Behavioral Scientist’s Summer Book Club. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to know about how the book club will work this summer.
Theme: Techno-Visions
We’ll read Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, Player Piano, about a future society full of powerful machines, the special class of engineers who manages them, and the people at the mercy of both. The 1952 novel poses questions that we’re still seeking answers to, even more urgently in the age of AI, about what technological progress means for us individually and collectively.
The novel will give us a leaping off point to discuss this theme with leading behavioral scientists, technologists, writers, and each other. For more on why we chose the Techno-Visions theme and Player Piano, head here.
How to join
The Summer Book Club is open to:
- Supporters of Behavioral Scientist: Readers who make a monthly or annual donation at any amount they choose. Become a Supporter here.
- Supporter’s Plus One: Every Behavioral Scientist Supporter can gift one colleague, friend, or family member full access to all club content and events.
- Readers who purchased a ticket. Ideal, if you’re not into a long-term commitment. (We get it, it is summer after all.) Purchase a ticket here.
- Employees of Supporting Partner Organizations
For complete information on how to join, click here.
Schedule: Events and bonus articles
The book club will run for two months, starting in mid-July 2024. We’ll host several synchronous and asynchronous conversations in July and August, peppered with bonus content throughout the summer. The book club is designed so you can tailor it to your summer schedule.
We’ll post bonus articles and resources that offer deeper insight into the book and theme. For instance, we’ll explore the 1950 essay, “The Human Use of Human Beings” by an MIT mathematician that helped inspire the novel. And, did you know that Vonnegut studied anthropology at the University of Chicago? Learn how the ideas of a particularly eccentric professor influenced his writing.
Website and communications
This website will be the hub for the Summer Book Club. It will be how you receive email updates and access book club posts and bonus content. You’ll also be able to comment on posts and discuss them with other club members.
To access the articles and updates, you will need to log into the website with the email you registered with. In lieu of creating a password, you’ll receive a link in your email that will log you in. (If you still need to register, find out how to join here.)
If you have any trouble logging into the website, please reach out to us at editor@behavioralscientist.org.
Community
The book club will have members from all over the world. It will be an incredible opportunity to hear different perspectives on Player Piano and the Techno-Visions theme. On the website, you’ll have the chance to discuss with others by commenting on posts and replying to others’ comments. Don’t be shy! Ask questions and share your expertise. If there’s a discussion you’d like to get going, please let us know.
Invite a friend or co-worker
Supporters of Behavioral Scientist: You get a plus one! Gift one colleague, friend, or family member full access to all club content and events. You can share this registration form with your plus one. Make sure they indicate you as the source of the invitation for access.
Members of partner organizations: Invite your co-workers to join! You can share this registration form with them. Make sure they indicate the name of your organization for access.
Get your network involved: Share the How to Join page with your personal and professional networks and on social media and get them reading too! If you’d like to get your company or organization involved in the Summer Book Club, please email us at editor@behavioralscientist.org.
Get the book!
You can find Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut at most bookstores, in-person and online. It is available as an audiobook too.
Contact
Questions? Get in touch with us at editor@behavioralscientist.org.