Publication
The Magic of AI
The non-fiction book for the show keynote
As my shows always contain thought-provoking material on artificial intelligence, it was almost a natural step to write a book. I was finally able to talk in detail about everything that there is sometimes no room for in the pace of a live show. On over 100 pages, I open the door to the deeper messages that shape my performances.
At first glance, it may seem unusual for a digital magician to opt for an analog medium. But especially in a time when digital information is omnipresent, a book offers the opportunity to reflect on content in peace and set deeper impulses. The more digital the world becomes, the more we long for analog and humanity.
Also available in German here
And that’s the point: artificial intelligence is changing our world at a rapid pace. But despite all the technological progress, the human mind remains the most important resource of the future. In “The Magic of AI”, I invite you to meet this change with amazement, curiosity and, above all, creative openness. In this book, I am not a magician on stage, but an author between the lines. And that is also where my magic unfolds, albeit in a different way. It is about shaping a future in which technology does not replace the human, but makes it more visible again.
“The Magic of AI” is a collection of 22 impulses that have emerged from my stage experience as well as from personal observations and thoughts. Each impulse is an invitation to look at the world of artificial intelligence from a new perspective and with a twinkle in the eye. Therefore, it is not only about technical aspects, but above all about the human attitude towards digital change. Many of the thoughts you will find in this book address topics that I also deal with in my show, sometimes pointedly, sometimes thoughtfully, sometimes surprisingly. This book is intended for anyone who would like to be amazed a second time after my show presentation or who would like to engage with my perspective on AI as a book author for the first time.
Another Idea…
With “The Magic of AI”, I have written a book that perfectly complements my show. Many companies want something lasting after my show that will carry on the momentum from the stage and keep the curiosity about AI alive even after the event. That’s exactly what this book is made for.
If you book me with a show lecture, you can purchase “The Magic of AI” in larger quantities directly from me. Many companies use this opportunity to give all employees or conference participants an inspiring gift. Whether as a high-quality giveaway or as an extension of the content of my show, simply let me know how many copies you need and I will take care of the rest. This way, your event will leave a lasting impression.
Questions for Andreas Axmann
You are using an analog medium for a digital topic. How does that fit together?
I believe that the more digital the world becomes, the more people long for something analog. When the iPad came onto the market in 2010, it was said that it would replace the book. I’ve been using the iPad ever since, but I enjoy holding a book in my hand much more. Media such as Polaroid cameras or vinyl records are back in fashion, especially among young people. Not everything will work digitally in the future either. I am convinced that we will always need analog. People are haptic beings. We want to touch something, we want to feel something.
As a “media magician” and now author, Kl is your bread and butter. Nevertheless, you also describe a limit. Where does it lie?
Basically, I am open to anything innovative. There are life-saving technologies such as a pacemaker. But there are also technologies that serve to turn people into optimized super beings, such as an NFC chip implanted under the skin or, in the future, an AI chip implanted in the brain. There is a clear boundary here for me. I think technology should be an aid to the conscious preservation of our humanity. Humanity must not fade away in favor of what is feasible.
A central point that you deal with right at the beginning of the book is amazement. A machine cannot be amazed, but humans can. What advantage does this offer people?
For me, amazement always comes first, because amazement triggers curiosity and curiosity triggers creativity. In combination with artificial intelligence, creativity – at least for companies that are all about innovation – is the absolute powerhouse. This is also the reason why many companies book me. Unfortunately, you forget how to be amazed when you grow up because you don’t want to look stupid or feel childish. That’s a shame, because it’s actually something very human. In the moment of amazement, you take yourself back, your ego becomes smaller, you are part of something bigger. If you allow yourself to do that more as an adult, I think you’ll be perfectly prepared for the future of AI.
As a magician, you amaze other people. What amazes you yourself?
I always look for moments of amazement. That can be at a special meal, for example. When I go to an unusual restaurant in Berlin and there’s something on the plate that I’ve never seen before, I allow myself to be amazed – these are simply great moments.
AI has advantages and disadvantages. It is both a blessing and a curse. So how can humans position themselves in this discrepancy?
As an entertainer, I’m actually only responsible for the blessings. I want to highlight the positive sides. Almost every technological development is initially met with rejection, then it is talked down and afterwards people act as if it had always been there. Take Google Street View, for example. When cars started driving around with their cameras, many people were upset that privacy was now gone. In the meantime, we can be grateful for the street shots. It’s the same with AI. The sooner we get involved – in the company or privately – the better.
Hand on heart: How much Kl is in your book?
All the ideas for the content are mine. My book reflects ten years of experience from show presentations. AI was my ghostwriter. Nevertheless, in the end I had to modify or rewrite almost all the sentences. Kl is not yet ready to produce a book that is ready for print. And even if it is one day, it would be of no value to us.
“Kl can only reassemble what already exists. In the end, it only mirrors what humans specify. That’s why AI needs human creativity” Andreas Axmann, author
The interview was conducted by PNP. You can find the full press report on the book here.
Further publication
In addition to the book, I have published a soundtrack composed especially for me! My show is like a theme park: there’s an overarching theme and lots of different attractions. So it made sense to have the soundtrack produced by Studio 2112, which is part of Europa-Park and creates music for theme parks all over the world. But what does a “media magician” and his show “Man with Machine” sound like? The cool PVC thongophone sound forms the basis. This is contrasted by a theatrical orchestra. The sounds of artificial intelligence and rusty robots mingle with the music of nimble hands and majestic magic!
Listen to the soundtrack to the show here:
