Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman
March 2024
A collection of 40 short fictional stories, each presenting a different imaginative scenario of what might happen after death, serving as thought experiments about consciousness, meaning, and existence.
Key Concepts
- Speculative Fiction: Using imaginative scenarios to explore philosophical questions
- Perspective Shifts: Viewing human life and behavior from unusual vantage points
- Metaphysical Thought Experiments: Examining the nature of consciousness, memory, and identity
- Human Significance: Questioning our place in the universe and the meaning we create
Personal Takeaways
While most books on my shelf are directly related to business or technology, this one offers something different but equally valuable: perspective. Eagleman's creative scenarios have helped me practice mental flexibility and consider alternative viewpoints—skills that are surprisingly relevant in product development. The book's exploration of how we create meaning has influenced how I think about designing experiences that resonate with users on a deeper level.
Favorite Tales
The story "Metamorphosis" imagines an afterlife where you can choose to be any creature for your next life, revealing how few people would choose to be human again despite our supposed "superiority." This tale has stuck with me as a reminder of the trade-offs in our human experience. "Seed" presents an afterlife where you review the consequences of your smallest actions as they rippled through history, which has made me more mindful of how small product decisions can have outsized impacts over time.
Recommendation
A refreshing departure from traditional business literature that nonetheless offers valuable insights for creative thinking. The book's format of very short stories (2-3 pages each) makes it perfect for busy professionals who want mental stimulation in small doses. I recommend this book to anyone looking to develop greater cognitive flexibility and perspective-taking abilities—both critical skills for product and business innovation.