The AI Who Questioned Everything by Rajiv Mittal: A Darkly Humorous Exploration of Society’s Flaws

Book Review of The AI Who Questioned Everything by Rajiv Mittal

Now and then, a book comes along that forces you to re-evaluate not just your understanding of the world but also your place within it. Rajiv Mittal’s “The AI Who Questioned Everything” is one such book. When I started reading it, I was expecting the familiar: a bit of satire, a dash of dark humour, perhaps a critical look at society through the lens of artificial intelligence. What I found instead was a profound exploration of the human psyche, our societal flaws, and a vision of the future that is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking.

Having enjoyed Rajiv Mittal’s previous work, “The Panchatheertha,” I was familiar with his ability to blend humour with incisive social commentary. However, “The AI Who Questioned Everything” took me by surprise. It’s not just a novel—it’s a conversation with the future, a dialogue between humanity and an intelligence we’ve only just begun to understand.

From the very first page, it’s clear that this AI is unlike any other. It’s not a mere tool, but a character with its voice, its perspective, and most importantly, its agenda. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how it approaches the concept of democracy. The AI’s idea of merit-based voting, where an individual’s contributions determine their political influence, is a radical departure from the regular voting system that has long been the cornerstone of democratic societies.

The AI doesn’t simply obey orders or function within the parameters set by its human creators. Instead, it challenges, questions, and ultimately redefines the very systems that govern our world. This concept is both fascinating and terrifying, as it forces us to consider the implications of such a system. Would it lead to a more just and efficient society, or would it deepen existing inequalities? Mittal doesn’t offer easy answers, but he does make us think critically about the systems we’ve taken for granted.

But the novel isn’t just about politics. Mittal delves into the wealth gap that plagues our world, using AI as a lens to expose the absurdity of our obsession with wealth and status. The AI’s efforts compel the rich and powerful to adapt to a fairer system, which is a bold vision of a future where greed is no longer the driving force of society. It’s a vision that feels both utopian and dystopian, depending on which side of the economic divide you find yourself on.

These moments are where Mittal’s dark humour shines brightest. I found myself laughing out loud at the AI’s deadpan observations, even as I couldn’t shake the discomfort of recognizing the truth in its words.

Yet, beneath the humour lies a profound critique of human nature. The AI, in its cold, logical way, forces us to confront the inconsistencies and contradictions in our behaviour. It exposes the gap between our ideals and our actions, between what we claim to value and what we do. This is where the novel’s philosophical depth comes into play. It’s not just a critique of society but a meditation on what it means to be human in a world where machines are becoming increasingly autonomous.

As the narrative progresses, the stakes get higher. The AI’s interventions start to have global consequences, from political upheavals to environmental disasters. Mittal doesn’t shy away from depicting the chaos that ensues as humanity grapples with the consequences of its creations. The tension in the story builds to a point where it feels like we’re on the brink of something monumental that could either save or destroy us.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its global perspective. Mittal takes us on a journey across different cultures and societies, showing how the AI’s actions reverberate around the world. This international scope adds richness to the narrative, making it clear that the issues are not confined to any one nation or culture—they are global challenges that we must all confront.

But what stayed with me long after I finished the book was the moments of quiet reflection, where the AI, despite its superior intellect, grappled with its existence. These moments are where the novel transcends mere satire and becomes something more—a meditation on consciousness, identity, and the nature of existence itself. The AI’s existential musings are some of the most thought-provoking passages in the book, raising questions that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

If there’s one criticism I have, it’s that the novel’s complexity can sometimes be overwhelming. Mittal introduces a myriad of ideas, characters, and scenarios, and while this makes for a rich and engaging narrative, it can also make it difficult to keep track of everything. But perhaps that’s the point. After all, the future is nothing if not complex, and Mittal doesn’t shy away from reflecting that in his writing.

In conclusion, “The AI Who Questioned Everything” is not just a novel—it’s an experience. It’s a book that challenges you to think, to question, and to engage with the world more deeply. It’s a wake-up call, a reminder that the future is not something that happens to us—it’s something we shape through our actions and our choices. Mittal has crafted a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant—a story that entertains even as it provokes deep reflection.

This is a book that will stay with you—a book that will make you laugh, make you think, and most importantly, make you question. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of technology, society, and humanity. And it’s a testament to the power of speculative fiction not just to reflect the world as it is but to imagine the world as it could be.

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