Interview with Don Stuart, Author of Descartes’ Shadow

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Descartes’ Shadow?

I believe the emergence of artificial intelligence offers us an opportunity to rethink what we believe we know about our own human intelligence, and that it challenges us to better understand how and why we humans make socially responsible choices rather than simply acting out of our own immediate best interests. If we do not understand our own moral decisions, how can we hope to cause AIs to do the right thing?

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Descartes’ Shadow, what would they be?

Paul Simon’s “One Man’s Ceiling is Another Man’s Floor.”

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Actually, I am a fan of complex “who done it” mystery fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

David Mitchell’s “Cloud Atlas.”

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The final scene when the colonists arrive and what they discover.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a little one-hour timer on my desk to remind me to get up and move every so often. Otherwise, I could easily spend an entire day writing with hardly a bathroom break.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Nothing so formal. I do, however, believe that “individualism” is a self-delusional fallacy.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That humans didn’t take over the planet earth because they were so smart. They did it because they were so social.

Don Stuart is the author of the new book Descartes’ Shadow

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