The future of AI will be shaped less by what machines can do than by what humans choose to become.
In Remaining Human in the Age of AI, Dr. Michael Edmondson examines how individuals and organizations can thrive while intelligent technologies reshape the modern world. Rather than focusing only on the capabilities of machines, the book explores the human qualities required to navigate disruption, uncertainty, and constant change.
Edmondson introduces a practical framework built around eight essential human traits: serendipity, openness, agility, resilience, ambition, self-care, equanimity, and empathy. These traits help individuals interpret complex environments, remain grounded during periods of rapid change, and lead others with clarity and purpose.
After reading this book, you will be able to:
- Understand how artificial intelligence reshapes work, identity, and leadership.
- Apply the eight human traits as a framework for navigating technological change.Improve leadership, decision making, and professional growth in an AI-enabled world.
- Implement strategies that strengthen human judgment alongside intelligent tools.
Table of Contents:
Other books by Edmondson (p. xi)
Testimonials (p. xiii)
Preface (p. xvii)
Acknowledgments (p. xix)
Introduction (p. xxi)
Section 1 Serendipity and Turning Chance Into Opportunity (p. 1)
Chapter 1 Identifying the Pattern Behind the Coincidence (p. 3)
Chapter 2 Designing for Discovery (p. 11)
Chapter 3 Responding to the Unexpected (p. 17)
Section 2 Openness—Staying Receptive to New Ideas (p. 23)
Chapter 4 Unlearning the Plan (p. 25)
Chapter 5 Emphasizing Signals Over Scripts (p. 31)
Chapter 6 Nurturing Imagination (p. 37)
Section 3 Agility—Remaining Flexible (p. 43)
Chapter 7 Prototyping Your Career (p. 45)
Chapter 8 Leveraging Improv for Career Development (p. 51)
Chapter 9 Understanding the Two Dimensions of Time (p. 57)
Section 4 Resilience—Growing Through Friction (p. 63)
Chapter 10 Maintaining Momentum (p. 65)
Chapter 11 Reframing Rejection (p. 69)
Chapter 12 Creating Oneself Endlessly (p. 75)
Section 5 Ambition—Translating Dreams Into Reality (p. 81)
Chapter 13 Defining Success (p. 83)
Chapter 14 Aligning Ambition With Purpose (p. 89)
Chapter 15 Developing Vision (p. 95)
Section 6 Self-Care—Sustaining Energy (p. 101)
Chapter 16 Setting Boundaries (p. 103)
Chapter 17 Managing Energy (p. 109)
Chapter 18 Designing Recovery (p. 115)
Section 7 Equanimity—Creating Balance (p. 121)
Chapter 19 Staying Centered (p. 123)
Chapter 20 Navigating Change (p. 129)
Chapter 21 Maintaining Composure (p. 135)
Section 8 Empathy—Leveraging Humanity (p. 141)
Chapter 22 Emotional Intelligence at Work (p. 143)
Chapter 23 Cultivating Compassion (p. 149)
Chapter 24 Designing Together (p. 155)
Conclusion (p. 161)
References (p. 167)
About the Author (p. 203)
Index (p. 205)
About the Author :
Dr. Michael Edmondson, PhD, is associate provost for Continued Learning at New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he leads the Learning and Development Initiative (LDI), the university's professional education and workforce development division. He also serves as co-editor of the Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior Collection for Business Expert Press (BEP) and is a contributor to Forbes, writing about the intersection of AI and leadership. Remaining Human in the Age of AI is his tenth book published by BEP.
Review :
"Remaining Human in the Age of AI is a must read for anyone who finds themselves searching for personal and organizational purpose right now." - Kristin E. Borda, Ed.D, Director of, Academic Programs & Student Performance, Eastern Regional High School
"Traditional career advice about choosing a linear path is severely disconnected from the reality of AI disruption. Remaining Human in the Age of AI offers a powerful, actionable framework for professional growth in an increasingly volatile world." - Rachel Mann, Author of Pack Your Bags for an AI-Driven Future: Artificial Intelligence in Education
