XNOR: PRIONS

A HISTORICAL FICTION NOVEL

XNOR: Prions explores a provocative analogy between biology, cognition, and artificial intelligence through the concept of “prions”—misfolded proteins that corrupt healthy systems and trigger cascading failure. Extending this idea to minds and societies, the novel suggests that ideas can behave like prions: most build understanding, but some distort perception, spread harmful beliefs, and reshape individuals and cultures in destructive ways, echoing the rise of “prion people” whose influence can turn stability into collapse.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anand Bliss was born into a conventional Canadian family. As an adult, he broke from tradition and moved to India to live in a Gurukul or Ashram. Later, he travelled the world as a software developer and businessman for over 30 years. His exposure to the rich and powerful, the desperately poor, the dirty and forgotten, and the vacuous and foolish left deep impressions.

These experiences, combined with a solid understanding of AI systems, led him to discover critical flaws in the development of agentic software.

Much has been written about the potential for Artificial General Intelligence to either catapult humanity into unimagined prosperity or thrust societies into chaos and devolution. Have we reached a critical branch in the path?

Anand’s writing employs entertaining alternate-history storylines focused on the 18th century. Readers may discover how centuries-old societal structures and beliefs will push AI development down a path we will regret. His thought-provoking yarns provide entertainment while pointing to actions our leaders should consider as we enter this brave new world.

L