Over the past decade, AI capabilities that had long been the preserve of science fiction have become our reality. AI is now capable of producing original art, identifying tumors in images, and even driving our cars. However, major shortcomings remain, and it still can’t replicate some intellectual feats that human brains perform with ease. How is it that AI can beat a chess grandmaster, but can’t effectively load a dishwasher? Finding the answer requires delving into the billion-year history of human brain evolution—a history filled with countless failures, calamities, and innovations. Not only do our brains have a story to tell, but the future of AI may depend on it. With a fresh perspective, Bennett consolidates this story into an accessible new framework by identifying the five “breakthroughs” that mark the brain’s most important evolutionary achievements. He argues that until AI systems successfully replicate every part of our brain’s long journey, they won’t be able to exhibit human-like intelligence. Endorsed and praised by the industry’s top neuroscientists, Bennett’s work distills the most relevant scientific knowledge and groundbreaking research into a fascinating and easy-to-understand evolutionary story, proving that understanding the arc of our brain’s history can unlock the tools needed to successfully navigate our technological future.