Today, we’re sharing a conversation with Jeff Burningham—entrepreneur, former candidate for governor, and now author of a new book called The Last Book Written by a Human.
This conversation begins with an unforgettable scene Jeff witnessed in India on the banks of the Ganges—a place where death, life, and the mundane all unfolded side by side. That image becomes a frame for everything we discussed: the reality of constant transformation and the deep human need for presence in the middle of it all.
Jeff describes what he calls “the old game”—a life built around achievement, hustle, and doing more to be more. And then he shares what happened when that game stopped working for him, and how it led him to something new: a life of deeper being, awareness, and love.
We also talked about AI—not just as a technological shift, but as what he calls a “cosmic mirror.” Jeff believes that AI is here not to replace us, but to reveal us—to help us see what’s essential and ask who we want to become. The path forward, he says, will require us to do something radical: give up ego, lean into love, and return to the wisdom of the body, nature, and family.
In the face of rapid change and uncertainty, Jeff invites us to return to what’s most human. We’re so grateful to Jeff for this book and this conversation.
You can order the book from Bookshop here or from Amazon here!
JOIN THE ORGANIZED INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVE
Organized Intelligence is a new Faith Matters initiative supported by the Future of Life Institute that brings together Latter-day Saint voices from across disciplines to explore the ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions of AI.
Our first gathering will take place November 4-5 in Salt Lake City, Utah and will convene scholars, creatives, technologists, and religious leaders to discuss questions such as:
What are the most pressing societal risks posed by advanced AI systems?
How might unchecked AI development exacerbate social divisions, economic opportunities, instability, or loss of human agency?
How can faith traditions offer insight into the ethical and spiritual challenges raised by AI?
In what ways might religious voices contribute to shaping AI governance and public policy?
How can AI be harnessed responsibly for humanitarian and faith-based purposes while guarding against its risks?
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Why wards? Why Church?
What does it mean to offer "refuge from the storm"? What is the value of being organized into wards? Why do Church? Why sacrifice? Why tithing?
How do we respond to suffering?
What good can come from adversity? Where is God in suffering? Should we always assign meaning to struggle? Where does true power come from? What does Christ offer those who are suffering? What do hope and charity look like in the face of adversity?
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THIS WEEK IN WAYFARE
