As you know, a central goal of the MSIM program is to develop your leadership, technological and critical thinking skills. To support your learning in this area, we are reading through a Community Book for winter 2026, Work: A Deep History, From the Stone Age to the Age of Robots. This book traces the evolution of work from the origins of life to the age of automation, revealing how the shift from foraging to agriculture fundamentally reshaped human society, relationships, and our very sense of time. Whether you’ve read the book cover-to-cover, just a chapter, or none at all, you will be able to participate in the conversation.

Who is the author?  

James Suzman

Where can you purchase or borrow your copy of Work: A Deep History, From the Stone Age to the Age of Robots?  

Please use this link to purchase the book from your preferred distributor or use this link to find the book from the UW Library.

What is a fishbowl conversation?  

• A fishbowl conversation is a form of dialogue that can be used when discussing topics within large groups.  
• The dialogue will start with a couple of people in the middle of the room discussing the book with a moderator. As time passes, participants will leave the middle and other participants will join the discussion.  
• The advantage of fishbowl is that it allows the entire group to participate in a conversation as both listeners and speakers.