Book Review: History Rules My Tomorrow by Bernt Erik Bjontegard

Book Details:

Author: Bernt Erik Bjontegard
Release Date: May 12, 2023 12/5/23
~~Series~~:
Genre: Memoir, Biography
Format: E-book
Pages: 366 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
A question to ponder: are we as humans pre-programmed to “follow in our father’s footsteps?” Is there something inherent in our heritage? Do we repeat what our forefathers and mothers did?And if so, can we apply these inherited cross-generational learning methods as we invent the next generations of intelligent systems? Rather than creating AI that is artificial and intended to replace human work, can we create intelligent systems that AUGMENT the human’s work and support him or her? Can we invent intelligent systems that learn and improve themselves with the mind of creating betterment for all humans as well?

Erik Bjontegard left Norway when he was 18 to study in the UK, then moved on to California. Not realizing until later in life, his actions and behavior, his quests for new discoveries, and his desire to invent followed his father and grandfather on his mother’s side. Now an accomplished inventor, former NASA rocket scientist, deep sea robotics, and submarine explorer, he is now navigating the new Phygital realms connecting the physical and digital.

In this engaging and inspiring autobiography, Bernt “Erik” Bjontegard narrates his life filled with the stories of his grandparents’ sacrifices during WWII, his own mistakes and discoveries, and poses important questions on how to engage the listeners and their families to assist in creating and inventing better human-technology interfaces. Learning from his history, he is embarking on the journey to make his tomorrow better than today.

Review

Bernt Erik Bjontegard’s History Rules My Tomorrow is not your average business memoir or self-help manifesto. It’s a deeply personal and intellectually invigorating journey across time and innovation. As someone who appreciates the power of a strong narrative, I am always on the lookout for the books that don’t just inform but transform the way we perceive the world—and this book does exactly that.

Author Bjontegard blends storytelling with big-picture thinking beautifully in this book. Whether he’s reflecting on his family’s multigenerational legacy of innovation—from submarines to space shuttles—or questioning the future of AI, every chapter invites the reader into meaningful introspection. I loved the fact that this book was not just about the technology we’re building but who we are as builders of the future.

The author doesn’t shy away from complexity, especially in discussions about augmented intelligence, legacy programming, and whether we are pre-wired by generations past. But he always grounds it in personal anecdotes, warm humor, and a startling level of vulnerability.

History Rules My Tomorrow is forward-thinking fuelled by hindsight and a call to action for creators, parents, and dreamers alike. Author Bjontegard is an inventor as much as he is a philosopher; this makes his voice very grounded and galvanizing.

This is a book you work with, not skim through. And the reward is well worth the time. For anyone interested in systems thinking, legacy, intelligent tech, or simply making their time on Earth count—this book is the perfect read.