If you’re someone who’s totally hooked on artificial intelligence—its wild promises, tricky pitfalls, and the nonstop debates it sparks—you’ve probably stumbled across Gary Marcus Substack. This cognitive scientist, bestselling author, and outspoken AI skeptic has carved out a special corner of the tech world with his Substack newsletter, Marcus on AI. As of June 2025, this little online hub has turned into a must-read for tens of thousands of folks eager to peel back the layers of AI hype and get to the real story. Let’s take a laid-back stroll through what makes his Substack so captivating, why it clicks with so many people, and what you might uncover if you jump in yourself!
Who Is Gary Marcus, and Why Should You Care?
Gary Marcus isn’t just another voice in the tech crowd. With a career stretching over decades, he’s an emeritus professor of psychology and neural science at NYU, a serial entrepreneur who founded Geometric Intelligence (later scooped up by Uber), and the author of books like Rebooting AI and Taming Silicon Valley. His journey from the halls of academia to the thick of AI critique gives him a one-of-a-kind perspective—one that mixes solid science with a healthy dose of skepticism about today’s AI hype.
His Substack, Marcus on AI, kicked off as a spot to share his raw, unfiltered thoughts and has blossomed into a lively community with over 65,000 subscribers. It’s the place where he takes on the shiny stories big tech loves to spin, digs into the limits of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, and pushes for a smarter, more deliberate way to build AI. For anyone fed up with over-the-top AI headlines, Marcus delivers a breath of fresh air, rooted in his years of hands-on experience.
What You’ll Find on Marcus on AI
Step into Marcus’ Substack, and you’ll find a treasure trove of articles that blend sharp analysis with a touch of humor. His posts often tackle the latest AI developments, like the release of new models or bold claims from industry leaders. For instance, he recently dissected the hype around LLMs, arguing that their scaling approach is hitting a wall—a point he’s been making since 2022, and one that seems increasingly relevant as progress slows.
One of his standout pieces from early June 2025, titled “A knockout blow for LLMs?”, has already racked up over 100,000 reads. In it, he explores how these models struggle with reasoning and reliability, using real-world examples to show where they fall short. It’s not just tech talk—Marcus weaves in personal anecdotes and nods to his long-standing critiques, making it feel like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend.
Beyond the critiques, he dives into alternatives, advocating for hybrid systems that combine neural networks with symbolic AI. His writing style is approachable yet authoritative, often punctuated with calls to action—like encouraging readers to weigh in on debates or explore his recommended resources. It’s clear he’s not just preaching; he’s inviting you to think along with him.
The Buzz Around His Latest Posts
As of this week, Marcus has been particularly active. Posts on X suggest he’s been engaging with readers and addressing hot topics, like the limitations of current AI models and the ethical questions they raise. His June 8, 2025, update hinted at an upcoming weekend newsletter that promises to tackle more AI woes, building on the momentum of his recent viral hit. This real-time interaction keeps his Substack feeling alive, almost like a live debate unfolding in your inbox.
Readers seem to love it. Comments on his posts reveal a mix of agreement and pushback—some hail him as a visionary, while others challenge his views, sparking lively discussions. It’s this back-and-forth that makes Marcus on AI more than just a blog; it’s a community where ideas collide and evolve.
Why It Matters in 2025
In a year where AI continues to dominate headlines—think regulatory debates, corporate layoffs in ethics teams, and the race for AGI—Marcus’ Substack feels timely. With companies like OpenAI and Google facing scrutiny over their models’ limitations, his warnings about overreliance on scaling and data feel prescient. His June 2025 posts, for example, reflect on how even the latest models like Grok 3 and Llama 4 haven’t lived up to their billing, echoing his long-held stance that we need a rethink.
For the average person, this isn’t just tech trivia. AI is shaping our jobs, privacy, and even how we consume news. Marcus’ Substack demystifies these changes, offering a lens to see beyond the hype. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about the future, his insights provide a grounding perspective in an era of rapid change.
A Personal Take
I’ve been following Marcus’ Substack for a while now, and what strikes me is his passion. He’s not anti-AI—he’s pro-better-AI. His posts feel like sitting down with someone who’s seen the field’s highs and lows and wants to steer it right. The recent surge in readership, especially after his “knockout blow” article, shows I’m not alone in appreciating that. If you’re intrigued by AI’s potential but wary of its pitfalls, subscribing might just be your next smart move.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to join the conversation on Marcus on AI? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how you see the AI landscape shaping up!
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