To borrow Prof. 't Hooft's imagery, I imagine that GAI would be right at the top of a skyscraper whose lower levels consist of mathematics, cognitive science, and computer science at increasing levels of sophistication.
Beginning your study of cognitive/computer science with GAI could be frustrating and fruitless, just as would be beginning your study of physics with superstring theory.
There are probably well-written and interesting GAI books/articles for laypeople, though, analogous to Brian Greene's excellent books on string theory.
Your response is totally understandable given my (very clumsy) comment. Let me make myself more clear; I'm in the process of reading up on what material one should study to set oneself up to ultimately be able to consider AGI research as a career choice.
You say "mathematics, cognitive science, and computer science at increasing levels of sophistication.". That's probably true, I'd recon a fair bit of biology, chemistry and physics is most likely also needed.
My question, though, is what specific branches of said subjects?
Don't know of one off hand. I know a few curated lists related to specific AI/ML topics have shown up here on HN (mostly NN and DL stuff,IIRC), but I don't remember one that covers AGI. There's definitely a TON of great AI content on the 'net, but yeah, a nice curated guide to help work through the important stuff, in order, would be very helpful.
Beginning your study of cognitive/computer science with GAI could be frustrating and fruitless, just as would be beginning your study of physics with superstring theory.
There are probably well-written and interesting GAI books/articles for laypeople, though, analogous to Brian Greene's excellent books on string theory.