The authors main point is bunk if his only defense of that point is that humans are smart.
The "learning" problem is solved. We've developed numerous algorithms to take a neural network and have it learn a task. We've solved specific problems, including image recognition, and text synthesis. Companies have figured out how to make sensory equipment including cameras, microphones, touch sensors...
Just because no one has managed to put together all the pieces doesn't mean it will never happen. People for thousands of years did not think it was possible to build a flying machine, until someone did.
