Artificial intelligence has become one of the most transformational technologies of our time, reshaping how we live and work each day. But for many people, AI remains shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. This accessible yet comprehensive guide lifts the veil on AI and gives readers the insight to engage thoughtfully with this emerging field.

Written for the curious citizen, business leader and policymaker alike, the book covers the capabilities and limitations of AI systems today with clear explanations and relatable examples. The reader learns how "thinking machines" work - from machine learning and neural networks to computer vision and natural language processing. Core themes explore appreciating the specialized nature of modern AI versus general intelligence, assessing its transformative potential responsibly, and recognizing why ethical development and oversight are crucial as these technologies continue proliferating.

While AI conjures images of humanoid robots and dystopian futures, the reality is much more nuanced. By demystifying artificial intelligence today, this engaging book empowers society to look past hype and fear and shape the responsible AI systems of tomorrow. This is an indispensable short book if you want to go beyond the headlines and form informed perspectives on the promises and perils of the machine age.