AI, from the ground up
A free, plain-language course on what AI is, how it works, and how to use it well.
Seven chapters. Read top to bottom for the full picture, or jump to what you need. Each chapter pairs a simple, metaphor-driven explanation with optional "dive deeper" panels containing the math, the code, and the original research — for when you want to go past the metaphor.
Written for curious general readers, students, and working professionals. The main text is the same for everyone; the dive-deepers are where the audiences split.
Chapters
- Chapter 01 · 10 min
What AI actually is
“A very well-read librarian who can only quote what they've read.”
Read → - Chapter 02 · 12 min
How models learn
“Teaching by example, with millions of examples and a tireless intern.”
Read → - Chapter 03 · 11 min
Inside a neural network
“A chain of voters — each weighs the evidence, then passes a guess forward.”
Read → - Chapter 04 · 10 min
From words to numbers
“A map of meaning where similar ideas live close together.”
Read → - Chapter 05 · 13 min
Transformers & attention
“A meeting room where every word decides which other words to listen to.”
Read → - Chapter 06 · 11 min
What LLMs can and can't do
“A confident first-year intern with photographic memory and no judgment.”
Read → - Chapter 07 · 12 min
Using AI well
“Stop asking the genie. Build the workshop.”
Read →