AI and the Art of Being Human

How do you rediscover what makes you you in a world where AI can replicate everything you do? In AI and the Art of Being Human, Abbott and Maynard guide you step by step through embracing your humanity as machines become increasingly able to mirror everything you do. Using fictional narratives, they reveal truths about our relationship with AI-and how to thrive in an AI future-that only stories can capture, showing rather than telling what becomes possible when technology reflects who we are. You'll discover transformative approaches that are built on four principles designed to help you embrace and celebrate who you are in an age of AI: Curiosity: Staying willing to be surprised while resisting the obvious answer from AI Intentionality: Choosing consciously rather than following algorithmic momentum Clarity: Seeing what AI tools or models miss-the human context beneath the data Care: Choosing human flourishing over pure optimization Combined with twenty-one practical tools you can use immediately, their unique approach powerfully transforms abstract AI concepts into lived experience. Whether you're a professional, entrepreneur, investor, parent, artist, or simply someone navigating modern life, this is a book for you.

JEFFREY ABBOTT is a Founding Partner at Blitzscaling Ventures and founder of AI Salon, a global community spanning 60+ cities that hosts hundreds of events annually. As a venture capitalist whose firm has invested in companies like CrewAI and the AI upskilling platform Multiverse, while simultaneously building one of the world's largest AI practitioner networks, Abbott bridges Silicon Valley innovation with human-centered values in ways few others can.His unique vantage point-managing AI investments at a venture capital firm backed by Reid Hoffman while fostering grassroots communities from Phoenix to Tokyo-gives him unparalleled insight into both AI's technical possibilities and its human implications. Through roles at GE, Brown-Forman, Arizona State University, and multiple boards, including the Qatar Technology Venture Fund, Abbott has witnessed digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies, startups, and global institutions.Abbott's advocacy for "AI that amplifies rather than replaces human potential" has made him a sought-after speaker at and international forums. His AI Salon network provides a built-in platform reaching thousands of AI practitioners, entrepreneurs, and concerned citizens worldwide-the exact audience hungry for practical wisdom about thriving in an AI age.

Prelude: The Mirror of AI Part I: Mindsets for the Age of AI Chapter 1: Courage to be Curious Chapter 2: Intentional AI Chapter 3: Beyond Human Exceptionalism Chapter 4: Clarity & Care in Practice Part II: Navigating Change Chapter 5: Identity Re-imagined Chapter 6: Values Under Pressure Chapter 7: Communities of Meaning Part III: Thriving in Partnership Chapter 8: Conducting the Orchestra Chapter 9: Making Care a Competitive Edge Chapter 10: Creativity Unbound Part IV: Intentional Futures Chapter 11: Your Intentional AI Roadmap Chapter 12: Building Communities Chapter 13: A Call to Intentional Humanity Afterword Appendix A: Tools Quick Reference Guide Appendix B: Main Characters What Comes Next Acknowledgments About the Authors