Raising AI

Included in J.P. Morgan’s Summer Reading List
Included in The Next Big Idea Club’s June 2025 Must-Read Books

“In this clear and engaging volume, De Kai, a pioneer in machine learning and natural language processing, invites readers into the history of AI to explore deeply philosophical questions on the nature of human thinking and belief. With humor, diagrams, and plentiful examples, De Kai takes readers below the surface of popular chatbots and search engines to the broad field of scientific inquiry living at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and computer science, reflecting researchers’ observations about human intelligence…Ultimately, this primer argues that the stakes are high, the situation is urgent, and we all have a role to play. By engaging with AI consciously and ethically, we can help shape better systems—by first calling forth our better selves. A deeply human dive into the AIs that are transforming our world.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Raising AI is a compelling treatise grounded in studies of ethics and technology that charts a path toward greater understanding between biological and artificial intelligences.”
—Foreword Reviews

“De Kai, a “pioneer of translation AIs,” is a worthy guide to the dangers and possibilities of the technology. Fascinating and mercifully comprehensible to layreaders, Raising AI situates humans as the adults in the room and explores the ways in which we can and should engage with our “artificial children.” Why not give your dread a little break?”
—LitHub

“In his beautiful, even profound, new book, Raising AI: An Essential Guide to Parenting Our Future, AI luminary De Kai reframes the AI dialogue. They’re not tools, slaves or gods, they’re our children.”
—Forbes