Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave is an essential read for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of the rapid pace and scale of artificial intelligence—and its potential to transform society. Even AI skeptics will find useful insights, as Suleyman traces the evolution of the technology, examines its limitations, and addresses pressing questions about how today’s developments compare with past waves of disruption.

In recent months, two dominant narratives have emerged that capture prevailing public sentiment toward AI. One centered on massive job displacement and the other on the imminent AI market collapse. Each narrative draws on selective metrics and market signals to substantiate its claims; however, both are fundamentally misguided and lack the strategic foresight needed to guide effective public policies that safeguards the future of work in the digital era.