Learning AI(?) where to start

So lately "learning Artificial Intelligence" caught my attention. I would like to start experimenting with it as well but i have no idea where to start. I am talking about that part when using command line AI generations are created and they get a fitness value based on how close they got to completing the task. I do not even know what it is called and also sorry for this weird description, that's all i know about it. I saw it on a video in which an AI was learning how to complete old video games like super mario, mario kart and such, but i assume it's the same concept as AI trying to write books based on human written books? Thank you for your help in advance and sorry again for the weird description. (I did check the FAQ but it's too much information for an absolute beginner, i am interested in this particular field only, for now at least)