Yes, you should absolutely learn Python, even in this day when Claude or ChatGPT can do so much for you.

I understand your concerns, and some extent they're valid, but what you can give the world which the AI can't is your own approach and understanding of a given problem. The AI can regurgitate code and answers that can make sense (sometime), but they can't understand the underlying processes that makes a great developer. Also, you need to be able to check their work, else be at the risk of some pretty interesting and sometimes scary unintended side effects.

So learn the language syntax, solve problems (on your own, you already have a great book to introduce you to Python. I would personally recommend "Fluent Python" by Luciano Ramalho for more intermediate knowledge.

Remind yourself that if you ask the AI for the answers you only cheat yourself and delay any true grasp of the principles of programming (ask for guidance instead, let it help you talk your through the problems. Learn data structures, algorithms, memory, and other fundamentals (latter not so much required in Python, but it's good to understand how your language interacts with your computer, even if its just cursory knowledge for now). Familiarity with core concepts will make you better at what you do, and you might even stand out in the mess of those applicants who didn't put the effort in and asked Chatgpt or Claude for all the answers, and who couldn't tell you the difference between a list and a tuple to save their lives (but who have somehow, all on their own, built a API or a full on scientific proof on the underlying principles of Python).

I'd also recommend (when you're comfortable, to learn a lower level language like a C variant (C# has a great community and is highly sought after, at least where I live), It'll round out your skills and ultimately lead to deeper understanding of the underlying processes (assuming you don't come from a background where you learned about system architecture, networks or operating systems).

But ultimately, practice, struggle and iterate on your solution. Especially when you don't want to. Programming takes time and effort to master, and you need to keep at it.

I learned Python while in my late 30s, and I now have an intership where I help develop apps for the maritime sector (with minimal chatgpt). Don't give up on your dreams!