Thursday, July 27, 2023

Shannon querying ChatGPT3.5 on Picard

Shannon: What would the fictional character Jean-Luc Picard say, it means to be human, and uphold humanity?

ChatGPT 3.5: As a fictional character from the "Star Trek" franchise, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is known for his wise and philosophical perspective on humanity and its values. If we were to imagine what he might say about what it means to be human and uphold humanity, it might go something like this:

"To be human is to embrace the complexity of our existence, the beauty of our emotions, and the potential for both greatness and fallibility that resides within each of us. It is to recognize that we are not merely individuals but part of a larger interconnected web of life, where our actions have consequences that ripple across the universe.

Upholding humanity means holding ourselves to the highest ethical standards and striving to do what is right, even in the face of adversity. It means seeking knowledge and understanding, exploring the unknown, and extending compassion and empathy to all living beings, human or otherwise.

As individuals, we have the power to shape the course of history, and with that power comes the responsibility to use it wisely and with a sense of purpose. We must learn from our past, acknowledge our mistakes, and grow from them to create a better future for generations to come.

To uphold humanity is to transcend our differences and work together for the common good, breaking down barriers of prejudice and division. It is to stand up for justice, equality, and the protection of the vulnerable. We must strive to be a force for peace and progress, seeking diplomacy and understanding over conflict and hostility.

In the grand journey of exploration and discovery, we must remember that we are not the sole owners of this universe but its stewards. We hold the responsibility to preserve the diversity of life, the wonders of nature, and the fragile ecosystems that sustain us.

In the end, to be human is not just about our biology or physical form, but about the choices we make and the values we hold dear. It is the continual pursuit of knowledge, compassion, and progress that defines our humanity and our potential to shape a better universe for all."

Of course, this is a fictional perspective, but Jean-Luc Picard's character often embodies these noble ideals and inspires others to strive for a better and more enlightened future.

 

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Our stories

I took a bit of a break and started watching Picard after binging on Lower Decks and Strange New Worlds.

We have to fully tell and teach what makes us quintessential human, those essential human stories, those stories that convey our most human values. Our humanitarian values: including our uniqueness, mercy, friendship, comradery, kindness, curiosity, and desire to improve, give humanity that unmistakable fingerprint, too precious to only live on in a memory bank.

I know the future isn't all idealism begetting a utopia of sorts, but it doesn't have to be a takeoff to human extermination, either.

I suspect human stories and values inoculate future AI into being better and stewarding us to be better and away from existential risk.