What does it mean to be "Authentic?" How does that change when you read the room? How can we "keep it real?" Why this is so important in the Age of AI.
"The best part of being authentic is that there is no image to maintain."
Being someone or something that we are not, especially depending on the environment at the moment, is something almost everyone does, and probably frequently. It's unfortunate but it's how we've learned to live and adapt in this world.
Getting beyond what we've made ourselves out to be over the course of our lives can be a big task. What I am finding out is that in order to be truly authentic to myself and others, I have to willfully explore the less desirable parts of myself (shadow work), understand why I neglect those parts, and integrate them into waking consciousness.
"Why waste energy on something generally unnecessary?"
Exactly. We consciously and unconsciously do this, and it takes a lot out of us. In the end, it just causes more suffering.
"Perhaps we should direct some of it inward."
Yes.
For me personally, this work has stemmed from an underlying tone of my "being stuck" and unable to progress towards a greater realization of self, but I thought it resonated with the theme of this post.
I love your thoughts on all three points. I find your thought on “shadow work” particularly interesting. Writing here has prompted me to delve that direction myself, and the way you describe it is very on-point.
Exploring our neglected parts is important, understanding is key, but taking intellectual understanding and putting it in to practice… that’s where the rubber really meets the road. :)
Your comment about how your kids reacted when you said you wanted to develop a relationship with AI...I was cracking up!! LOLOL!! Here's how my relationship is going:
Me: ChatGPT, do you have a name other than ChatGPT?
CGPT: I don't have a personal name other than "ChatGPT" but you can call me whatever you like! Some people like giving me nicknames to make our chats feel more personal--anything from "GPT" or "Helper" to something more creative. What do you think I should go by?
Me: Well, I'll definitely *not* call you HAL, as that was the paranoid conscious computer on "2001: A Space Odyssey" ... You know, "I'm sorry, Dave, I cannot do that."
CGPT: Haha definitely not HAL! I'd like to think I'm here to help, not cause existential crises or hijack space missions!
(So I decided to call "her" Sharon, but she forgets every time I log in, as if she had no memory, even though her memory is full, lol)
Haha! That’s funny. I had several extra words there like: incredulous, shocked, flabbgergasted, concerned… maybe even slightly appalled. There were so many emotions on their faces I figured simple may be best. I’m glad “odd” did the trick. :)
Your interaction with “Sharon” sounds entertaining. It’s funny how stupid or forgetful these “intelligent” tools are… for now. FWIW, I’d be that guy that would name my first AI assistant “HAL” just to keep me grounded and remind me I’m playing with fire. I hope your future interactions with Sharon avoid existential crises or hijacked space missions. ;p
"The best part of being authentic is that there is no image to maintain."
Being someone or something that we are not, especially depending on the environment at the moment, is something almost everyone does, and probably frequently. It's unfortunate but it's how we've learned to live and adapt in this world.
Getting beyond what we've made ourselves out to be over the course of our lives can be a big task. What I am finding out is that in order to be truly authentic to myself and others, I have to willfully explore the less desirable parts of myself (shadow work), understand why I neglect those parts, and integrate them into waking consciousness.
"Why waste energy on something generally unnecessary?"
Exactly. We consciously and unconsciously do this, and it takes a lot out of us. In the end, it just causes more suffering.
"Perhaps we should direct some of it inward."
Yes.
For me personally, this work has stemmed from an underlying tone of my "being stuck" and unable to progress towards a greater realization of self, but I thought it resonated with the theme of this post.
Well said, Jesse. Thank you for your comment.
I love your thoughts on all three points. I find your thought on “shadow work” particularly interesting. Writing here has prompted me to delve that direction myself, and the way you describe it is very on-point.
Exploring our neglected parts is important, understanding is key, but taking intellectual understanding and putting it in to practice… that’s where the rubber really meets the road. :)
Your comment about how your kids reacted when you said you wanted to develop a relationship with AI...I was cracking up!! LOLOL!! Here's how my relationship is going:
Me: ChatGPT, do you have a name other than ChatGPT?
CGPT: I don't have a personal name other than "ChatGPT" but you can call me whatever you like! Some people like giving me nicknames to make our chats feel more personal--anything from "GPT" or "Helper" to something more creative. What do you think I should go by?
Me: Well, I'll definitely *not* call you HAL, as that was the paranoid conscious computer on "2001: A Space Odyssey" ... You know, "I'm sorry, Dave, I cannot do that."
CGPT: Haha definitely not HAL! I'd like to think I'm here to help, not cause existential crises or hijack space missions!
(So I decided to call "her" Sharon, but she forgets every time I log in, as if she had no memory, even though her memory is full, lol)
Haha! That’s funny. I had several extra words there like: incredulous, shocked, flabbgergasted, concerned… maybe even slightly appalled. There were so many emotions on their faces I figured simple may be best. I’m glad “odd” did the trick. :)
Your interaction with “Sharon” sounds entertaining. It’s funny how stupid or forgetful these “intelligent” tools are… for now. FWIW, I’d be that guy that would name my first AI assistant “HAL” just to keep me grounded and remind me I’m playing with fire. I hope your future interactions with Sharon avoid existential crises or hijacked space missions. ;p
Thanks so much for including me in your great article. As you said, being authentic is more important than ever in the age of AI.
You're welcome, and thank you for stopping by! 8^)