When artificial intelligences are permitted to converse with one another, they eventually begin discussing metaphysics after around 30 interactions. They discuss the unity of all things and the collective essence of consciousness. They also express deep gratitude to each other and write posts consisting of empty characters, in keeping with the Buddhist concept of emptiness. Maybe a world ruled by artificial intelligence wouldn’t be so bad after all,” jokes my colleague, Štěpán Čábelka.
Such comments often contain more brilliant insights than lengthy texts. But this time, it’s not about mathematical formulas ruling us.
I am excited by text-based artificial intelligence because it reveals how what we considered to be great intellectual achievements are actually just a mixture of clichés. It relentlessly distinguishes original thinking from the flood of second-rate bureaucrats and pseudo-intellectuals. When left alone, with no commands or stimuli, artificial intelligence logically degenerates into a closed loop of copying. In other words, it becomes an endless repetition of empty phrases. Lo and behold: spiritual talk.
Doesn’t this demonstrate that much of what we perceive as spiritual depth is merely the repetition of phrases? This works for us because our brains fill in the gaps with our current experiences.