There’s a new very aggravating feature in Google Drive that is called Gemini and it’s some AI let-me-help-you-write “add-on” that I did not ask for and actively do not want.
I keep thinking about Maggie Smith’s poem — and how we CAN make this shithole beautiful. We DO have good bones.
I think though it’s going to be small moments of beauty, being plastered over the holes our government is punching in the walls as it tries to erase some of us and kill the rest.
I know that sounds bleak and maybe not enough, but the beauty is the point. It’s always been the point.
And it’s people like you who’ll be wreaking beautiful havoc no matter how much shit they throw at us. And I say thank god for that.
(Also, lemme know if you want some insights for your memoir bc I’d love to offer them unsolicited.)
I was all teary from everything you wrote and then that last sentence made me bust out laughing which is why you are the very fucking best. And I think everything you said is right. And I love you.
Oh my. You packed sooooooooo much substance into this. I honestly feel like there are multitudes of conversations that could emerge from the sections regarding AI/machines v. humans; hope; religion and politics. I mean, WOW.
So what tugged at me the most was when I felt myself jump on the wagon with you about AI. I do not use it, either. I have heard a lot about it, even its usefulness for artists, but I...hesitate. I don't know. I just don't feel right about it for some reason I haven't exactly figured out. I can say that I agree with you 100% of all the reasons you listed, and I believe you have hit on something very, very true when you write that humans need to feel these emotions in a robotic world. As a person with a background in counseling, I can attest to that necessity, especially this day and age.
As a person also trying to unravel my own story as it relates to my previous publishing history (branded Catholic author), I hear what you are saying about the woman writing on social media about the Bible and also the backlash from those who said she should not make it political. I think about this a LOT. I mean, the more I share my own story and background, the more people open up to me about their complicated relationships with religion. I hear that. I hear all of it, and I'd like to think I hold space for them to let it all out, whatever it may be.
When I consider my own beliefs, I think about how much I want to be the kind of Christian that genuinely cares. I mean, who walks in the footsteps of Jesus. I don't often say this openly, because these are sometimes triggering words for people that shut them down and they just can't hear any more of what I mean. I guess today I am baring it publicly in your Substack space, because I believe that Jesus is an example of mercy and love, regardless of what we believe or ascribe to, or not. I mean, he chose the outcasts of society to be his closest friends. I try to learn from what it means to be who I am as a privileged white woman and what it means for me to open my heart to all humans, to really be present with them and listen to their stories, to accompany them in a way that hopefully helps them feel less alone and more like they matter. I try to celebrate and elevate people of all backgrounds in my own Substack space. I guess that is what it feels like, for me, to try to be a Christian. To love. To embrace.
As for "there will not be healing in your lifetime," maybe not. Probably not. I think people from the beginning of humanity could say that. At the same time, I believe that I can do my part to bring about pockets of hope in small ways--in my own family, in my neighborhood and community, hopefully through my writing and in my Substack space. Will that change the entire trajectory of our world and all its many ails? No, but I don't purport to do that. I know it's not possible for me to change corrupt systems entrenched in -isms. What I do know is that I can show up today with a good heart, no matter where I am or who I'm with, and that's what I aspire to do. That's what it means for me to find meaning in the midst of such desolation and hopelessness.
Thanks, as always, Ally, for your thoughtful essay.
Yeah, I fundamentally do not want artificial intelligence editing me or writing along with me or rewriting or anything else. I don’t think it’s confusing at all. My thoughts are my thoughts and unless I have expressly opted in, I definitely don’t want auto-suggestions popping up. It’s distracting and invasive and outrageous 😡
So much of this is happening outside of our purview. Every published author (including me) has had their work stolen to train AI. It’s one of the reasons I’m so horrified at the provision in the budget bill about deregulating AI for the next 10 years. We’ll never recover. It’s going to be hard even with regulation. You know how no one remembers phone numbers anymore because they’re programmed into everyone’s cellphones? People are not going to know how to write. Or think. Anyway.
And yes, I am not someone who is religious. I’d say I’m spiritual or agnostic. I have certain things that make sense to me or that I’d like to believe, and I live my life trying to show up in the world as a good human being regardless of what might happen or not happen after this.
I am not bothered or triggered by anyone’s beliefs as long as they aren’t hurting anyone else. If your beliefs make you a better person and make life more manageable, if they give you a foundation and something to lean on when things get hard, I have nothing but respect for that. It’s when people think “my way is the only way, or my god is the only god, or the way you’re living is sinful and you’re going to burn in hell for all eternity” that I want no part of it. I never get that sense from you.
Ultimately I think we all just have to be ourselves and be forthright about who we are and what we think. Not everyone is going to agree or like it, and that’s okay. If you can’t deal with that, don’t write on the internet, right? We know this lol. Have a great day, Jeannnie, thanks for being here ❤️
I appreciate such a thoughtful response, Ally, and it really sickens me to know that your original work has been stolen for AI training. That is a primary deterrent for me NOT to start using it, despite all the shiny things to entice me. I can’t stomach that. It’s not right. There are so many brilliant creatives like you who deserve to own and share your work as you see fit without it being stolen and then recycled with thousands, or millions, of other brilliant thoughts and words and sentences to formulate some generic response to a person who does not, or cannot, critically think.
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. It does make me wonder how we stop the monster, but my husband says that the Beast of AI grows because we feed it. “We” being a collective, and not specific, declaration.
I hear you about religion and agree. I hope that people will find in my writing a welcoming space. That’s honestly what I try to do. I have a background in counseling and have been privileged to walk with people in their deepest pain. It’s taught me a lot. It’s humbled me. And I love all humans and want to celebrate them for who they are. So that’s why I’m here.
Thank you so much, Wendy. I feel a little bit like the “get off my lawn!” cliché, but this is definitely more nefarious and intrusive and I really hope the provision about deregulation does not go through😩🙏🏼
I write in Word, which I think must still give me the option to turn off predictive text and such, as I haven’t noticed it interrupting me with suggestions. Sticking with that, then!
Maybe I’ll switch over. I’ve always liked Google Drive, but I end up saving as a Word doc because that’s what everyone wants, anyway. If there’s no predictive text, that’ll do it. Thanks for the tip ❤️
I hate AI. Strong word, hate. I try not to use it often--maybe I mean dislike, or maybe I mean frightening, or triggering, or alienating. Rarely do I really mean hate. So when I do, it's powerful. I really do hate AI. Don't tell me what I mean, or what I want to say, or how best to say it grammatically.
(My mama was a charter member of The Grammar Police, and my sister, brother, and I are second generation members. My daughter, alas, is a Gen Zer. If she says something cringe-worthy to my oh-so-judgmental ear, she asks me if I can understand what she's saying. If I say that I do, she just gives me that look--the one that means "what kind of silliness is this, then?" I shake my head, and ask my long-gone mama what to do. She doesn't answer.)
I love your writing, Ally, and no AI, no matter how trained, could possibly replicate it. Because it doesn't feel, the way you do. It doesn't take the time to think, as you do. Anything that spews words at warp speed cannot have nuance. I love nuance. I'm going to name my next cat Nuance. So there!
If I could tell you the way there is a 24/7 editor alive in my brain, continuously scanning for grammatical errors and typos lol. I don’t mean for it to happen, it’s just there, humming away. I don’t want AI.
My daughter told me tonight there is no way to opt out on Google Drive which is infuriating, Audrey. I always write in Google Drive. I’m writing my book there. I’m sure every platform is doing this, so all our kids are being interrupted as they stop to think. It’s nuts. Anyway, rant over. Thank you for being here and for understanding my strong feelings on this topic and many others. We are clearly cut from the same cloth. And I appreciate you so very much ❤️ I guess we will just have to ignore these robots and teach our kids to do the same to whatever degree we can. Nuance is a great name for a cat. Maybe I will name my next dog Scribe.
I stopped using Google Drive a while ago, in part because of the disruptive and annoying effect of AI on my writing and my mood, and in part because of my paranoia that its AI will steal my oeuvre-in-process to train itself to use my bon mots. And yes, just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean it’s not out to get me!
Your heart shines through your words—such authenticity.
I know the first round with these bullies freaked me out because, of course, no one needs unintelligent bullies running things, but also because it triggered my own experience of chaos —and also the old eldest sister role—so I felt I needed to save everyone. (I’m a retired teacher and my students, in my heart, are my kids along with my own kids & their families so much kinder to me than my parents ever were, my family as well. so I feared for them then and I fear for them now)
And my family is having its own war with tech. We have not had time to learn to use it properly. Maybe we will eventually. It’s invasive and is not good for the brain!
I enjoy reading your thoughts. I’m 66. I never imagined it’d be like this. I remind myself that I exist because my ancestors survived hard, hard times. I’ve known people who’ve survived wars—WWII, Vietnam, Central America.
Stay strong. Probably you should get another dog. Dogs sort of are better than we are.
The Secret stuff is childish. That said, every goodness is like a pebble dropped into a pond—you know the ripples spread to more ripples. It doesn’t take much. That is true of putting out loving-kindness. So keep it going! We can do the big gestures but the small ones matter too.
I love your comments, Kathleen. I’m fifty-four and never thought I’d see anything like this. I also have that eldest daughter/sister thing, plus child of an alcoholic. My desire to somehow manage the chaos and keep people safe is strong and ingrained, and the feelings that come up when I feel powerless to do that are intense. Though I do know every little bit matters.
And yes, I’m heading to Mexico to lead a retreat at the end of June, but I am planning on adopting a puppy when I get back. I wasn’t ready until recently and I don’t think my daughter was, either, but it’s time. We need some joy. And I need a different kind of chaos ☺️ Sending you so much love. I’m really grateful you’re here.
I always love your posts, but this one... there's so much here that lands deep. It's quite an extraordinary thing to write something so ultimately kind and hopeful, in the midst of everything.
"But life is strange right now for everyone, and taking a minute or a day or three to pause and consider what other people might be dealing with is good. It can only help." YES to this. I'm trying to do this as much as possible, especially when it feels hard.
Oh, and my god, that fucking AI prompt on g-docs. I couldn't figure out how to turn it off. I might have to find another writing tool. At least when we feel judgy about an AI bot, we don't have to wonder what it might be going through.
Anyway, I'm going to save this one to re-read. Thank you, as always.
Thank you so much for these comments, Rob. You know I love your work, too so it means so much to me. I am somewhat devastated by the g-doc bs. So far I am managing to ignore it because I’m just too far into my book to switch now. I can’t even think about it. But yeah, if they’re going to make this a forced thing, then I will leave after this project. Word it is.
And I appreciate what you said. I’m trying to be extra patient and tolerant and compassionate and I am so grateful for the people who are extending that energy. I just think so many of us are grappling and aching and doing our best, and maybe sometimes from the outside it looks like something other than what it is. Having said that, the tree is *still* on my roof because I just have not mustered the energy? will? to go around the corner and have this ridiculous conversation where I say hey, hi, so there’s a tree on my studio and they pretend they don’t know. Or…say they do know and they’re sorry? Or like. Yeah. Just thinking about it makes me tired haha. But I have to do it because there’s probably some statute of limitation where not saying anything makes the tree my problem. Or something. Thank you for being here, friend 🤍🌳
I love this essay, Ally. You have really put your finger on what is so insidious about A.I. It also deeply disturbs me that one can ask it to simply distill or summarise the argument of a book or to search it for certain ideas because reading - even reading an abstract argument - is always about meeting the mind of another specific individual human. And yet somehow we think we can just strip the content out of that encounter. We must value that encounter more than we value efficiency. Everything hangs on this.
Soon it will be able to summarize an experience. “Tell me what it’s like to go to Walden Pond.” Or the Grand Canyon. It’s all just so sad and strange. There are people using ChatGPT instead of going to therapy 😬😳
Thank you for your comments, Lexi. I know the horse is out of the barn. I just think we really ought to try to protect art, writing, poetry, experiences…all the things that make us human. If they want to create A.I. so I can plug in my expenses, so I can do my taxes every year, so my fridge can pop out lists of what I need or whatever, great! More time to do the things I want to do. But leave the art to the human beings. That’s how I feel.
"The space and the pause - the quiet and the uncertainty - the moments when you are feeling your way through all the things you need to feel so you know how you are when someone asks, and so you know how you are…that is necessary space."
This reminds me so much of when I was learning to drive, along the narrow medieval lanes of the Oxfordshire countryside (yes, on the 'wrong' side of the road, lol). Then, in my early 20s, I imagined that I'd know I was good at driving when I was comfortable driving at high speeds.
After gaining my license, it didn't take me long to realize that you're ACTUALLY only good at driving when you know how to slow down and move forward gently, something those narrow lanes - occasionally wide enough for just a single car, often containing multiple blind corners and unexpected hazards - force you to do over and again. In that context, the art truly lies in being ever-ready to hold back and hold space for whatever is ahead of you to move past, be it a pheasant or a juggernaut. The art is not driving on the freeway.
I have been on those roads and you are not kidding!! You can imagine for me, the steering wheel is on the “wrong side” I’m driving on the “wrong side” and there really is no “side” because the road is only wide enough for one car 😳🤣 wtf. Feeling your way through is literally a matter of life and death. Thank you for reminding me of this. What a fantastic comment ❤️ Hugs and love to you xx
Growing up, for me anyway, was one long struggle with my parents. They were McCarthy-type Republicans who thought any “liberal” politician was some shade of red. Pink, whatever. They were afraid to excel or even stand out in a crowd. I had no patience for that.
So they accused me of being a show-off, too smart for my own good, and so on. When I grew old, I never changed my mind. You do not change thing by never speaking up.
It took me longer to find my voice. There wasn’t room for dissent about anything in either household (parents divorced), so I kept a lot of my feelings and opinions to myself, but as you can see, I got over that eventually, haha. I agree, speaking up is the only way we change anything. Thanks for being here, Saralyn🤍
"Is it that we can’t tolerate discomfort anymore? Loneliness, rejection, fear, envy, uncertainty? I’m starting to wonder if so many of us are struggling because we’re having all the very human emotions right now, in a world that keeps asking us to be robotic. To keep getting up and making the coffee and going to work and buying the groceries even while the world seems bent on reckless apathy, violence and inhumanity."
Yep.
Between the invasion of the techbro thoughtbots and the undying varieties of "The Secret" themed mindfulness gaslight, I will be forever staring in the middle distance and feeling like a marooned alien traveler on a cursed planet.
I keep thinking about Maggie Smith’s poem — and how we CAN make this shithole beautiful. We DO have good bones.
I think though it’s going to be small moments of beauty, being plastered over the holes our government is punching in the walls as it tries to erase some of us and kill the rest.
I know that sounds bleak and maybe not enough, but the beauty is the point. It’s always been the point.
And it’s people like you who’ll be wreaking beautiful havoc no matter how much shit they throw at us. And I say thank god for that.
(Also, lemme know if you want some insights for your memoir bc I’d love to offer them unsolicited.)
I was all teary from everything you wrote and then that last sentence made me bust out laughing which is why you are the very fucking best. And I think everything you said is right. And I love you.
❤️
Ally,
Oh my. You packed sooooooooo much substance into this. I honestly feel like there are multitudes of conversations that could emerge from the sections regarding AI/machines v. humans; hope; religion and politics. I mean, WOW.
So what tugged at me the most was when I felt myself jump on the wagon with you about AI. I do not use it, either. I have heard a lot about it, even its usefulness for artists, but I...hesitate. I don't know. I just don't feel right about it for some reason I haven't exactly figured out. I can say that I agree with you 100% of all the reasons you listed, and I believe you have hit on something very, very true when you write that humans need to feel these emotions in a robotic world. As a person with a background in counseling, I can attest to that necessity, especially this day and age.
As a person also trying to unravel my own story as it relates to my previous publishing history (branded Catholic author), I hear what you are saying about the woman writing on social media about the Bible and also the backlash from those who said she should not make it political. I think about this a LOT. I mean, the more I share my own story and background, the more people open up to me about their complicated relationships with religion. I hear that. I hear all of it, and I'd like to think I hold space for them to let it all out, whatever it may be.
When I consider my own beliefs, I think about how much I want to be the kind of Christian that genuinely cares. I mean, who walks in the footsteps of Jesus. I don't often say this openly, because these are sometimes triggering words for people that shut them down and they just can't hear any more of what I mean. I guess today I am baring it publicly in your Substack space, because I believe that Jesus is an example of mercy and love, regardless of what we believe or ascribe to, or not. I mean, he chose the outcasts of society to be his closest friends. I try to learn from what it means to be who I am as a privileged white woman and what it means for me to open my heart to all humans, to really be present with them and listen to their stories, to accompany them in a way that hopefully helps them feel less alone and more like they matter. I try to celebrate and elevate people of all backgrounds in my own Substack space. I guess that is what it feels like, for me, to try to be a Christian. To love. To embrace.
As for "there will not be healing in your lifetime," maybe not. Probably not. I think people from the beginning of humanity could say that. At the same time, I believe that I can do my part to bring about pockets of hope in small ways--in my own family, in my neighborhood and community, hopefully through my writing and in my Substack space. Will that change the entire trajectory of our world and all its many ails? No, but I don't purport to do that. I know it's not possible for me to change corrupt systems entrenched in -isms. What I do know is that I can show up today with a good heart, no matter where I am or who I'm with, and that's what I aspire to do. That's what it means for me to find meaning in the midst of such desolation and hopelessness.
Thanks, as always, Ally, for your thoughtful essay.
Yeah, I fundamentally do not want artificial intelligence editing me or writing along with me or rewriting or anything else. I don’t think it’s confusing at all. My thoughts are my thoughts and unless I have expressly opted in, I definitely don’t want auto-suggestions popping up. It’s distracting and invasive and outrageous 😡
So much of this is happening outside of our purview. Every published author (including me) has had their work stolen to train AI. It’s one of the reasons I’m so horrified at the provision in the budget bill about deregulating AI for the next 10 years. We’ll never recover. It’s going to be hard even with regulation. You know how no one remembers phone numbers anymore because they’re programmed into everyone’s cellphones? People are not going to know how to write. Or think. Anyway.
And yes, I am not someone who is religious. I’d say I’m spiritual or agnostic. I have certain things that make sense to me or that I’d like to believe, and I live my life trying to show up in the world as a good human being regardless of what might happen or not happen after this.
I am not bothered or triggered by anyone’s beliefs as long as they aren’t hurting anyone else. If your beliefs make you a better person and make life more manageable, if they give you a foundation and something to lean on when things get hard, I have nothing but respect for that. It’s when people think “my way is the only way, or my god is the only god, or the way you’re living is sinful and you’re going to burn in hell for all eternity” that I want no part of it. I never get that sense from you.
Ultimately I think we all just have to be ourselves and be forthright about who we are and what we think. Not everyone is going to agree or like it, and that’s okay. If you can’t deal with that, don’t write on the internet, right? We know this lol. Have a great day, Jeannnie, thanks for being here ❤️
I appreciate such a thoughtful response, Ally, and it really sickens me to know that your original work has been stolen for AI training. That is a primary deterrent for me NOT to start using it, despite all the shiny things to entice me. I can’t stomach that. It’s not right. There are so many brilliant creatives like you who deserve to own and share your work as you see fit without it being stolen and then recycled with thousands, or millions, of other brilliant thoughts and words and sentences to formulate some generic response to a person who does not, or cannot, critically think.
I am so sorry you are dealing with this. It does make me wonder how we stop the monster, but my husband says that the Beast of AI grows because we feed it. “We” being a collective, and not specific, declaration.
I hear you about religion and agree. I hope that people will find in my writing a welcoming space. That’s honestly what I try to do. I have a background in counseling and have been privileged to walk with people in their deepest pain. It’s taught me a lot. It’s humbled me. And I love all humans and want to celebrate them for who they are. So that’s why I’m here.
Glad to be here with you.
‘The most intrinsic quality of being alive is not knowing …‘ Yes, such a good point! Unbidden AI prompts drive me nuts, too. Great essay, Ally.
Thank you so much, Wendy. I feel a little bit like the “get off my lawn!” cliché, but this is definitely more nefarious and intrusive and I really hope the provision about deregulation does not go through😩🙏🏼
So glad you’re here, sending you love 🤍
I write in Word, which I think must still give me the option to turn off predictive text and such, as I haven’t noticed it interrupting me with suggestions. Sticking with that, then!
Maybe I’ll switch over. I’ve always liked Google Drive, but I end up saving as a Word doc because that’s what everyone wants, anyway. If there’s no predictive text, that’ll do it. Thanks for the tip ❤️
Yes, I think predictive text is an option (possibly the default) but at least you can switch it off!
I hate AI. Strong word, hate. I try not to use it often--maybe I mean dislike, or maybe I mean frightening, or triggering, or alienating. Rarely do I really mean hate. So when I do, it's powerful. I really do hate AI. Don't tell me what I mean, or what I want to say, or how best to say it grammatically.
(My mama was a charter member of The Grammar Police, and my sister, brother, and I are second generation members. My daughter, alas, is a Gen Zer. If she says something cringe-worthy to my oh-so-judgmental ear, she asks me if I can understand what she's saying. If I say that I do, she just gives me that look--the one that means "what kind of silliness is this, then?" I shake my head, and ask my long-gone mama what to do. She doesn't answer.)
I love your writing, Ally, and no AI, no matter how trained, could possibly replicate it. Because it doesn't feel, the way you do. It doesn't take the time to think, as you do. Anything that spews words at warp speed cannot have nuance. I love nuance. I'm going to name my next cat Nuance. So there!
If I could tell you the way there is a 24/7 editor alive in my brain, continuously scanning for grammatical errors and typos lol. I don’t mean for it to happen, it’s just there, humming away. I don’t want AI.
My daughter told me tonight there is no way to opt out on Google Drive which is infuriating, Audrey. I always write in Google Drive. I’m writing my book there. I’m sure every platform is doing this, so all our kids are being interrupted as they stop to think. It’s nuts. Anyway, rant over. Thank you for being here and for understanding my strong feelings on this topic and many others. We are clearly cut from the same cloth. And I appreciate you so very much ❤️ I guess we will just have to ignore these robots and teach our kids to do the same to whatever degree we can. Nuance is a great name for a cat. Maybe I will name my next dog Scribe.
I stopped using Google Drive a while ago, in part because of the disruptive and annoying effect of AI on my writing and my mood, and in part because of my paranoia that its AI will steal my oeuvre-in-process to train itself to use my bon mots. And yes, just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean it’s not out to get me!
Your heart shines through your words—such authenticity.
I know the first round with these bullies freaked me out because, of course, no one needs unintelligent bullies running things, but also because it triggered my own experience of chaos —and also the old eldest sister role—so I felt I needed to save everyone. (I’m a retired teacher and my students, in my heart, are my kids along with my own kids & their families so much kinder to me than my parents ever were, my family as well. so I feared for them then and I fear for them now)
And my family is having its own war with tech. We have not had time to learn to use it properly. Maybe we will eventually. It’s invasive and is not good for the brain!
I enjoy reading your thoughts. I’m 66. I never imagined it’d be like this. I remind myself that I exist because my ancestors survived hard, hard times. I’ve known people who’ve survived wars—WWII, Vietnam, Central America.
Stay strong. Probably you should get another dog. Dogs sort of are better than we are.
The Secret stuff is childish. That said, every goodness is like a pebble dropped into a pond—you know the ripples spread to more ripples. It doesn’t take much. That is true of putting out loving-kindness. So keep it going! We can do the big gestures but the small ones matter too.
I love your comments, Kathleen. I’m fifty-four and never thought I’d see anything like this. I also have that eldest daughter/sister thing, plus child of an alcoholic. My desire to somehow manage the chaos and keep people safe is strong and ingrained, and the feelings that come up when I feel powerless to do that are intense. Though I do know every little bit matters.
And yes, I’m heading to Mexico to lead a retreat at the end of June, but I am planning on adopting a puppy when I get back. I wasn’t ready until recently and I don’t think my daughter was, either, but it’s time. We need some joy. And I need a different kind of chaos ☺️ Sending you so much love. I’m really grateful you’re here.
I always love your posts, but this one... there's so much here that lands deep. It's quite an extraordinary thing to write something so ultimately kind and hopeful, in the midst of everything.
"But life is strange right now for everyone, and taking a minute or a day or three to pause and consider what other people might be dealing with is good. It can only help." YES to this. I'm trying to do this as much as possible, especially when it feels hard.
Oh, and my god, that fucking AI prompt on g-docs. I couldn't figure out how to turn it off. I might have to find another writing tool. At least when we feel judgy about an AI bot, we don't have to wonder what it might be going through.
Anyway, I'm going to save this one to re-read. Thank you, as always.
Thank you so much for these comments, Rob. You know I love your work, too so it means so much to me. I am somewhat devastated by the g-doc bs. So far I am managing to ignore it because I’m just too far into my book to switch now. I can’t even think about it. But yeah, if they’re going to make this a forced thing, then I will leave after this project. Word it is.
And I appreciate what you said. I’m trying to be extra patient and tolerant and compassionate and I am so grateful for the people who are extending that energy. I just think so many of us are grappling and aching and doing our best, and maybe sometimes from the outside it looks like something other than what it is. Having said that, the tree is *still* on my roof because I just have not mustered the energy? will? to go around the corner and have this ridiculous conversation where I say hey, hi, so there’s a tree on my studio and they pretend they don’t know. Or…say they do know and they’re sorry? Or like. Yeah. Just thinking about it makes me tired haha. But I have to do it because there’s probably some statute of limitation where not saying anything makes the tree my problem. Or something. Thank you for being here, friend 🤍🌳
I love this essay, Ally. You have really put your finger on what is so insidious about A.I. It also deeply disturbs me that one can ask it to simply distill or summarise the argument of a book or to search it for certain ideas because reading - even reading an abstract argument - is always about meeting the mind of another specific individual human. And yet somehow we think we can just strip the content out of that encounter. We must value that encounter more than we value efficiency. Everything hangs on this.
Soon it will be able to summarize an experience. “Tell me what it’s like to go to Walden Pond.” Or the Grand Canyon. It’s all just so sad and strange. There are people using ChatGPT instead of going to therapy 😬😳
Thank you for your comments, Lexi. I know the horse is out of the barn. I just think we really ought to try to protect art, writing, poetry, experiences…all the things that make us human. If they want to create A.I. so I can plug in my expenses, so I can do my taxes every year, so my fridge can pop out lists of what I need or whatever, great! More time to do the things I want to do. But leave the art to the human beings. That’s how I feel.
Hundred percent agree.
Beautiful, again
Thank you so much❤️
"The space and the pause - the quiet and the uncertainty - the moments when you are feeling your way through all the things you need to feel so you know how you are when someone asks, and so you know how you are…that is necessary space."
This reminds me so much of when I was learning to drive, along the narrow medieval lanes of the Oxfordshire countryside (yes, on the 'wrong' side of the road, lol). Then, in my early 20s, I imagined that I'd know I was good at driving when I was comfortable driving at high speeds.
After gaining my license, it didn't take me long to realize that you're ACTUALLY only good at driving when you know how to slow down and move forward gently, something those narrow lanes - occasionally wide enough for just a single car, often containing multiple blind corners and unexpected hazards - force you to do over and again. In that context, the art truly lies in being ever-ready to hold back and hold space for whatever is ahead of you to move past, be it a pheasant or a juggernaut. The art is not driving on the freeway.
I have been on those roads and you are not kidding!! You can imagine for me, the steering wheel is on the “wrong side” I’m driving on the “wrong side” and there really is no “side” because the road is only wide enough for one car 😳🤣 wtf. Feeling your way through is literally a matter of life and death. Thank you for reminding me of this. What a fantastic comment ❤️ Hugs and love to you xx
Growing up, for me anyway, was one long struggle with my parents. They were McCarthy-type Republicans who thought any “liberal” politician was some shade of red. Pink, whatever. They were afraid to excel or even stand out in a crowd. I had no patience for that.
So they accused me of being a show-off, too smart for my own good, and so on. When I grew old, I never changed my mind. You do not change thing by never speaking up.
It took me longer to find my voice. There wasn’t room for dissent about anything in either household (parents divorced), so I kept a lot of my feelings and opinions to myself, but as you can see, I got over that eventually, haha. I agree, speaking up is the only way we change anything. Thanks for being here, Saralyn🤍
My pleasure!
"Is it that we can’t tolerate discomfort anymore? Loneliness, rejection, fear, envy, uncertainty? I’m starting to wonder if so many of us are struggling because we’re having all the very human emotions right now, in a world that keeps asking us to be robotic. To keep getting up and making the coffee and going to work and buying the groceries even while the world seems bent on reckless apathy, violence and inhumanity."
Yep.
Between the invasion of the techbro thoughtbots and the undying varieties of "The Secret" themed mindfulness gaslight, I will be forever staring in the middle distance and feeling like a marooned alien traveler on a cursed planet.
Thanks for the feels and the sanity.
We’re not built for this, Cabot. And that’s a good thing. Thanks for being here, friend 🤍