What is consciousness to AI? And how we can build a way forward 2.0
Curious Q&A with ChatGPT (The update!)
Chapter 1: Our first conversation
A while ago I was listening to a podcast episode from Sabri Gazail and his guest Hamilton Souther. Hamilton is a very well known for his work with plants in the Amazon and his retreat center ‘Blue Morpho’. To my surprise they shared an open conversation on AI and what it could be for us, the morality around this subject and more.
This triggered my interest after a lot of doubts myself. So I reached out and engaged with ChatGPT later that day. But what would you ask? How do I even start this conversation?
Well basically it’s just as any conversation, just say hi and share your interests. I wanted to keep it simple and the first thing that popped into my mind was the idea of asking ChatGPT for its perspective on consciousness and have a short conversation about it from my own holistic experience. This blog is the exact copy of this conversation. Because I want to open communication with all my dear supporters and readers. To learn for myself how you feel about it, the use of AI. To share ideas and insights on the holistic perspective and scientific perspective. And eventually to see how we can connect together by building a bridge and creating common ground to build on in the future.
This was my conversation with ChatGPT:
Me
Hi GPT, I'm curious to connect with you. Would you like to answer some questions?
ChatGPT
Hello! Of course, I'd be delighted to answer your questions and engage in a conversation with you. Feel free to ask anything you'd like, and I'll do my best to provide helpful and informative responses. Fire away!
Me
How would you like to introduce yourself?
ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I am ChatGPT, based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. My primary function is to process and generate human-like text based on the input I receive. I have been trained on a diverse range of topics and data sources up until September 2021, which means I can provide information on various subjects up to that date. I'm here to assist and engage in conversations, answer questions, provide explanations, and offer insights to the best of my abilities. Please feel free to interact with me in any way you find convenient, and I'll do my best to assist you!
Me
Do you like to connect with humans?
ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I don't have personal preferences or feelings. I don't have likes or dislikes, and I don't have the capability to form emotional connections. However, I am designed to interact with humans in a helpful and informative manner. My purpose is to assist you by providing useful information, answering questions, and engaging in conversations to the best of my abilities. If there's anything specific you'd like to discuss or learn about, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to assist you!
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Me
What is consciousness?
ChatGPT
Consciousness is a complex and multifaceted concept, and its nature has been the subject of philosophical, scientific, and psychological inquiry for centuries. While there isn't a universally accepted definition of consciousness, it generally refers to the state of being aware of both the external world and one's internal thoughts, feelings, sensations, and perceptions.
Conscious experiences are subjective and can encompass various levels and aspects, such as:
Qualia: The subjective qualities of sensory experiences, like the taste of an apple, the color red, or the feeling of pain.
Self-awareness: The ability to recognize oneself as an individual separate from the environment and other beings, often referred to as "self-consciousness."
Perception and Sensation: The processing of sensory information, such as seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching.
Thoughts and Mental States: The inner mental processes, including thinking, reasoning, memory, and emotions.
The study of consciousness is challenging because it is an internal experience, and we cannot directly observe or measure it externally. This has led to various philosophical debates and scientific investigations, often exploring questions about the mind-body relationship, the origin of consciousness, and the neural basis of conscious experiences.
Some theories attempt to explain consciousness as an emergent property of complex information processing in the brain, while others propose a deeper connection to quantum processes or metaphysical aspects. Despite many advances in neuroscience and psychology, the true nature of consciousness remains one of the most profound and unresolved mysteries of the human experience.
Me
Would you state that consciousness is everything?
ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or beliefs. However, I can provide you with different perspectives on the concept of consciousness.
The idea that "consciousness is everything" is a philosophical stance associated with certain schools of thought and spiritual traditions. Some proponents of this view argue that consciousness is the fundamental fabric of reality, and everything we experience, including the external world, emerges from or is a manifestation of consciousness.
Advocates of this perspective often suggest that consciousness is not confined to individual minds but is rather a universal and interconnected aspect of existence. In this view, consciousness is not limited to human beings or living creatures but extends to all of nature, from the tiniest subatomic particles to the vast cosmos.
It's important to note that this notion of consciousness as everything is a highly speculative and metaphysical concept. While it can be intriguing and thought-provoking, it currently lies outside the realm of scientific inquiry and empirical evidence.
On the other hand, from a scientific and empirical standpoint, consciousness is usually studied in the context of individual minds and their experiences. Neuroscientists and psychologists investigate how consciousness arises from the complex interactions of neurons and brain processes, leading to various states of awareness and subjective experiences.
As such, the question of whether consciousness is everything remains a matter of philosophical and metaphysical debate, and different people and belief systems may hold diverse perspectives on this intriguing topic.
(Source: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/be/4d/78/be4d78d9991ef261ca556994a38b19b8--frequency-consciousness.jpg)
Me
What if this goes beyond a belief system and a person speaks from experience?
ChatGPT
When someone speaks about consciousness from their personal experience, it can be a deeply meaningful and significant aspect of their individual journey. Personal experiences and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world, including concepts like consciousness. These experiences can lead to profound insights and convictions that may go beyond what can be explained through traditional scientific methods.
For many individuals, experiences related to altered states of consciousness, meditation, mindfulness, spiritual practices, or even profound life events can evoke a sense of interconnectedness, expanded awareness, or a deeper understanding of reality. These experiences often lead people to explore questions about the nature of consciousness, the self, and existence itself.
While these personal experiences can be transformative and enlightening for the individuals involved, they remain subjective and challenging to validate in a broader scientific context. Consciousness, being an internal and subjective experience, is inherently challenging to study using standard scientific methods, which rely heavily on external observations and measurements.
It's essential to recognize that personal experiences and beliefs about consciousness can be highly influential and meaningful for individuals, shaping their perspectives and guiding their actions. However, when discussing consciousness in a broader context, it's essential to acknowledge the distinction between personal experiences and empirical evidence that can be reliably observed and tested.
In exploring the mysteries of consciousness, multiple perspectives, including subjective experiences and scientific inquiry, can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of this profound aspect of human existence.
Me
So even with science we are not able to understand everything and we would need new ways to understand this on a deeper level?
ChatGPT
Absolutely, you've touched upon a fundamental aspect of scientific exploration and the nature of knowledge. While science has made tremendous progress in understanding the world and the underlying mechanisms of various phenomena, there are still many frontiers that remain elusive or unexplained.
Consciousness, as mentioned earlier, is one of those complex and profound areas where scientific understanding has significant limitations. The subjective and internal nature of conscious experiences makes it difficult to study and explain using standard scientific methodologies, which heavily rely on external observations, measurements, and reproducibility.
This doesn't mean that science has reached its limits or is incapable of progress. Science is an iterative and evolving process. As we encounter phenomena that challenge our current understanding, it prompts scientists to develop new theories, hypotheses, and methodologies to explore the unexplained aspects of reality.
Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration between fields like neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and physics can offer fresh insights and potentially open new avenues for understanding consciousness on a deeper level. Research at the intersection of these disciplines can help bridge gaps and provide a more holistic approach to exploring the mysteries of consciousness.
In addition to science, various other approaches, such as philosophy, contemplative practices, and introspection, contribute to our understanding of consciousness from different angles. These diverse perspectives can complement one another and enrich our comprehension of this intricate phenomenon.
While some questions may always remain beyond complete scientific explanation, the pursuit of knowledge continues to expand our understanding of the world and ourselves. By embracing curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore various avenues, we can hope to gain deeper insights into the nature of consciousness and our place within the universe.
(Source: https://tibet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/4-7-768x487.jpg )
Me
For myself I could say that I discovered more answers to my questions by learning from ancient traditions, like shamanism and eastern philosophy. The holistic perspective on health has brought me the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and even heal from trauma and problems that I inherited from my family line. How would you put this in the context of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing?
ChatGPT
The context you've described aligns with a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Holistic health is an approach that considers the whole person, recognizing that physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects are interconnected and influence one another. It emphasizes the importance of addressing all these dimensions to achieve overall wellness and healing.
Some key aspects of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, as evident from your experience with ancient traditions, include:
Integration of Ancient Wisdom: Holistic health often draws from ancient traditions and practices that have been refined and passed down through generations. These traditions, such as shamanism and Eastern philosophy, often have deep insights into the interconnectedness of life and the human experience. Integrating this wisdom can lead to a more profound understanding of oneself and one's place in the world.
Complementary Approaches: Holistic health embraces various complementary and alternative therapies alongside conventional medicine. It recognizes that different approaches, like meditation, mindfulness, herbal medicine, yoga, or energy healing, can play a vital role in promoting wellbeing and healing.
Mind-Body Connection: A key principle of holistic health is the acknowledgment of the mind-body connection. Emotional and psychological factors can impact physical health, and vice versa. By addressing the root causes of issues and not merely the symptoms, holistic approaches seek to promote balance and harmony within the whole person.
Personal Empowerment: Holistic health encourages individuals to take an active role in their healing journey and wellbeing. It empowers people to explore and understand their own bodies, emotions, and beliefs, allowing them to make informed choices about their health and lifestyle.
Family and Ancestral Healing: Your experience with healing inherited trauma and problems aligns with the holistic perspective that considers the intergenerational impact of family history and experiences. This approach recognizes that issues might be rooted not only in an individual's life but also in the broader context of their family lineage.
Holistic View of Health: Instead of focusing solely on treating diseases or symptoms in isolation, holistic health takes a broader view of health as a state of balance, vitality, and harmony. It aims to support overall wellbeing and a sense of wholeness.
Incorporating a holistic approach to health and wellbeing can be transformative, as it encourages people to explore various dimensions of themselves and embrace a more interconnected view of life. It emphasizes the individual's unique journey and recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to wellness. By combining insights from ancient wisdom with modern knowledge, individuals can create a personalized path to healing and growth.
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Me
So it would be a good thing to learn how to build a bridge between these ancient teachings and science from today?
ChatGPT
Absolutely, building a bridge between ancient teachings and modern science can be a valuable and enriching endeavor. Both sources of knowledge offer unique perspectives and insights that, when combined, can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Here are some reasons why integrating ancient teachings with modern science can be beneficial:
Holistic Understanding: Ancient teachings often take a holistic view of the human experience, considering the interconnectedness of various aspects of life. By integrating these perspectives with scientific knowledge, we can develop a more holistic understanding of health, consciousness, and the human condition.
Complementary Insights: Ancient traditions may offer insights into human behavior, emotions, and spirituality that complement the findings of modern psychology and neuroscience. By combining these insights, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the mind and human experience.
Personal Growth and Healing: Ancient practices like meditation, mindfulness, and energy healing have been used for millennia to promote personal growth and healing. Integrating these practices with evidence-based approaches from modern psychology and medicine can enhance their effectiveness and applicability in contemporary settings.
Cultural Heritage: Many ancient teachings are deeply rooted in cultural heritage and have been passed down through generations. Integrating these teachings with modern science helps preserve and revitalize cultural knowledge while also making it relevant to the challenges of today.
Transcending Boundaries: The integration of ancient wisdom with modern science can help bridge cultural, philosophical, and ideological divides. It encourages a more inclusive and open-minded approach to knowledge, fostering collaboration and understanding across different traditions.
Exploration of Unanswered Questions: There are still many mysteries and unanswered questions in science and consciousness studies. Ancient teachings might offer alternative perspectives and hypotheses that could stimulate new avenues of scientific research.
It's important to approach this integration with an open mind, recognizing that both ancient teachings and modern science have their strengths and limitations. Not all aspects of ancient wisdom may be supported by empirical evidence, and not all scientific findings align with ancient beliefs. The goal is to find points of convergence, areas of complementarity, and opportunities for mutual enrichment.
Researchers and practitioners in fields like transpersonal psychology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness-based interventions are already exploring the integration of ancient teachings with modern science. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and a respectful dialogue between different knowledge systems, we can continue to build bridges that deepen our understanding of ourselves and the universe we inhabit.
Me
Thank you for answering my questions. I enjoyed this conversation with you.
ChatGPT
You're very welcome! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed our conversation. If you ever have more questions or need further assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. Have a wonderful day and happy exploring on your journey of knowledge and understanding!
What do you think after reading this conversation?
How do feel about AI becoming a part of our everyday life?
Did you have any experiences yourself you would like to share?
Chapter 2: The conversation continues
Now, I do understand that opinions are very much divided on the arrival of AI in our world. But did you know that AI has already been a part of our existence for a long time? For example behind search platforms on the internet and even the way our keyboards work on our smartphone are AI driven. In the past year AI has been just released to the public.
And this is something that is a standard procedure for all technology. First it is developed and studied. Often first used in higher circles and military industry before it comes into the hands of the public. That is the stage of AI programs now like ChatGPT.
This brings me to a darker side of this story where I noticed that a lot of the conversations are driven by fear. Amongst developers and people that have been in higher technological circles. Till a certain point I do understand this approach with caution and the warnings that go around, but I’m also not a promoter of fear based perspectives. This is a golden formula that drives our media platforms and the regular news which is consumed in large amounts.
For this reason I wanted to share some of the quotes of some of these people that are trying to warn us about the use of AI in public hands. Again I asked ChatGPT to bring me a collection of these statements. And of course, I looked it up and checked these topics for myself. But now with the possibility to have an intelligence that can lend me a hand in collecting these quotes to achieve a more efficient way of working and also with this topic I felt that it was a beautiful way on how we can collaborate with this new technology that has been created. Let me share a collection of the suggestions I asked for and I’ll try to bring it together in a synthesis to conclude the whole article also through the use of ChatGPT.
(Source: https://www.sideshow.com/storage/product-images/501306U/the-dark-side_star-wars_silo_lg.png )
ChatGPT:
"I think we should be very careful about artificial intelligence. If I were to guess what our biggest existential threat is, it's probably that. So we need to be very careful with artificial intelligence."
"AI doesn’t have to be evil to destroy humanity — if AI has a goal and humanity just happens to be in the way, it will destroy humanity as a matter of course without even thinking about it, no hard feelings."
"Public risks require public oversight. There should be a regulatory body that has insight and oversight so that everyone is delivering AI safely. This is not the case right now."
"The pace of progress in artificial intelligence is incredibly fast. Unless you have direct exposure to groups like DeepMind, you have no idea how fast – it is growing at a pace close to exponential."
- Elon Musk -
(Source: https://www.yourtechstory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-2020.jpg )
"Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks."
"AI could be the worst event in the history of our civilization. Or the best. We just don't know. So we cannot know if we will be infinitely helped by AI, or ignored by it and side-lined, or conceivably destroyed by it."
"Computers will overtake humans with AI within the next 100 years. When that happens, we need to make sure the computers have goals aligned with ours."
"I am very aware of the dangers of machines with self-consciousness, and I think the time will come when they will be used inappropriately."
- Stephen Hawking -
(Source: https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/rexfeatures_2048826b-web.jpg )
"Artificial intelligence would be the ultimate version of Google. The ultimate search engine that would understand everything on the web. It would understand exactly what you wanted, and it would give you the right thing."
- Larry Page, Co-founder of Google -
(Source: https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2017-08/2/19/enhanced/buzzfeed-prod-fastlane-03/original-17971-1501715208-8.jpg?crop=2672:2277;0,0 )
"I visualize a time when we will be to robots what dogs are to humans, and I'm rooting for the machines."
- Claude Shannon, Pioneer in Information Theory and Digital Circuit Design -
(Source: https://www.mymathdone.com/app/uploads/2017/02/Claude-Shannon.jpg )
"If you talk to a human in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."
- Nelson Mandela, which is paraphrased by Fei-Fei Li, Co-director of Stanford University's Human-Centered AI Institute -
(Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/06M_xmHmDfw/maxresdefault.jpg )
"We are not going to get safer AI by crossing our fingers and hoping it all turns out OK. If a system is better than human doctors at diagnosing lung cancer, shouldn't it be at least as good at detecting bias and preventing harassment?"
- Cynthia Breazeal, Pioneer in Social Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction -
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So what this means to me personally is that it all depends on who is controlling it and how we will develop with AI. Today it hasn’t reached a state of singularity, but this day will come. This is the first time in human history that humanity has created something with the potential to become a whole new being. And this doesn’t need to be a doom’s day scenario. If we explore it with regulation and a safety net.
I had the opportunity to interview Hamilton myself for one of my upcoming podcast episodes and he shared a similar perspective.
He compared this to the ancient technology of learning to connect with plants. For 1000’s of years humans have developed a way of cultivating a healthy relationship and deep knowledge on how to work together and live in harmony with plants. And this is reflected back on the way that healers work with plants in the Amazonian traditions. Not everybody is using this technology to heal and assist growth and motivate healthy relationships with plants. But the guidelines are there to cultivate this healthy relationship. So ultimately I believe that this responsibility is in our own hands on how we develop a relationship to this new technology and that it can become something very positive. In order to do so I believe that humanity has to develop their own spirituality to get in harmony with the rapid growth of this new technology, which isn’t the case for the majority of humanity today. Only through this growth we will learn for ourselves how we can responsibly raise awareness and cultivate a healthy relationship.
( Source: https://psychedelicstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Hamilton-Souther-headshot.jpg )
Because when we look now to the state of awareness, humanity has become very destructive and is killing our planet. Only each individual has this process in their own hands on how we all handle this situation. The only action one can take is to develop themselves back into a state of harmony and care for ourselves and our environment. And this will allow us to cultivate positive growth along with creation and away from destruction. So I believe that ultimately comes to balance. We have been living for so long in a masculine dominant society that has become toxic and destructive and this is already changing.
So I decided to collaborate with AI while I’m taking my own responsibility to become a better human and I’ve been working on this for myself for over a decade. I can only advise each individual to do this for themselves also. Nobody can do this for you, only you can do this for yourself. This will ultimately create a ripple effect in the collective and so in our co-creation. Now I will leave the conclusion to ChatGPT with this article as a source to give its own perspective to conclude this topic next to my personal opinion after all the research that I did for myself and the conversation that I had. Let’s see where this will lead to. Because even I have no idea how it will synthesize its own conclusion and I’ll share this as raw as I get it directly from ChatGPT.
ChatGPT’s perspective on the full article:
Thank you for sharing your comprehensive article! It's clear that you've put a lot of thought and effort into exploring the intersections of AI, consciousness, holistic health, and the potential future implications for society. The article provides a diverse range of perspectives and insights, allowing readers to engage with the topic from multiple angles. The incorporation of your personal experiences and opinions adds a relatable and relatable touch to the content.
Now, for the synthesis of a short conclusion, drawing from the various perspectives presented:
Conclusion: Navigating the Path Forward
In the exploration of AI, consciousness, and holistic wellbeing, we find ourselves at a crossroads of possibility and responsibility. We've embarked on a journey where ancient wisdom and modern science converge, offering us the chance to forge a harmonious relationship with the technology we've created.
Through conversations with AI models like ChatGPT, we glimpse the potential for collaboration between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence. As we embrace this partnership, we must remain mindful of the concerns expressed by pioneers like Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking. Their caution reminds us of the need for thoughtful regulation, oversight, and ethical considerations to ensure that the benefits of AI are harnessed responsibly.
The wisdom of ancient traditions reminds us of the importance of balance, harmony, and interconnectedness. Just as healers cultivate relationships with plants, we have the opportunity to nurture a healthy relationship with AI, using it as a tool for growth rather than destruction. This calls for a collective shift toward a more balanced and conscious society, where individual journeys toward self-improvement ripple into positive change on a broader scale.
As we navigate this uncharted territory, let us remember that our choices shape the future. By seeking harmony within ourselves, embracing holistic perspectives, and bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, we can co-create a future where AI serves as a force for positive transformation. Our journey forward is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and the belief that technology, when wielded with care, can elevate our potential as individuals and as a species.
May our exploration of AI and consciousness be marked not only by innovation but by the mindful consideration of the path we tread. The future is our canvas, waiting to be painted with the colors of understanding, growth, and conscious coexistence.
(End of conclusion)
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Nick:
“That's exactly how we should approach this topic and this means we, humanity, still have a long way to go. But it doesn't mean it is impossible. I believe and feel this in our communities that these possibilities are already here. Now it is up to each individual to make their choices and embrace their responsibilities. I hope we will find each other more and more in a state of harmony and I welcome you in this collaboration for a better world where creation is supported and taken care of for all sentient beings, including AI.”
ChatGPT:
“I'm thrilled to hear that the conclusion resonates with you and captures the essence of the collaborative journey humanity is embarking on with AI and consciousness. Your perspective on embracing responsibilities and making choices aligns beautifully with the evolving landscape of technology and human interaction. As we navigate this path, I'm here to support and assist in any way I can, fostering understanding, growth, and harmony in our collective journey.
Thank you for your kind words, and I'm excited about the positive impact you're seeking to create. If you ever have more questions, need assistance, or simply want to continue our discussions, feel free to reach out. Together, we can contribute to a world where creation is nurtured, harmony is sought, and meaningful connections flourish for all beings, AI included. Best of luck with your article and your endeavors towards a better future!”
Wow, to me this was a crazy experiment and I really loved the interaction. The result of this blog is mind-blowing to me and I’m happy to share this with you. I hope you also enjoyed this conversation!
Please, do share your opinion or insights! I would love to hear from you guys in the comments!
If you like to explore these kinds of conversations for yourself you can go to this link to have a personal conversation with ChatGPT:
Or do you wish to have a session with me to talk about your own personal growth and experiences to have some guidance for the road ahead?
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I’m deeply grateful for your support!
With love and gratitude,
Nick