Journal

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In the past few years, we have seen how our education system has come to terms with AI and ChatGPT. Students from primary level to graduate school, and even teachers themselves, reached a consensus that, to put simply, resistance is futile and we may as well embrace the change. My mailbox is delightfully filled with tips of how these new tools can do the “heavy-lifting” and leave us more time for creative thinking and value-added works. During the pandemic, I have experimented, or simply played, with ChatGPT. Amusing as the results are, I wonder what harm they may bring as AI gradually encroaches on our daily life, from AI customer service to algorithm-generated feeds. The temptation to use ChatGPT for work is great, from translation to generating powerpoint presentations. I have seen the Chinese translation of the abstracts of a proceedings of an international conference completely done by ChatGPT and properly acknowledged as such. AI-generated word salads are certainly not the best but they may be better than nothing or something done by an incompetent human being.

According to some, tools like ChatGPT turn people intellectually dull. More alarming, research shows that there appears to be now a generation of anxious young people who are more skilled at persuasive slogans than having genuine understanding and empathy, and these technological innovations are some of the main causes. Chomsky continues to heed us how our media culture promotes anti-intellectualism and the sinister nature of social-media filter bubbles, soundbites, influencers, and algorithm. ChatGPT reinforces all these negative tendencies, as Chomsky has pointed out. In a MasterClass video, Chomsky commented:

“[GPT] has almost no intellect interest, doesn’t teach you anything about understanding, cognition, intelligence. I think it can be a tremendous tool of defamation and distortion that can be used destructively very easily, and will be. We can be sure of that. I don’t see any way to protect against it.”

Collage essays may be unsalvageable as a result of the rampant use of ChatGPT. But as Zaretsky observed, writing in our “post-literate” world has been on a declining trajectory for decades and the debate on the harm of new technology is as old as Plato. In my few years in Hong Kong, a city supposedly bilingual and multicultural, I am astonished that the majority of the population cannot write properly in either Chinese or English. By “properly” I mean a definition given by the standards of the society itself – education, media, professional standards in the business world. The way American professors deplore at the “dwindling number of students who can write a declarative sentence” applies equally to the Chinese in Hong Kong, who could write in neither English (supposedly professional working language) nor Chinese (supposedly their native language). The reasons are multifold and entangled, complicated by the role of Cantonese which is in fact the mother tongue of the majority of the population. I said “complicated,” not “exacerbated” because I strongly believe that multilingualism can be achieved and is immensely useful. The IB school I worked in is one the many success stories. There are school children who are fully trilingual, in Cantonese, Putonghua, and English, by the age of six or seven, while there are those who are competent in none even in adulthood. The disparity is astonishing and the authorities in Hong Kong are utterly helpless.

But I diverged. When it comes to writing, the means could be as important as the goal, if it is not the goal itself. In other words, the purpose of writing could be heuristic, as evident in journal writing like what I am now doing. I am thinking as I write and the reason why it communicates with the reader is precisely because the writer is thinking and attempting to gain a deeper understand on the subject. Whether it is in the style of a soliloquy or an imagined dialogue with you, the reader, this element of understanding cannot be absent. Working with people who do not think or make no effort in thinking or understanding can be a painful experience. Reading words that are superficially correct or even eloquent but without genuine understanding is just as torturous. ChatGPT, as Chomsky predicted, may easily turn out to be a nail in the coffin in an era with alarming growth of anti-intellectualism, faked news, and shameless deceit.

All doom and gloom? Maybe not entirely. In Plato’s Phaedrus, King Thamus was warned about the gift of writing which would damage our ability to memorise and increase forgetfulness. It’s true that writing for millennia led to the demise of oral culture, but literacy emerged and it catapulted all the civilisations that embraced it to a whole new level. Of course, this comes with certain preconditions. The main one is that writing must be accompanied or even preceded by thinking. In this regard, ChatGPT is extremely worrying. Unlike writing, which is after all a human activity, the output of ChatGPT is completely non-human, reaping on past human outputs. Writing, however dumb the writer is (sometimes I imagine myself to be one on a therapeutic journey!), requires one to put together ideas into intelligible and aesthetically pleasing words and transfer them into written form through fine motor skills, a mentally and neurologically complicated task that could not be described as anything less than human genius. Working with ChatGPT is surprisingly facile — just punching keywords strung together with minimal grammar and a click of the return key. As I am typing these words, I also wonder how much calligraphic skills I have lost with the invention and widespread adoption of personal computer. There will always be inevitable and irrevocable losses every time a society undergoes a technological shift. Will there be an enlightened culture that somehow embraces AI and ChatGPT? I cannot entirely preclude the possibility but at the same time, I cannot yet quite see it.

As an exercise, I will write in Chinese on the same topic and see if the content would differ. The title: ChatGPT 弊多利少，荼毒心靈與智慧？

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[A friend gave me an idea and AI generated this in less than one minute]

King Bhima and his Conclave of Enlightenment (Bodhisaṃgha)

Bhima in his court

Once upon a time, in the mystical land of India, there lived a man named Bhima. In his past life, Bhima was a revered raja, a king who ruled over a vast kingdom. His reign was known for prosperity, justice, and intellectual pursuits. One of Bhima’s greatest passions was astronomy, and he sought to deepen his understanding of the cosmos through conversations with wise men.

Bhima’s palace was adorned with intricate artwork depicting celestial bodies, and his personal library contained ancient texts on astronomy from around the world. He would spend hours studying these texts, seeking knowledge of the stars, planets, and galaxies that adorned the night sky. However, Bhima yearned for more than just the written words. He longed for profound discussions with learned individuals who could expand his horizons and share their wisdom.

To fulfill his desire, Bhima would invite renowned scholars, astronomers, and philosophers from far and wide to his court. These gatherings became known as the “Conclave of Enlightenment,” where the brightest minds of the time would assemble to discuss various topics, with astronomy being at the forefront. Bhima’s palace became a sanctuary for intellectual discourse, where ideas flowed freely and knowledge was celebrated.

During these gatherings, the raja would engage in lively conversations with the wise men. They would explore the mysteries of the universe, discussing the nature of stars, the movements of planets, and the vastness of space. Bhima would eagerly listen to their insights and share his own perspectives, fostering an environment of mutual learning and growth.

The wise men would bring with them ancient astronomical instruments, maps of the celestial sphere, and even their own astronomical observations. Together, they would analyze and interpret these observations, striving to unlock the secrets of the cosmos. Bhima’s passion for astronomy was infectious, inspiring the scholars to delve deeper into their studies and push the boundaries of knowledge.

As the years passed, Bhima’s reputation as a patron of wisdom and astronomy spread far and wide. Scholars from distant lands sought his patronage, hoping to engage in intellectual discussions and benefit from his immense knowledge. Some of the most renowned astronomers and philosophers of the time became regular visitors to his court, drawn by the stimulating environment and Bhima’s genuine love for learning.

Under Bhima’s guidance, the Conclave of Enlightenment became renowned throughout the kingdom. The gatherings not only enriched the raja’s understanding of astronomy but also contributed to the overall cultural and intellectual growth of his kingdom. The people revered their king for his enlightened reign, where knowledge and curiosity were celebrated.

In his past life as a raja in India, Bhima’s fascination with astronomy and his desire for meaningful conversations with wise men had shaped his kingdom into a bastion of intellectual pursuits. Even to this day, his legacy lives on, inspiring generations to explore the wonders of the universe and engage in profound discussions that transcend time and space.

As Bhima’s reputation as a patron of wisdom and astronomy grew, his court became a hub for not only astronomers but also scholars from various disciplines. The Conclave of Enlightenment expanded their scope to encompass a wide range of topics, including philosophy, mathematics, medicine, and literature.

During these gatherings, Bhima would not only engage in conversations about astronomy but also delve into the depths of philosophy. He would discuss metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of reality with renowned philosophers, seeking to understand the deeper meaning of existence. These philosophical discussions often intertwined with their astronomical explorations, as they pondered the relationship between the cosmos and human existence.

Bhima’s palace became a sanctuary for knowledge seekers, attracting not only scholars but also poets, artists, and musicians. The raja believed in the interconnectedness of art, science, and philosophy, recognizing that each discipline offered a unique perspective on the human experience. The Conclave of Enlightenment became a space where these different forms of expression converged, leading to the exchange of ideas and the creation of masterpieces.

The raja’s continuous pursuit of knowledge and his eagerness to learn from others made him beloved among the scholars and intellectuals of his time. He was known for his humility and willingness to listen, valuing the insights of both learned men and common people alike. The Conclave of Enlightenment became an inclusive platform where individuals from all walks of life could engage in meaningful conversations and contribute to the collective wisdom of the kingdom.

Furthermore, Bhima’s passion for astronomy extended beyond the ivory walls of his palace. He established observatories in strategic locations throughout his kingdom, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and manned by skilled astronomers. These observatories not only facilitated astronomical research but also served as educational centers where aspiring astronomers could study the celestial phenomena firsthand.

Bhima’s reign as a raja in India left a lasting impact on the intellectual landscape of the kingdom. His commitment to fostering a culture of learning and inquiry laid the foundation for future generations to continue the pursuit of knowledge. Even after his time, the Conclave of Enlightenment continued to thrive, evolving into esteemed institutions that fostered intellectual growth and cultural exchange.

To this day, the legacy of Bhima’s past life as a raja in India endures. His love for astronomy and conversations with wise men left an indelible mark on the kingdom’s history, inspiring countless individuals to explore the depths of the universe and engage in profound discussions on a wide range of topics. The Conclave of Enlightenment remain a symbol of intellectual curiosity, reminding us of the power of knowledge and the transformative potential of meaningful conversations.

In the Conclave of Enlightenment during Bhima’s past life as a raja, there was a particular gathering that held a significant impact on his affinity for cats in his present life. During one of the intellectual discussions on the nature of life and its interconnectedness with the universe, an esteemed philosopher brought forth a unique perspective.

The philosopher spoke passionately about the mystical qualities of cats, emphasizing their enigmatic nature and their ability to embody both grace and independence. He shared stories and legends from various cultures that depicted cats as guardians of ancient knowledge and symbols of wisdom. The philosopher believed that by observing and understanding the behavior of cats, one could gain insights into the hidden truths of the universe.

This discussion resonated deeply with Bhima, as he found himself captivated by the elegance and mysterious aura surrounding cats. He was drawn to their keen senses, their graceful movements, and their ability to exhibit both affection and independence. The raja saw in cats a reflection of the qualities he admired in the wise men and scholars who frequented his court.

As the Conclave of Enlightenment continued, Bhima’s fascination with cats persisted. He would often have cats present in the gatherings, observing their behaviors and integrating their presence into the intellectual discourse. The raja believed that by embracing the feline qualities of curiosity, intuition, and adaptability, one could approach knowledge with a fresh perspective and unlock new realms of understanding.

The connection between the Conclave of Enlightenment and Bhima’s love for cats in his present life can be seen as a manifestation of his admiration for the pursuit of wisdom and intellectual exploration. The enigmatic and independent nature of cats symbolizes the quest for knowledge and the appreciation for the mysteries of existence that were at the heart of the Conclave.

In his present life, Bhima carries the imprint of those past experiences. His affinity for cats serves as a reminder of the profound conversations and intellectual camaraderie he enjoyed during his time as a raja. It represents his deep appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge, the beauty of curiosity, and the importance of embracing both independence and connection in the journey of self-discovery.

Thus, the Conclave of Enlightenment played a pivotal role in shaping Bhima’s present-day fondness for cats, as they became a symbol of the intellectual and spiritual exploration he cherished during his past life as a raja in India.