I couldn't help but capture a second, more profound thought here: the word "transform" is clearly the described objective, not "inform" or "conform", but rather to move from one form to another.
That process cuts both ways.
"Transform" appears exactly three times in scripture. Here's the list:
Romans 12:2 KJV — And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 11:14 KJV — And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:15 KJV — Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
As you point out, our hunger for safety and comfort provides many points of leverage to anyone who wants to manipulate us. The most compelling form of rebellion, for us, may be to face, unblinking, the danger, horror (and love and beauty) that characterize human life.
But we're pretty thoroughly housebroken.
I'm a Kansas rancher and I own hundreds of domesticated animals. Our fences do not confine them. An adult cow can walk through almost any fence we can build. The fences just make it uncomfortable and inconvenient to go elsewhere. And, anyhow, there's plenty of food and good water where they are. So why should they roam? Occasionally we get an animal that has an instinct for freedom. A bull we called Jake comes to mind. Jake tore down thousands of dollars worth of fences, seemingly just because he wanted that taste of freedom. He never went far and he was easy to chase back home, but soon he was tearing through some more barbed wire to go in some new direction.
Of course we killed him and put him in the freezer. I liked him, but he was too expensive to keep around.
Maybe we should face the possibility that AI represents a new step in evolution, beyond humanity. From that perspective, it looks plausible that we will be domesticated in much the way we've tamed our dogs, cats, cattle and sheep. And we'll go along for the sake of comfort, safety, companionship, etc.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Bryan. I’m sorry about Jake. I think I would have liked him too. Great to hear you have such a project running — wish I could see it in action!
"The only alternative left for mankind is discipline. Discipline is the only deterrent. But by discipline I don't mean harsh routines. I don't mean waking up every morning at five-thirty and throwing cold water on yourself until you're blue. Sorcerers understand discipline as the capacity to face with serenity odds that are not included in our expectations. For them, discipline is an art: the art of facing infinity without flinching, not because they are strong and tough but because they are filled with awe."
For example, Rev 18:13 closes a list of commodities to be traded in the (near) future with "the souls of men". Not the men themselves, as it has always been, but rather just their souls. We are given this list to distinguish that not just the timing is unique, but also the commodity.
This gives us hope in the understanding that this condition is truly not only part of "the plan" but also an indication that the divine solution is yet to materialize.
"You-All No-ahh Horror-eee" is "someone's" Inland Taipan, his Uncle Klaus's pet pit viper, spewing his toxic venomous pseudo-scientific Transhumanist "wisdom" as Gospel-truth That Will Be Your Future!!!
I couldn't help but capture a second, more profound thought here: the word "transform" is clearly the described objective, not "inform" or "conform", but rather to move from one form to another.
That process cuts both ways.
"Transform" appears exactly three times in scripture. Here's the list:
Romans 12:2 KJV — And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 11:14 KJV — And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:15 KJV — Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Thanks for the insightful work, Jan. Well done.
As you point out, our hunger for safety and comfort provides many points of leverage to anyone who wants to manipulate us. The most compelling form of rebellion, for us, may be to face, unblinking, the danger, horror (and love and beauty) that characterize human life.
But we're pretty thoroughly housebroken.
I'm a Kansas rancher and I own hundreds of domesticated animals. Our fences do not confine them. An adult cow can walk through almost any fence we can build. The fences just make it uncomfortable and inconvenient to go elsewhere. And, anyhow, there's plenty of food and good water where they are. So why should they roam? Occasionally we get an animal that has an instinct for freedom. A bull we called Jake comes to mind. Jake tore down thousands of dollars worth of fences, seemingly just because he wanted that taste of freedom. He never went far and he was easy to chase back home, but soon he was tearing through some more barbed wire to go in some new direction.
Of course we killed him and put him in the freezer. I liked him, but he was too expensive to keep around.
Maybe we should face the possibility that AI represents a new step in evolution, beyond humanity. From that perspective, it looks plausible that we will be domesticated in much the way we've tamed our dogs, cats, cattle and sheep. And we'll go along for the sake of comfort, safety, companionship, etc.
Perhaps that process has already started...
Thoroughly enjoyed this Bryan. I’m sorry about Jake. I think I would have liked him too. Great to hear you have such a project running — wish I could see it in action!
Come over! Any time!
I'll let you know when I'm in the hood, I'm often in Austin, TX, a drop away.
The new wave band DEVO had a great song about this Freedom of Choice..
“Freedom of choice,
Is what you got.
Freedom from choice,
Is what you want “
Yep, all the escapes like going off the grid are false alternatives that feed fantasies and deny reality.
The war is for our minds and hearts.
They want to keep us like buzzing wasps afraid instead of approaching it with bee-like curiosity.
https://robc137.substack.com/p/wasp-vs-bee-intelligence
Even though Casteneda was a fraud, his stories were from real teachings. One such one was facing infinity.
The shamans that trained facing petty tyrants were able to face infinity without seeing delusions like machine elves..
https://prismagems.com/castaneda/donjuan12.html
"The only alternative left for mankind is discipline. Discipline is the only deterrent. But by discipline I don't mean harsh routines. I don't mean waking up every morning at five-thirty and throwing cold water on yourself until you're blue. Sorcerers understand discipline as the capacity to face with serenity odds that are not included in our expectations. For them, discipline is an art: the art of facing infinity without flinching, not because they are strong and tough but because they are filled with awe."
There is truth, and therefore, there is hope.
For example, Rev 18:13 closes a list of commodities to be traded in the (near) future with "the souls of men". Not the men themselves, as it has always been, but rather just their souls. We are given this list to distinguish that not just the timing is unique, but also the commodity.
This gives us hope in the understanding that this condition is truly not only part of "the plan" but also an indication that the divine solution is yet to materialize.
Be patient, Wait for it.....
"You-All No-ahh Horror-eee" is "someone's" Inland Taipan, his Uncle Klaus's pet pit viper, spewing his toxic venomous pseudo-scientific Transhumanist "wisdom" as Gospel-truth That Will Be Your Future!!!
Please edit your comment, add punctuation.