I often quote or misquote my friend and colleague, Susan Scott, who said in Fierce Conversations something like “most conversations are with myself.. occasionally they include others”. The conversation that follows was intended to be with me, myself, but now seems important enough to share.
Before sharing though, a prelude of sorts. A few of the authors whose articles I read earlier today have less than a warm-fuzzy relationship with the holiday season. It tracks back to childhood memories which, although relevant don’t bear repeating…. just now anyway. My annual routine to deal with the “holidays,” and in an effort to make the best of things, is to do my annual retreat. When I say retreat it includes some significant time of silence, with additional time for a deep dive into reflection, some reading, and as many variations of peeling away the layers of “self” as I can conjure. This process has been described as “negation.” Negation doesn't quite capture the experience but it will have to do.
On my otherwise vacant calendar for today, I penciled in some time for testing ChatGPT. I’ve been avoiding for way too long writing an article or two that I really need to. Out of either desperation or another act of procrastination I turned to AI.
One of the things I desired to write was a year-end message for those who are connected with me in some fashion. What follows is my conversation with ChatGPT. What started as questions for ChatGPT and the answers now seems worth sharing with you.
“If you had one question to ask what would it be?
As an artificial intelligence, I don’t have personal desires or curiosity like humans do. However, if I had to choose a question to ask, it might be something like: “What is the most important issue facing humanity today, and how can we address it in a way that is fair, equitable, and sustainable?” This question could help stimulate thought and discussion about important global challenges and possible solutions and could help bring about positive change in the world.
Good question… If you had a 2nd question to ask what would it be? I should warn you that I have a third question too.
As an AI, I don’t have personal preferences or desires, so I don’t have a second or third question that I would particularly like to ask. However, if I had to choose a second question to ask, it might be something like: “What is the most effective way for individuals and communities to make a positive impact on the world, and how can we support and empower each other to take action towards making a difference?” This question could help encourage people to think about how they can contribute to creating a better world for all, and could help inspire collaboration and collective action towards addressing global challenges and working toward positive change.
And the third question is?
As an AI, I don’t have personal preferences or desires, so I don’t have a specific third question that I would like to ask. However, if I had to choose a third question to ask, it might be something like: “How can we foster greater understanding, respect, and cooperation between people from different backgrounds and cultures, and what can we do to promote greater harmony and unity in the world?” This question could help stimulate thought and discussion about ways to promote greater understanding and cooperation between people from different backgrounds and cultures, and could help encourage people to think about how they can contribute to creating a more harmonious and united world.
Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m here to help answer your questions and provide information on a wide range of topics. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.
What are the questions you’d like to answer for yourself and in your life in the coming New Year? ChatGPT has given me a head start on mine. Thanks to ChatGPT.
Happy New Year in 2023!