THERE IS a growing concern that artificial intelligence might one day become godlike. In some ways, it already has — or at least it has become somewhat Buddha-like.
There is a worldwide shortage of people willing to join religious orders and preach. To address this, a Japanese university has developed an AI robot loaded with Buddhist teachings. The robot can select appropriate readings in response to people’s questions.
The basic idea — a walking, talking computer spreading the word of a religion — seems promising. But what happens if a different set of beliefs is programmed into the system? Some religions are big on the fire-and-brimstone approach, and the Book of Leviticus, for example, contains many strict rules and warnings about consequences.
Hopefully, only positive readings will be used and the system will not go rogue. After all, a single programming typo could lead to something like the infamous 1631 St. James Bible misprint, which accidentally declared, “Thou shalt commit adultery.”
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Can or can’t? Why the difference?
A photo of former United States First Lady Hillary Clinton was released from a closed congressional hearing. This was not meant to happen.
Meanwhile, many files from the Jeffrey Epstein documents remain unreleased. This, apparently, is meant to happen.
Why the difference? Is it simply the divide between Republicans and Democrats and their respective ways of operating?
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A new skill set
Wikipedia tells me that Melania Trump’s occupation was once that of a model, and she now serves as First Lady to her husband, President Trump.
I know that modeling does require certain skills — I was one myself once — but it mostly involves standing or walking while wearing lovely clothes.
Like most people, however, models can demonstrate other talents. It is still somewhat surprising to learn that Melania will preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting. The Security Council, after all, “is charged with ensuring international peace and security” — quite a significant responsibility.
Perhaps she will perform very well and become the first member of the Trump family to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
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A few dots needed
What the latest Trump “State of the Union” speech seemed to need was fewer words and more dot points.
Surely the purpose of such a speech is to document how the country is doing and outline plans for the future. What people want are facts, not fluff; positive direction, not name-calling; unity, not division.
Admittedly, my knowledge of speechwriting comes largely from television shows like The West Wing and Designated Survivor. Still, those speeches were coherent, properly read, and did not include notes scribbled in marker pen.
There will likely be a couple more of these speeches in the future, so there is still room for improvement and clarity — but who knows?
Does any country have a leader who could act as a mentor? The skill level required would not have to be particularly high. Any improvement would be welcome.
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Time to get a new coach
The recent decision by the US Supreme Court was correct, but also surprising. A 6–3 vote was expected — but in the opposite direction.
Sometimes people simply do the right thing.
Sports can serve as an analogy for many aspects of life: do your best, train hard, play fairly, accept the umpire’s decisions, and accept your losses when they happen. Unfortunately, not everyone follows these principles — and some follow none at all.
As a coach of many school sporting teams, I have tried to encourage these values among my players. I have never called a player I selected a “loser,” even on the few occasions when their performance might have justified the label.
I doubt that Donald Trump ever coached one of his children’s sporting teams—something many other children might well be thankful for.
I suspect Trump’s team, the Republicans, will not have many victories this year under his leadership. Whether that is better or worse is for others to decide./PN
