Buy nothing
"A successful leader of men must have character, ability and be prepared to take unlimited responsibility. Responsibility can only be learned by taking responsibility; you cannot learn the piano without playing on one. Leadership is the practical application of character. It implies the ability to command and to make obedience proud and free." - Richard Meinertzhagen, 1960
“Sucking Wine” 咂酒, unique way of drinking by Qiang People羌族, SW China, 1930-40s. They put bamboo tubes in the jar and suck in turn sharing a single tube or having one tube for each person. Drinkers have traditionally sucked wine in turn according to age. By Zhuang Xueben.
The boys sipping from this lime flower and barley beer infusion (Maikop kurgan, 1897)
"I always thought that everyone was against war, until I found out that there are those who are for it, especially those who don't have to go." - Remarques - All Quiet on the Western Front (1929)
#Comment: The reinvigoration of western "defense" tech (Anduril & co) & cynical rebranding of the war business ("killer bots are sexy & patriotic high tech") highlight the rapid decline of Western culture, that has become unable to project real strength through infrastructure & diplomacy.
There’s a special place in hell for AI folks who loudly virtue signal about the latest political conflict as if it’s a team sport, while their work directly contributes to building killer robot armies. All from their cozy offices they never leave. True artificial stupidity.
Who is researching the eschatology of AGI & Singularity cult? Increasing numbers of people strongly believe we have only a few years left until the arrival of a "digital god" & the "cyber rapture." Sociologists & psychologists should thoroughly document this phenomenon.
Generative Doubt
Extensively using LLMs during everyday writing tasks seriously messes with one's perception. Suddenly, i have doubt about all texts online - wondering if it might be secretly generated. Certain words, that vanilla LLMs overuse, have become taboo and many texts feel cheap.
"Generative Doubt" is a widespread novel psychological condition in the early 21st century. Assuming by default everything on screens is AI generated and daily meditation are effective strategies to deal with it.
The public AI narrative in the West is dominated by about 100 deep state-approved individuals, echoing the same views and talking points. Ironically, this lack of genuine freedom and diversity in thought is what’s hindering progress in intelligence.
