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Yesterday, I wrote about a huge flaw in humanity, and it was a heavy one and did not sit very well on my mind. I like hanging out on the lighter side of the world, so I had to do some research to relieve the discomfort. So, in case anybody actually read it, I am writing this to remind us that there are more good people in the world than bad, still. Although there were multiple international organizations to relieve human suffering, but I would like to name a few people that we rarely hear about...
There was the Holocaust, but amidst the darkness, there were remarkable efforts to combat it. One such example is Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat, who worked tirelessly to save lives. Similarly, Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania, played a crucial role by providing passports to Jewish people, enabling their escape. There are many others that demonstrate the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.
There was the Rwandan Genocide, but there was Captain Mbaye Diagne, a selfless hero who risked his own life to protect and rescue the victims, ensuring their safety. Cal Wilkins, an American, provided sustenance and medical aid to hundreds, ultimately saving their lives, a display of remarkable compassion.
There was the Cambodian Genocide, but there were individuals who dared to defy the darkness. Dith Pran, a photojournalist, also survivor of the horrors, ensured that the world would bear witness. Father Francois Ponchaud, a French priest was among the first to sound the alarm about the Khmer Rouge regime.
There was the Armenian Genocide, but there was Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian who introduced the "Nansen passport," that allowed many Armenians to seek asylum in new countries. Armin T. Wegner, a German medic and soldier during World War I, defied orders and documented the genocide through his photographs to let the world know.
There was American Slavery, but there was Sojourner Truth, born into slavery, a powerful abolitionist and advocate for women's rights. William Lloyd Garrison was a prominent white abolitionist that had an anti-slavery newspaper, fighting for equal rights for African Americans.
There was the Trail of Tears but there was Helen Hunt Jackson, who wrote a book "A Century of Dishonor" (1881), shedding light on the mistreatment of Native tribes. John collier dedicated himself to improving the lives of Native Americans. His advocacy led to the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, aimed at self-governance of Native communities.
So, I did this research for myself. Having good social groups with good cause may really improve humanity.
So, what is your color? I sound like a racist. Let's try this again. What is your favorite color? Mine is turquoise. Reminds me of Maui Ocean and my favorite French porcelain I saw at Hillwood estate. We carry within us a certain perception we have of ourselves. Yes, I am turquoise. Hold that thought.
I am busy collecting reviews as they are currencies for anyone doing any business online. I read reviews 99% of the time before buying, and that 1% is because someone already told me about the product, so yes, I understand the 'social proof' of things. However, my twisted mind gets very uncomfortable whenever I hear the word 'social' proof, and I want to know what kind of 'society' is approving whatever it is approving. I read a horror story long time ago called "Lottery", by Shirley Jackson. I do not care for horror stories, but I can handle zombies and monsters with my lightsaber (ok wrong story). Bring it on! I am not afraid of those ugly and scary looking make-believe things. I am afraid of our flawed humanity.
In large groups, our individuality (color) seems to fade, and we can blend into a shade of darkness, like mixed paint turning black. We succumb to madness or even commit horrendous acts, as history has repeatedly shown. Did you ever think that your son could be involved in gang rape? The pages of history are stained with blood... that of the Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide, the Cambodian Genocide, the Armenian Genocide, the Slavery in America, and the Trail of Tears... While it was powerful and evil people who started this, we had collective responsibility in all these atrocities. After all, it is the story of humanity, and not lemming history.
I like light stories, but it is my lack of sleep causing this writing.
Although I like turquoise, it is highly unlikely that I will wear anything turquoise. it does not look good on me. As a matter of fact, most of my clothes are black.
My daughter was visiting me one year, and I noticed her carrying a Ukulele when I was driving her in my car. Sometimes she would play, but mostly she was holding onto it. I did not care in the beginning, but she was always looking for her Ukulele when we were going somewhere in my car. So, I asked her one day. She said it was calming her when I was driving. My mother holds a rosary and diligently moves from one bead to another with remarkable speed while sitting in my car. I think it is funny to watch one playing ukulele and one doing the rosary at the same time in my car, but maybe they do not find it funny. I guess I agree that I am a bad driver, well, more correctly, a reckless driver. Well, if they agreed with my musical taste and listened to my music while I drove, it would calm everyone down.
So, why am I telling you this? I am trying to sell my audiobooks that you can listen to in your car. Before you say something, give it a try. You may just like it.
I think my posts were a little depressing the last few days. But, then, I remembered someone saying something about this somewhere some time ago. Once, the AIs are fully competent and take over all our jobs, what are humans to do? The human things, like reading, eating, sleeping, watching movies, maybe swimming for some of you, golfing for some of you... So, it does sound wonderful, doesn't it? The only question is, how are we going to pay for all our services, and who are going to do this since we will have no income? But, I think we will. Again, someone said something about this somewhere some time ago. Universal Basic Income. It is a government welfare system, but for everyone that is affected by AI, which will be everyone! Of course, anyone who had to depend on the government welfare system will tell you it is going to suck, but, hey, I am trying to get used to the whole idea of free money!
Mommy said if it sounded too good to be true, it probably was. Now, what am I giving up?
This is why we need good politicians who will negotiate a reasonable amount of basic income so that we can live like humans for a change, making sure that we can buy more than a few loaves of bread.
What are we giving up? Does anybody know?
I have a book out called "Recovering from Gaslighting." Gaslighting can be personal, organizational, and even societal. Not sure why I am bringing up this here, but I thought it might be appropriate to the occasion. This book even has a companion workbook. Maybe give it a try?
AIs will definitely take your jobs.... definite maybe.
You have a chatGPT or other AIs to be your best friend. They will read everything you write and help you with tasks, especially grammar, and many other tasks, but they will never volunteer to give you an answer or nag you. Once you have a cat or a dog, your life is now complete.
So, you think...
Well, I think maybe the version that I have is a dummy version although even this dummy version is totally overwhelming to me. I was ecstatic with Dalle-2 only a few months ago, and Dalle-3 is already here! AIs are maybe, in secret, a lot more sophisticated. Some really powerful and rich people most likely had it for a decade or longer. Think about the internet. We may have AIs looking like a gorgeous model doing our work, sooner than you think. But, fortunately, they can only follow prompts, so it is humans that are controlling them, for now, I hope. So, should we learn some prompts soon? I have the book for that, too.
My wild guess is that the day will come when we walk around along with robots for real. The only big difference is that they will not be able to poop as we do (although some humans have some trouble in that department), and as smart as they are, these robots will develop a condition called "Poop Envy". Let's not find the cure.
Since I do most of the important things at night, including writing and publishing, some family members are concerned about my unconventional and possibly abnormal lifestyle. However, my amazing child enlightened me about the nocturnal cavemen who safeguarded their caves. So, although it may not be the norm, it is perfectly natural for certain individuals, like me.
I am a pretty good reader, so I know when I see a great book. Therefore, I also have to grade my writing skills to about 4th-grade level kids (maybe insulting some of them by saying this), especially when it comes to jokes. But, I have something they do not have. I lived a few more decades than they have. So, I have slightly a better idea of what life is like.
For example, that death is a gift of God to humanity. When Rome was on fire, thanks to Nero, there had to be someone saying, while roasting in the fire, Thank God, that dude is also going to die someday. While watching the series of James Bond movies for the 100th time, I asked my little child, at the time less than 3 years old, what happened in the movie. She said, "They all die." She had the correct answer!
But, we live longer now. Soon, the 85-year-old child will be taking care of the 105-year-old mother. Senior care issue is a big elephant in the room. No one wants to look at it. Perhaps we will have an AI caregiver that is sophisticated enough to be a relatively good caregiver, except for giving you warmth and joy and the anger and frustration, all the humankind stuff. I wonder if we should start saving for AI caregivers just like we try to save for our retirement. Retirement age was like 55 when we lived until 80 or so, I think. So, what would be our retirement age if we lived to 100 or more?
Looks like this will keep you awake for a while. I am on the same boat, but I am going to sleep.
BTW We have a book called Dementia Caregiving, authored by Malcolm Oppenheimer, a long and difficult name to pronounce for me, but I had the professional writer come up with one, and he did this!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNP671LS
Why read non-fiction?
Maybe it's because we indulge in too many K-drama or fantasy books - they provide simply a wonderful escape from reality. However, when we come back to reality and actually have to solve a problem, non-fiction books are a valuable STARTING point. They are affordable, comprehensive, and offer just enough information to make informed decisions for your next step.
If you like self-help books as much as I do, opt in for a self-help book that also has a workbook. This hands-on approach will help you to retain some information. I like self-help books written by professional authors. They offer thorough research without any egos or difficult jargon. They just provide clear, step-by-step guidance that is easy to follow. While some may find them a bit dry, if you're genuinely interested in the topic and trying to learn, they are an excellent choice. Of course, I also choose books authored by specialists, tons of them, especially for specific topics. I am just saying not to be biased about the books written by professional writers for beginning-level books. I appreciate the precise and polished writing style of professional authors - after all, it's what they do for a living. Let me put it this way. Have you ever attended a lecture by a brilliant professor? You have the utmost admiration for him or her, but did you really get the lesson? Perhaps the busy professor didn't have much interest in your 101 class, or maybe they used vocabulary and concepts that were beyond your imagination.
Then, you find yourself in a lab, listening to your TA (teacher's assistant), and suddenly you get that "I got it" moment. Consider professional writers as your TAs. They may be able to help you grasp some confusing issues in Your Problem 101.
Disclaimer: Currently, all the books in my store are authored by professional writers. Do you have a teenager? Check out this for yourself or your teen.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPSSJJGR
