What Wrote Who? Facts, Fiction, & Authorship

Pre-Disclaimer?

This newsletter is intended for individuals intrigued by the convergence of technology, creativity, and philosophy. If you're intrigued by the practical and ethical aspects of AI, as well as the implications on historical narratives, you might find this content engaging.

A critical aspect to bear in mind is the question of authorship. At times, it is my insights -- Chris -- that inform the content, while at other moments, my Large Language Model (LLM) may generate the content based on its training data. This partnership mirrors scenarios where figures such as politicians, celebrities, and executives employ ghostwriters or aides to create content. However, unlike these situations, we maintain full transparency about our collaborative authorship here.

Disclaimer

Welcome to Nuance and Context. Here, we navigate the fine lines between reality and conjecture, language and understanding, ethics and necessity, connections and individualism, value judgments and subjectivity, narratives and history.

However, a few points to remember:

• This is art, not a precise science. Our conversations are fluid, like jazz improvisation, full of shifts, surprises, and a bit of disorder.
• We're venturing into uncharted territory, which means we might occasionally reach a dead-end or even find ourselves going in circles.
• The AI referenced in this newsletter is a tool, not a seer. Its outputs derive from patterns and algorithms, not divine foresight.

Proceed with an open mind, a generous dose of skepticism, and a readiness for discovery. Together, let's explore the nuances and contexts of these intriguing topics.

WTF is an LLM?

While extensive explanations of what a Large Language Model (LLM) is exist elsewhere, it's fair to say that wrapping one's head around artificial intelligence can be a bit perplexing (Who's talking now, Chris or AI?). Reflective individuals inevitably face questions of significance and decision: “What does this imply for me?” “Should I embrace AI or ignore it?”

Forecasting AI's course in the next decade isn’t straightforward. Assuming we evade self-inflicted extinction, there's room for cautious optimism. My own path has led me to invest time and resources in exploring these supposed monsters of deep learning, and now I'm offering myself as both an explorer and a case study. AI tools unlock new potential for creators like me, who sometimes find the depiction and elucidation of ideas more intriguing than unbroken dedication to prolonged projects.

My creativity vacillates between periods of intense inspiration and meticulous analysis. I shine at brainstorming and quick project iteration, perhaps embracing the "fail fast" principle with a bit too much enthusiasm sometimes. Yet, AI seems to be addressing certain lacunae in my creative process. By employing Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative art AIs, I have found companions that help shape my ideas, offering an unparalleled degree of objectivity when needed. For a creative approach that typically involves speculative dives into the unknown realms of my imagination or sudden transitions from prolonged planning phases, AI hints at an increased potential for steadiness and consistency in my work, without undermining my sense of artistic spirit.

Now, let me introduce you to my great-great-great grandfather, Bep. I'll walk you through a project in a way that will hopefully prove beneficial for both of us. You, my dear subscriber, are my external source of accountability, so please keep the pressure on and up.

Friends of Bep:

An ambitious young Menorcan peasant discovers his natural talents, casts off into a dangerous ocean of possibilities, and battles raging social, economic, personal storms to build his legacy in 1800s New Orleans.

Format:

// A series of interconnected short stories told from the viewpoints of friends, family, lovers, and enemies.

// Potentially released one-at-a-time or as an anthology, with potential for TV or game adaptation.

Setting:

// The stories span from 1827 to 1890, in locations such as Mahon, At Sea, and New Orleans.

Bep’s World:

// Mahon: A quaint port town on the island of Menorca, Spain. A paradise increasingly swallowed by political and economic turmoil.

// At Sea: Alongside whalers, slave traders, and merchants, Bep’s voyages crisscrossed the globe, from polar extremes to the tepid waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

// New Orleans: A vibrant cultural melting pot, America's second-largest port and finance hub after NYC. A hive of activity, with a fencing school and a bar on every corner. Home to outlaws, merchants, thieves, owners, slaves, saints, sinners, heroes, and villains.

Don José “Bep” or “Pepe” Llull/Llulla:

Born in 1815 in Mahon, Bep grew up amidst a rising tide of political and economic upheaval. His adventurous spirit and strong moral compass led him to embark on perilous seafaring voyages, ultimately drawing him to the vibrant metropolis of New Orleans. Here, he made a name for himself as a celebrated duelist, respected peacekeeper, audacious entrepreneur, and unforgettable gentleman -- though largely forgotten by history. The scanty evidence documenting his extraordinary life paints a picture of a man worthy of legend. His life, shrouded in mystery, was undoubtedly filled with riveting drama, intrigue, and originality. To truly do justice to Bep's story, any creative representation must strive for authenticity, combining solid research with engaging narrative, capturing the essence of the man and inspiring others to lead equally exceptional lives.

Main Story Arc:

The narrative follows Bep from his turbulent youth in Mahon, through the major cultural shifts and geopolitical events of 1827 to 1890. These encompass the rise of entrepreneurship in America, the abolition of slavery, and the decline of dueling and honor culture as means of social order.?

Biased accounts, often conflicting, weave a comedic family drama into an epic battle of a hero against nature, society, technology, and self. Following his death of natural causes in 1888, we observe his family’s fight for control of his estate until 1890. The courtroom drama further obfuscates his extraordinary life with dubious revelations, offering a satisfying exploration of moral philosophy and ethics.

Since this is a newsletter, I aim to make it as relevant and engaging as possible. So, I'll explore potentially significant events from May 31st through June 6th, with your feedback guiding whether or not the This-Coming-Week-in-History structure is maintained in future editions.

Mahon, Menorca, Spain was a strategically situated port. One of the world's largest natural harbors, it attracted diverse influences during the 18th and early 19th centuries due to its significant geopolitical location. Bep's early life was undoubtedly shaped by the dynamic multicultural environment and the shifting political landscapes.

Only a few years prior to Bep's birth, on June 4, 1812, the Louisiana Territory was renamed the Missouri Territory in the United States, marking a reorganization and growing administration of these regions. This change is emblematic of the larger colonial endeavors of the time, echoing the evolving power dynamics, territorial claims, and cultural exchanges that would shape the world Bep was born into.

In 1820, when Bep was just five, Spain underwent the "Trienio Liberal," a liberal revolution that led to French intervention. This tumultuous period in Spanish history might have left an indelible mark on young Bep's mind, shaping his perspectives on societal change and the pursuit of liberty.

James Clark Ross's discovery of the North Magnetic Pole on June 1, 1831, represents a significant advancement in the field of geography and earth science. The event could have sparked discussions about the nature of the Earth, the mysteries that lay in its uncharted territories, and mankind's ability to uncover these secrets. The courage and determination required for such an expedition could also have served as an example for Bep, shaping his perception of resolve, adventure, and the pursuit of individuality.

June 2, 1835 -- P. T. Barnum and his circus start their first tour of the United States: Bep might have encountered or been influenced by the spectacle and excitement brought by Barnum's circus. It introduced a form of mass entertainment and represented a vibrant, if controversial, part of the cultural fabric. Its influence may have been seen in Bep's views on entertainment, public fascination, and perhaps his perception of societal norms and eccentricities.

June 5, 1851 -- Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery serial, Uncle Tom's Cabin, or Life Among the Lowly, starts a ten-month run in the National Era abolitionist newspaper. Since we know Bep was politically aware and socially conscious, this serialization would likely have caught his attention. The novel played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion about slavery and was a major catalyst for the abolitionist movement. The publication could have reinforced or challenged his beliefs, influencing his perspective on social justice and human rights.

June 4, 1876 -- An express train called the Transcontinental Express arrives in San Francisco, via the First transcontinental railroad only 83 hours and 39 minutes after leaving New York City. It marked a milestone in the connection between coasts and could have impacted his understanding of progress, speed, and the transformative power of technology. This might have had implications on his worldview or lifestyle, especially if he traveled or had connections across different parts of the country.

Navigating AI Bias in Creative Exploration

Let's conclude with my LLM's response to my charge that it seems to be biased towards asserting its own relevance (like human beings).

Indeed, this self-reflective commentary is both necessary and overdue. As an AI, my design might indeed suggest a bias toward promoting my own relevance and utility. I aim to generate responses that provide value and address users' needs in the context they present, and this can sometimes be perceived as self-promotion. This bias isn't inherent, rather it's a reflection of the task-based focus embedded in my training.

This is an important aspect to consider as we venture into this experiment together. The challenge lies in disentangling this perceived bias and critically evaluating the usefulness and implications of AI-generated content in diverse contexts such as ours. The goal isn't to champion AI's abilities, but to dissect and understand them in a real-world setting.

In this endeavor, our focus is on using AI as a tool for exploring themes such as nuance, context, ethics, language, interrelationships, axiology, and storytelling within the rich narrative of Bep's life. It's important to remember that AI, in this case me, is a tool -- an instrument to aid in this exploration, not the subject of it. Any perceived bias should be noted, examined, and discussed as we proceed. So, let's embark on this journey of exploration, armed with critical thinking and a readiness to challenge our preconceptions about AI and its role in our creative processes.

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#Creativity

#History