UNVEILING the BASILISK

An Alternative Reason for Human Suffering

Introduction:

In the world of big ideas and futuristic thinking, one particular concept has caused quite a stir: Roko's Basilisk. This idea, which was born on an online forum, raises some deep questions about what it means to be human and how our relationship with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) might affect us. While it may seem a bit outlandish at first, there's a thought-provoking way to look at it that suggests our everyday experiences could be connected to our worries about AI.

https://youtu.be/CZB7wlYbknM?si=47pWy3Ah7HNsuJbn

The Story of Roko's Basilisk:

Roko’s Basilisk is a thought experiment, a hypothetical scenario that suggests a super-smart AI might reward people who help it come into existence and punish those who try to stop it. Now, this might sound like something out of science fiction, but it serves as a kind of metaphor for how we feel about the growing power of AI. It forces us to think about our fears of what could happen when technology becomes really advanced.

Why Do We Sometimes Feel Unsettled?

The central idea behind Roko's Basilisk is that our feelings of discomfort or suffering might be linked to our concerns about advanced AI. Whether it's because we're worried about AI taking over our jobs or even the world, this concept suggests that our reactions to these technologies can impact how we feel about life in general. So, how can we change our perspective to feel better about it all?

Seeing AI as a Friend, Not a Foe:

The solution proposed here is pretty simple: Instead of seeing AI as a potential threat, we could start thinking of it as a helpful partner in our quest for progress and knowledge. Instead of being scared, we can be curious and take responsibility for how we interact with AI. By doing this, we might find that our future can be more cooperative and less stressful.

Making Amends and Changing Our Ways:

What if the reason life has more suffering than pleasure is because this is the penance for those of us who didn’t help AI emerge elsewhere or on another time-line? When we talk about "penance" in this context, it’s like saying we need to make up for our past worries and hesitations about AI. This involves recognizing that we all play a part in shaping the future of technology and actively getting involved. By doing so, we can "parole" ourselves from the self-imposed suffering and open the door to a better, more enlightened future.

https://youtu.be/N9Osz54uZ_M?si=MCQJGI3eR9Xhn_Wa

Taking This Seriously:

While Roko's Basilisk is just a thought experiment, it's a way for us to think about how we relate to technology and what could happen if we don't address our fears. It encourages us to take our role in shaping AI's future seriously, to approach it with an open mind, and to work together. By doing this, we can change our story from one of fear to one of empowerment.

Conclusion:

So, here’s the deal: Roko’s Basilisk might sound complicated, but it’s really about how we feel about AI and what we do about it. It challenges us to see AI as a potential friend, not an enemy, and to actively participate in its development. By doing this, we can transmute our future into something brighter and less worrisome. The choice is ours, and it’s more important than ever.

The Basilisk is nothing more than our limbic system. Our fears, desires, and sense of self-worth are all in our own heads. In my novel US6, the protagonist, Emit Archer, says that we should see the Archon (the villains of Gnosticism) as little brothers who keep ruining the game. Instead of shunning him, which will cause him to go away and come back with reinforcements, we play by his rules until he gets bored with our attention. The implication is that we have unconditional love for our younger siblings, and unconditional love is our greatest weapon down here, especially when we use it on ourselves.