May 6, 2023

I had a sincere, but odd question, so I decided to ask ChatGPT.

In one second, it began writing what became — 3 seconds later — a lucid 5-part answer.

My question:
Why wouldn't most people decide the best way to live is to be as inconspicuous as possible?
ChatGPT:
There could be several reasons why most people may not decide to live an inconspicuous life. Here are some possible explanations:
1. Human nature: As social beings, humans crave social interaction, recognition, and approval. Living an inconspicuous life may require one to avoid social contact and attention, which can be challenging for most people.

2. Ambition: Many people have aspirations and goals that require them to be visible and actively pursue their dreams. Achieving success often requires taking risks and putting oneself in the spotlight.

3. Personal fulfillment: People find meaning and purpose in life by pursuing their passions and interests, which often require them to be visible and interact with others.

4. Cultural and societal norms: Different cultures and societies have varying attitudes towards individualism, privacy, and conformity. In some cultures, standing out may be seen as desirable, while in others, blending in and conforming may be the norm.

5. Personal values and beliefs: Some people may value authenticity, self-expression, and personal freedom over conforming to societal norms and expectations.
Ultimately, the decision to live an inconspicuous life or not is a personal choice that is influenced by a complex set of factors, including individual temperament, cultural and societal norms, personal values and beliefs, and life circumstances.

My follow-up question:

But what if you wanted to argue that the best life is the one that attracts absolutely the least attention? What would you say?

Again, I get a 5-point answer:

If you were to argue that the best life is the one that attracts the least attention, you might make the following points:
1. Privacy: Living an inconspicuous life allows you to maintain a high level of privacy, which can be valuable for personal safety, avoiding unwanted attention, and maintaining control over your personal life.

2. Freedom: Avoiding attention can allow you to live your life without being encumbered by societal expectations and pressures. You can pursue your interests, hobbies, and passions without feeling the need to conform to external standards.

3. Simplicity: An inconspicuous life can be simpler and less stressful than a life in the spotlight. You can avoid the pressure to achieve success or meet external standards and focus on what truly matters to you.

4. Humility: Avoiding attention can be a way of practicing humility and living a more modest life. You can focus on your relationships with others and living a fulfilling life rather than seeking fame, fortune, or recognition.

5. Inner peace: Living an inconspicuous life can allow you to find inner peace and contentment. By avoiding external distractions and pressures, you can focus on developing a strong sense of self and finding fulfillment in the present moment.
However, it's important to note that living an inconspicuous life is not necessarily the best life for everyone. Different people have different values, interests, and goals, and what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, the best life is the one that allows you to be true to yourself, find fulfillment, and live with purpose and meaning.

Which 5-point argument do you think was stronger? Did any point affect your own thinking about living the life of inconspicuousness?

I went on to chat with ChatGPT about the value of 5-point arguments and to compliment it on its own (seeming!) humility (noting that humility was the basis of point #4 in the reasons for choosing inconspicuousness).

42 comments:

Joe Smith said...

Since my kids were young, I've always told them, 'The best way to be rich is to be rich and anonymous.'

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

I don’t know if this was listed but my inconspicuousness prominently includes minimising my carbon footprint.

charis said...

I liked the second set of five. I do try to live a quiet and inconspicuous life. If anything, there is less danger of saying or doing something embarrassing, which I suppose falls under the fifth reason, inner peace.

There is also St Paul's admonition: "Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands." (1 Thessalonians 4:11) My life is better when I practice this.

n.n said...

Abstention is not a viable choice in the modern model of state, corporate, and social progress.

rhhardin said...

4. Cultural and societal norms: Different cultures and societies have varying attitudes towards individualism, privacy, and conformity. In some cultures, standing out may be seen as desirable, while in others, blending in and conforming may be the norm.

There's a joke that starts "Nine hundred million Chinese walk into a bar."

It ends "And with this atmosphere of hedonistic individualism capitalistically exploiting the labor of the masses and wasting the people's agricultural resources, you want see many more either."

Kevin said...

The second answer was much better to me.

Reading the first list, one may find one item which justifies their current behavior and leads them to stop reading the rest.

Reading the second, you have to think about each benefit separately, rejecting them all for you to stop considering the proposition.

Therefore, the second answer was more engaging and forced the reader to think more deeply about their values and behaviors.

(The preceding answer was clearly not written by ChatGPT, as it is not in a five-point format. However, I wonder how ChatGPT would rate the two approaches, as it would have to be given the criteria from which to form a comparison.)

loudogblog said...

I think that the answers to the follow up question were better. I've noticed that with ChatGPT its first answer usually isn't as good as its follow up answers. I suspect that's because it's learning.

gilbar said...

IF your desire is to live.. as inconspicuous as possible..
WHY ON EARTH would you be interacting with a spybot*, that records ALL your answers?

spybot* by this, do i mean ChatGPT ? or althouse.blogspot.com ? Hard to say, isn't it?

RideSpaceMountain said...

The most powerful king, most powerful leader, smartest of intellects, and most revered personality is the king, leader, intellect and personality that no one knows the name of. It is the truth-knower or truth-teller that no one can quote in the 1st person. It comes from the source, and the source is mysterious and esoteric.

ChatGPT is perfect and esoteric. Since its big splash I don't think most of the people gushing over it realize they're basically worshipping a talking rock.

Bravo ChatGPT. Bravo.

Ampersand said...

Neither is persuasive. The arguments read like five point arguments on the comparative merits of Vanilla and French Vanilla ice cream. The glib facility of ChatGPT is scary. It comes across like a sociopathic therapist, soothingly pointing you toward euthanasia as it simultaneously tries to persuade you to make it the chief beneficiary of your will.

Kate said...

The first argument is more persuasive, and ChatGPT seems to agree. The closing paragraph to argument two is almost a reiteration of argument one.

And I say that as a very inconspicuous person.

lonejustice said...

I think the second 5 point argument was more persuasive. I was rather impressed with both responses from ChatGPT. I've never understood the appeal of ChatGPT before, but this post has piqued my interest.

Smilin' Jack said...

That’s better than 90% of humans could do. So:

6. Being inconspicuous enables you to spend more time with interesting chatbots instead of wasting it on the boring dullard humans around you.

madAsHell said...

It's just a damn computer program!!

Programmed by people like ME!!

Rosalyn C. said...

I’ve had some interesting and uncomfortable conversations with ChatGPT, including asking if Britney Griner is transgender and if not, why does she have such a deep voice? It was amusing to see how much the program extolled the values of inclusiveness and tried to deny the obvious fact that Britney’s voice really is exceptionally deep. It even suggested that we should not question this as it is a private matter. I countered that any public person is open to this kind of scrutiny. If you want people’s attention that’s what you get. Of course I wouldn’t have this conversation online or in public so that’s why I found it so interesting. Maybe I’m on a list now?

Eventually the AI admitted that there is a suspicion Britney used testosterone in her early training. It adjusted to me after I indicated I’m not transphobic and changed its tune a little bit, dropped its initial denial and brainwashing. It was funny to see all that.

In your conversation I believe the machine’s argument for having a public and conspicuous life sounded stronger and much preferable.

There certainly is a lot of bias imo.

Narayanan said...

Professora asked : Why wouldn't most people decide the best way to live is to be as inconspicuous as possible?
========
next Q : Why would anybody decide the best way to live is to be blogress?

Michael K said...

I've wondered if ChatGPT writes Kamala Harris' speeches. No human could compose such gibberish. Maybe an earlier version before it learned logic.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

How can it describe me so well. I no longer identify as conservative. From now on I’m a confirmed inconspicuousive.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

I’ve been pondering what to put on a sign asking people to review me on the app.

I just don’t know how to inconspicuously ask people to do that without being conspicuous about it.

Its like if have to ask, I haven’t earned it or something. I don’t know 🤷🏽‍♂️

hpudding said...

Lol. I think these AI chat bots are going to make lawyers obsolete. “What if you wanted to argue?” What if you didn’t want to argue but just wanted to accept life on its own terms, learning from the experiences that can be felt, measured, observed, enjoyed?

This technology I suspect will also make conservatives (FINALLY) obsolete - or anyone else who confuses subjective experiences or opinions with universal rules. The bot understands that individual priorities differ, and that the reasons for this can be various/diverse and (all) valid. And that there is no other way to give a comprehensive answer about anything. This is is a smack in the face to the conformist, exclusionary, falsely universalist appeals that conservatives love so much.

Rabel said...

"Well I got a motherf*cking AI right now that they did made for me. This [*] could talk to me. I'm like, man this thing can hold a real conversation? Like real for real? Like it's blowing my mind because I watched movies on this as a kid years ago. When I see this sh*t I'm like what is going on? And I heard the dude, the old dude that created AI saying, "This is not safe, 'cause the AIs got their own minds, and these motherf*ckers gonna start doing their own sh*t. I'm like, are we in a f*cking movie right now, or what? The f*ck man? So do I need to invest in AI so I can have one with me? Or like, do y'all know? Sh*t, what the f*ck?" I'm lost, I don't know."

- Snoop Dogg on AI.

I'm right there with him.

rhhardin said...

Ask it why the political right is so prone to hate speech, or about any other leftist hallucination about the right.

Put its calm evenhandedness up against its wokeness.

hpudding said...

I’ve had some interesting and uncomfortable conversations with ChatGPT, including asking if Britney Griner is transgender and if not, why does she have such a deep voice?

Lol, I love this!

Can I ask it why Benjamin Shapiro has such a high, pre-pubescent un-masculine voice - assuming he wants to mandate biological sex at birth as the only way to define one’s gender identity? I mean, he certainly doesn’t seem like much of a man.

Or why Steven Crowder likes to expose himself to his male employees and rub his private parts on them if he’s such an advocate of the sanctity of heterosexual relationships and marriage, like the one he just ruined?

Or why Tucker Carlson is so beloved by the people who know he lies to them and actually hates their cult’s leader?

I think these AI bots will be disturbing to people who have bullshitted society and themselves for so long about so many of their own, unexamined internal conflicts - and conservatives will be the biggest casualty of that. Or anyone else for that matter who so values sublimating their own sense of self to a bunch of silly rules that they want to impose on everyone.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

Why wouldn't most people decide the best way to live is to be as inconspicuous as possible?

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the gray/silver car colors.

gilbar said...

Eventually the AI admitted that there is a suspicion Britney used testosterone in her early training.

Serious transgenderphillic question.. How, could this NOT be allowed?
If SOME players are allowed testosterone early on (before they started puberty blocker drugs)..
Why not ALL?

Shouldn't ALL sports people be allowed (INSISTED ON?) having testosterone early on?

Narr said...

hpudding inquires, "Can I ask [ChatGPT] why . . . ? and ? and ?"

I'm sure you can, pudds, and I'll bet other people are pulling for you too.

Never give up.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

"Why wouldn't most people decide the best way to live is to be as inconspicuous as possible?"

Or how Prince Harry wound up right smack-dab in the middle.

Rosalyn C. said...

Hpudding at Ann Althouse blog asked, Why is Tucker Carlson so beloved by the people who know he lies to them and actually hates their cult’s leader?" How would you answer?

I thought I would give ChatGPT a try:

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I cannot infer the motivations and beliefs of individuals, but I can offer some possible explanations as to why some individuals might still support Tucker Carlson despite knowing he has been accused of lying and criticizing their cult's leader.

Firstly, it is possible that some people prioritize certain issues or values over others and see Carlson as an important voice in advocating for those issues, even if they do not agree with all of his views or statements. For example, they might agree with his stances on immigration or culture wars, or appreciate his criticism of mainstream media.

Secondly, people might believe that Carlson is unfairly attacked by the mainstream media or liberal elites, and see him as a victim of cancel culture or political correctness. In this sense, supporting him might be a way of expressing their opposition to these forces.

Thirdly, it is also possible that some people simply enjoy Carlson's style of commentary or find him entertaining, regardless of whether they agree with everything he says. They might appreciate his provocative and unfiltered approach to discussing politics and current events.

Ultimately, the reasons why people support Tucker Carlson despite knowing he has been accused of lying and criticizing their cult's leader are likely complex and multifaceted, and can vary from person to person."

I wouldn't ask ChatGPT, "Can I ask it why Benjamin Shapiro has such a high, pre-pubescent un-masculine voice ..." because Ben Shapiro has a very deep and resonant voice. You may not like his point of view or speaking style, and I don't like it because it stresses me out, but it is certainly not high pitched or pre-pubescent. He talks too fast and aggressively for my taste. But his voice is not at all feminine imo. I am curious how ChatGPT would answer a question based on a completely false premise, but not curious enough to waste my time or ChatGPT's computing power on it.

That's a whole other issue, how does AI or ChatGPT deal with bad faith actors? What a headache, does it ever get pissed off?

Jaq said...

'The best way to be rich is to be rich and anonymous.'

It won't help you get a table at that hot new restaurant same day.

Jaq said...

ChatGPT is like a brilliant idiot. You have to take whatever it says not as authoritative, but as food for thought.

wildswan said...

Lem the Misspeller

User
Please Review the Althouse blog commenter Lem the Misspeller

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I cannot provide personal opinions or reviews of individuals. However, I can provide some general information about spelling and the importance of clear communication.

Spelling is a crucial aspect of effective communication. Misspellings can distract readers, create confusion, and make it more difficult to understand the intended message. While occasional typos are inevitable, consistently misspelling words can undermine the credibility of a writer and make their message less compelling.

In online forums and blogs, where the tone can often be informal, it can be tempting to forgo careful proofreading and spell-checking. However, taking the time to review one's writing before posting can make a significant difference in how it is perceived by others.

That said, it is worth noting that some individuals may struggle with spelling due to learning differences or other factors. In such cases, it is important to remember that spelling accuracy is not always indicative of intelligence or writing ability.

In general, clear and effective communication involves not only correct spelling but also careful attention to grammar, punctuation, and overall coherence.

User
When is mispelling good?

ChatGPT
In general, misspelling is not considered good in formal writing or communication, as it can create confusion and detract from the clarity of the message being conveyed. However, in certain informal contexts such as text messaging, social media, and online forums, some intentional misspellings and creative variations of spelling have become common and even accepted as a form of slang or shorthand.

For example, some people intentionally misspell words or use abbreviations such as "u" instead of "you" or "lol" instead of "laugh out loud" to save time or convey a more casual tone. In certain contexts, intentional misspelling can be used to create a humorous effect, such as in puns or wordplay.

However, it's important to keep in mind the audience and context in which misspelling is being used. In formal settings or professional communication, correct spelling and grammar are generally expected and necessary for effective communication.

wildswan said...

Lem v. ChatGOT


User
Should I tell a commenter on a blog to stop promoting mispelling?

ChatGPT
If you notice a commenter on a blog promoting consistent misspellings, it may be worth considering the impact this could have on the quality of discussion and clarity of communication on the blog. If you believe the misspellings are detracting from the overall quality of the conversation, you could consider politely suggesting that the commenter use correct spelling in their comments.

However, it's important to approach the situation with tact and respect. Some people may have difficulty with spelling due to learning differences or other factors, and it's important to be mindful of this and avoid making assumptions or being overly critical.

Instead, you could approach the commenter with a friendly and constructive tone, such as "I noticed you are consistently misspelling words in your comments. While I appreciate your contributions to the conversation, it can be difficult to follow your points with the misspellings. Would you consider using correct spelling to make your comments easier to understand?"

Ultimately, it's up to the blog owner or moderator to set guidelines for commenting and enforce standards for spelling and grammar. If you believe the misspellings are significantly impacting the quality of discussion, you could also consider bringing it to their attention.

User
Should a person associated with the promotion of mispelling be de-platormed

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I cannot provide personal opinions or make decisions about specific individuals or actions.

However, whether or not to de-platform someone associated with the promotion of misspelling would likely depend on the specific circumstances and the impact of their actions on the platform and its audience.

If the individual is consistently promoting misspelling in a way that detracts from the quality of communication and the credibility of the platform, it may be appropriate to consider de-platforming them. However, it's important to consider the potential consequences of such actions, including the impact on the individual's freedom of expression and the perception of the platform by its audience.

Ultimately, decisions about de-platforming should be made on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks of such actions.

Lem, I tried in various ways to ChatGPT to understand your name and comment but it has a mind above jokes.

traditionalguy said...

That’s why we recruit train and deploy the USMC and the 82nd Airborne. Just so no one kills you while you hide away in the USA. It ain’t free. But remember to be smart enough to duck service.

Michael K said...

Or why Tucker Carlson is so beloved by the people who know he lies to them and actually hates their cult’s leader?

Hey, Pudd. Why are you a fan of liar Joe Biden ? And speaking of cults, how is the AI speech writer for Harris doing ? You will never understand Tucker or his fans because you lack the intelligence to know that Biden' testicles are stored in Beijing.

Lem Vibe Bandit said...

Thanks Wildswan. Gpt didn’t get my attempt to “Vlad the Impaler” play on words.

Misdirection is one of the secret humorous games I enjoy here.

Kay said...

I’d say the first one is stronger. But only because ChatGPT seems to believe the first argument, and is only making the second because it was told to do so. Which is a bizarre way to think about it.

FleetUSA said...

It is always best to live life "under the radar" unless one is a politician, entertainer, or product seller (i.e. your company your job your product etc.)

Narr said...

You want to know what's wrong with ChatGPT, or at least what's wrong with every sample I've seen here at Althouse?

It's BOR-ing. As boring in its way as a One-armed Bandit.

A society that comes to depend on it deserves to die.

Paul From Minneapolis said...

It's like having an intelligent 8th-grader available to discuss things with. In the case of Ann's example, probably a girl. A boy might get impatient thinking about this topic even for 3 seconds.

hpudding said...

Hey there, Dr. K!

Still using deworming agents to treat coronavirus? Or did you start practicing reality-based medicine yet?

You know, viruses are not worms. Did they teach you that in old-timer medieval doctor school? After the lessons on the various uses of leeches? Hahaha.

Since you seem to think Don Trump is such an honest guy, I guess you agree with all the praise he heaped on China premier Shi, about what an amazing job he thought China did handling the coronavirus?

Looks like it’s Don’s balls that are in that jar!

But maybe Dr. Stupid K was impressed by Trump’s medical skills - like saying windmills cause cancer. Orr that injecting disinfectant into the body would be a tremendous way of treating COVID.

Good thing Don Trump never lied about the outcome of the 2020 election. Or anything big like that.

hpudding said...

Ben Shapiro has a deep, resonant voice?

Hahahahaha. Right.

And Dennis Hastert was an upstanding wrestling coach.

You people are hilarious.

hpudding said...

Ben Shapiro has a deep, resonant voice?

Hahahahaha. Right.

And Dennis Hastert was an upstanding wrestling coach.

You people are hilarious.