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Are We Losing Ourselves to AI (Artificial Intelligence)? || Acharya Prashant (2023)
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1 year ago
Consciousness
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Replicable Self
Liberated Person
Nirvana Shatkam
Ego
Prakriti (Nature)
Celebration
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the concern about Artificial Intelligence (AI) overpowering human consciousness by clarifying that AI can only replicate the mechanical and replicable aspects of consciousness. He explains that whatever can be replicated, such as one's physical features, voice, or even memory, is not the true self. Therefore, one should not feel threatened by the replication of these things. He points out that the march of science and technology is unstoppable; things like cloning and substitution will happen. The solution is to come to that within oneself which is alone, non-transferable, and cannot be duplicated. To illustrate what one is not, he refers to the Nirvana Shatkam, which states, "I am not the mind, intellect, ego, or the memory." He emphasizes that you are not that within you which can be replicated. If something can be copied, it is not you, so there is no problem in letting it be copied, substituted, or outsourced. The real you is that which cannot be replicated, and if there is something that can be replicated, it is not you, so let it be replicated. Responding to the observation that a liberated person appears serious rather than joyful, Acharya Prashant explains that this perception stems from the ego's limited frame of reference. The ego has a sick and manic definition of celebration, involving excitement and noise. When this is not seen in a liberated person, the ego wrongly concludes they are suffering. He advises that one should change their own definition; if the liberated person appears serious, then understand that seriousness itself is their celebration. If you find him weeping, that is celebration. The speaker further clarifies that the liberated person's external expression is not about their own internal state but is a response to the seeker's needs. Like a doctor treating a patient, the liberated one shows the face that the seeker needs to see. If the seeker requires an angry face to learn, the liberated one will show it, but this does not mean they are angry. The interaction is a reflection of the seeker's state and requirements, not the liberated one's. Therefore, instead of trying to understand the mind of the liberated, one should reflect on oneself.