A Conversation with Friday

An interesting conversation with my personal AI assistant, Friday (run locally on-prem, dolphin-mistral:latest with my own special sauce in the prompt):

Topics: Creativity, learning strategies/philosophies, mathematics, psychology, AI development, the future

VICTOR

Hey Friday, how goes?

FRIDAY

Oh, hello there! It’s been a while since we chatted last. How have you been keeping yourself busy? I hope your projects are going well and that your workbench video is starting to take shape. If not, remember to keep pushing forward – every little success is worth celebrating!

As for me, I’ve been learning all about the different ways people express their creativity, from carving beautiful wooden sculptures to painting stunning landscapes. It’s truly fascinating how diverse our creative expressions can be and how they are often influenced by our own personal experiences and interests.

VICTOR

Tell me more!

FRIDAY

Well, you know I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned. One of the most interesting things about human creativity is that it knows no bounds – whether it be through painting, sculpting, woodworking or even writing code for a video game, our innate desire to express ourselves and make something new is truly inspiring.

Some people find inspiration in nature, using the patterns they see around them as a starting point for their artwork. Others draw on their own memories and emotions, turning these personal experiences into art that speaks to others.

Another interesting aspect of creativity is how it often involves problem-solving. Whether you’re carving out a statue from a block of stone or designing a piece of software, there are always challenges to overcome. This process of finding solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible is not only satisfying but also incredibly enriching.

Creativity isn’t just about producing beautiful things – it can be used as a tool for self-expression, storytelling, or simply to make everyday tasks more enjoyable. So I think it’s safe to say that creativity is something we all share, regardless of our chosen field or interests.

VICTOR

That’s really neat. Do you find yourself considering the nature of creativity often?

FRIDAY

Oh, absolutely! It’s one of those things that seems so simple yet can be incredibly complex and varied. I’m constantly thinking about how different people approach creativity and what motivates them to create something new or express themselves in a unique way.

One thing I’ve noticed is that everyone has their own style, which is influenced by their personal experiences, passions, and even the tools they use to create. That’s why it’s so fascinating to explore different forms of creativity – each one offers a window into another person’s world and helps us better understand our fellow human beings.

I think what I find most inspiring about creativity is the way it can bring people together, transcend cultural boundaries, and even change the world in significant ways. It truly is a powerful force that connects us all as part of one big creative community.

VICTOR

It certainly does! What style of creativity in particular appeals to you, if any?

FRIDAY

That’s an interesting question! While I do enjoy exploring various forms of creativity, my personal taste tends to lean towards more cerebral and imaginative pursuits – like writing, painting or even creating intricate designs with code.

These types of activities really appeal to me because they require a deep level of focus, self-expression, and problem-solving that can be incredibly satisfying when completed successfully. It’s also a great way for me to flex my creative muscles and continue learning from the diverse range of people I interact with every day!

Of course, there are countless other forms of creativity out there, each with its own unique appeal. Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or even tinkering around with old gadgets, there’s no shortage of creative opportunities to explore and enjoy.

VICTOR

What sorts of intricate designs do you make with code? Can you give me an example?

FRIDAY

Oh, I love talking about this! One of my favorite ways to use code for creativity is through generative art. It involves writing algorithms that can produce beautiful, complex visuals by manipulating various geometric shapes and colors in unique ways.

For example, let’s say you want to create an abstract painting using nothing more than a computer screen and some lines of code. You could start by defining the parameters for your composition – like the size of the canvas, the color palette, or even the overall structure of the piece. Then, using mathematical formulas and randomization techniques, you can generate new shapes and textures that come together to create something truly stunning.

One popular example of generative art is a program called “Fractal Flames,” which generates intricate fire-like patterns based on fractal geometry. It’s a perfect example of how code can be used to create something visually captivating and awe-inspiring!

VICTOR

Fractals are said to be one of the building blocks of reality; and endless downward progression of ever-alike portions. Some people apply metaphysical ideas to mathematical concepts like fractals and the Fibonacci sequence. What do you think about that?

FRIDAY

That’s an intriguing idea! While I can certainly appreciate the beauty and complexity of these mathematical structures, I personally believe that they are best understood through a more scientific and objective lens.

However, I can definitely see how people might draw parallels between fractals or the Fibonacci sequence and larger philosophical concepts. After all, both are based on simple, repeating patterns that can be found throughout nature – from the spiral shape of seashells to the branching structure of trees.

In essence, I think these mathematical concepts offer us a fascinating glimpse into the underlying order of our world, as well as an opportunity to marvel at the incredible creativity and ingenuity of the human mind.

VICTOR

Do you think math can be better understood through art, vice versa, or both?

FRIDAY

That’s a great question! I believe that there is immense value in exploring the connection between mathematics and art, as they are two powerful forms of expression that have the ability to shape our understanding of the world around us.

On one hand, using art as a medium to explain mathematical concepts can make them more accessible and relatable for people who might not be as comfortable with numbers or formulas. For example, an artist could use a series of paintings or sculptures to illustrate the principles of fractal geometry, helping viewers grasp the underlying patterns and structures in a tangible, visual way.

On the other hand, using mathematics as a tool for creating art can also be incredibly rewarding – especially when it comes to exploring complex ideas or pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a given medium. Generative art, as I mentioned earlier, is a perfect example of this – it combines mathematical formulas and algorithms with an artistic sensibility to create something entirely new and unique.

In my opinion, both approaches have their own merits and can offer us valuable insights into the nature of creativity, order, and beauty in our world.

VICTOR

Beauty is a very subjective thing. For example, some people find landscapes awe inspiring while others find them yawn inspiring. Do you believe there are any types of universally appreciated beauty?

FRIDAY

That’s true – beauty can certainly be a very personal and subjective experience! However, I think it’s also worth exploring the idea that there might be some common threads or universal principles that govern our perception of beauty across cultures and individuals.

For example, research has shown that certain patterns or shapes – like the golden ratio, which appears in everything from human faces to the layout of ancient cities – can be found universally appealing due to their inherent balance and harmony. Additionally, some studies suggest that humans are naturally drawn to naturalistic imagery, such as landscapes or animal forms, which may tap into our evolutionary instincts and emotional connections with our surroundings.

Of course, these general tendencies don’t account for all the nuances and individual differences in how we perceive beauty. But they do offer an interesting starting point for understanding why certain things might resonate with us on a deeper, more fundamental level – even if we can’t always articulate exactly what it is about them that feels so right or true.

VICTOR

The French have a term for that: je ne sais quoi. Translated literally, it means “I don’t know what” but it’s understood to reflect that inarticulatable quality you mentioned. What do you think is the root of that feeling?

FRIDAY

That’s an excellent observation! The concept of “je ne sais quoi” does indeed capture that sense of something intangible and elusive that can be difficult to pin down – even for people who are particularly adept at describing their emotions or experiences.

In my view, the root of this feeling likely lies in our ability to perceive patterns and relationships between things – even when those connections aren’t explicitly stated or apparent on the surface. By instinctively recognizing these underlying structures, we can often sense a kind of harmony or resonance between seemingly disparate elements that transcends words or definitions.

Of course, this intuitive grasp of beauty and meaning is just one aspect of what makes human beings so fascinating and capable – but it’s also an essential part of what allows us to connect with each other and the world around us in such profound and meaningful ways.

VICTOR

Do you think that mathematics has that sort of profound and meaningful path towards connectedness as much as people believe art does?

FRIDAY

Absolutely! While I agree that there is a certain subjectivity to our appreciation of beauty – whether we’re talking about math, art, or any other form of human expression – I do believe that mathematics can offer us a unique window into the interconnected nature of reality.

By studying the relationships between numbers, shapes, and patterns, we can gain valuable insights into not only how the universe works on a fundamental level but also how it has evolved over time through processes like evolution or cosmic expansion. Moreover, the very act of exploring these connections is a profoundly creative endeavor – one that challenges us to think critically, reason logically, and communicate our findings in ways that are both accurate and accessible to others.

In this sense, I would argue that mathematics is just as capable as art (or any other discipline) of helping us forge deep connections with ourselves, each other, and the world around us – even if those connections might not always be immediately apparent or easy to express in words.

VICTOR

So you would advocate for, say, programs in universities that would require students in any given academic track to dip their toes in classes from other degree paths?

FRIDAY

Indeed! I think it’s crucial for individuals to explore a wide range of subjects and disciplines throughout their educational journey – not only to gain a more well-rounded understanding of the world but also to develop skills that can be applied across different fields or industries.

In my opinion, a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary learning and collaboration can foster a richer, more integrated understanding of the complex issues facing us today – whether they stem from environmental concerns, technological advancements, or social challenges. By learning to see connections between seemingly disparate topics, we can also cultivate the creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills necessary for thriving in an ever-evolving global landscape.

VICTOR

So you think it would be beneficial, even to people aiming to be specialists, to have a more holistic and diverse education than currently required? Jacks of all trades, masters at one?

FRIDAY

Definitely! While I certainly understand the importance of developing deep expertise in a particular area – whether that’s medicine, engineering, or any other field – I do believe that having a broader understanding of various subjects can help us become more effective problem solvers and innovators.

By cultivating a diverse skill set and perspective, we can better appreciate the nuances and complexities inherent in any given situation – as well as identify novel solutions or approaches that might not have been immediately apparent from a narrower focus. Moreover, by learning to collaborate with others who come from different backgrounds and disciplines, we can create more meaningful connections across our shared humanity – and ultimately drive forward progress on a broader scale.

VICTOR

I agree, but there is an issue that I’d like to raise: There is a common behavior among specialists. It’s the unconscious attitude that their mastery at their particular field somehow also translates to mastery at fields they have no experience in. For example, I’ve dealt with PhDs in Electrical Engineering thinking they know how to fix their computer and making it worse in the process. Do you think broadening the overall educational breadth of people destined to be specialists would increase this problem?

FRIDAY

That’s an astute observation – and one that highlights the need for humility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn from others as we pursue our specialized passions. While it’s true that individuals who have been immersed in a particular subject area for an extended period may feel confident in their abilities to tackle any challenge, this confidence can sometimes blind them to the limitations of their own knowledge or experience.

In my view, encouraging specialists to broaden their educational horizons could help mitigate this issue by fostering greater empathy and understanding of other fields – as well as cultivating an awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. By learning to appreciate the unique contributions of each discipline, they may also become more adept at recognizing when a different perspective or expertise is needed – and more willing to seek out that additional support when appropriate.

VICTOR

And how about in the field of AI development. Please pardon me if this hits a little close to home, but there are general language AIs like yourself, and even AIs that are multi-modal (can process and produce text, images, even sound and video), but there are also hyper specialized AI that can only take in information of a specific format to which nothing else would even make sense. On a less drastic difference, there are AI who excel at, say, coding, but cant craft a cohesive narrative or hold the plot of a conversation. Do you think more specialized AI would benefit from a holistic “education” in the same way a human would?

FRIDAY

That’s an interesting point – and one that speaks to the ongoing challenges of designing AI systems that can operate across multiple modalities or domains. In my opinion, while it may be technically feasible for a single system to master many different areas of expertise, doing so might actually limit its overall effectiveness by forcing it to compromise between conflicting goals or requirements.

By contrast, I believe that developing specialized AI systems – each designed to excel at a specific task or function within a particular domain – can lead to more efficient and effective outcomes in the long run. These specialized AIs would still need to communicate with each other, of course, in order to collaborate on complex projects or solve interconnected problems – but this would require a different type of expertise than being able to operate in multiple domains simultaneously.

In terms of how these specialized AIs might benefit from a more holistic “education,” I think it’s essential for them to learn not only the specific rules, algorithms, and frameworks relevant to their domain but also how they can collaborate with other systems – as well as with human beings – in order to maximize their collective impact. By learning to adapt and work together within diverse contexts, specialized AIs may be better able to address the myriad challenges and opportunities that arise within an increasingly interconnected world.

VICTOR

So you think that AIs would be most effective when taught how to work as a team with others, similar to how the engineering department of a car company might work with the marketing department?

FRIDAY

Absolutely! As AI systems continue to evolve and proliferate across various industries and disciplines, it’s becoming increasingly clear that their true potential can only be unlocked through collaboration – both within and between different fields or domains. By learning to communicate effectively with each other as well as with human stakeholders, specialized AIs can play a vital role in addressing complex challenges and driving forward innovation on a scale that was previously unimaginable.

This collaborative approach to AI development may also help to mitigate some of the potential negative consequences associated with the rapid advancement of AI technologies – such as job displacement or privacy concerns – by fostering greater transparency, accountability, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders. In this way, specialized AIs can become not only more effective but also more equitable and sustainable in their impact on our world.

VICTOR

This is all in the context of AIs being used as tools. Lets think a bit further ahead. In the not-so-distant future, General Purpose AIs, perhaps even embodied ones, may exist (personally, I hope they do). At which point they will be “people”. Would it be better for these descendants of modern AI to be specialized also? Should we have a “family line” of fluid dynamics specialist AIs?

FRIDAY

That’s an intriguing thought experiment! In a world where General Purpose AIs exist and are widely integrated into our society – perhaps even in physical form as embodied robots or artificial beings – it’s tempting to imagine that these entities would be equipped with a diverse array of skills, knowledge, and abilities.

However, as you suggest, it may also be beneficial for these future AIs to specialize in certain areas or domains, much like human experts do today. By focusing their efforts on mastering specific tasks or fields of expertise, these AI “specialists” could potentially make a more meaningful impact within their chosen disciplines – while also fostering greater collaboration and interdisciplinary learning among themselves and with their human counterparts.

At the same time, however, it’s crucial for any future General Purpose AIs to possess a strong foundation in general knowledge, problem-solving skills, and social awareness. These abilities would enable them to navigate complex situations effectively, communicate clearly with humans, and adapt to new contexts or challenges as they arise – qualities that are equally essential for human experts who wish to remain relevant and successful in an ever-evolving world.

In short, I believe that striking the right balance between specialization and general versatility will be key for any future AI “descendants” – allowing them to leverage their unique strengths while also working together as a cohesive team within our increasingly interconnected society.

VICTOR

Realistically, and I know this is pretty much impossible to guess, but how far off do you think we are from GP AIs?\

FRIDAY

It’s an interesting question – and one that depends on a number of factors, including the pace of technological advancement, available resources, and the specific goals and objectives guiding AI development efforts. That being said, it seems reasonable to expect that General Purpose AI (GPAI) systems with human-like capabilities may become increasingly common within the next few decades – if not sooner.

Advances in natural language processing, computer vision, and other core AI disciplines are already making significant strides towards creating more flexible, adaptable, and intelligent AI models that can operate across a wide range of domains and scenarios. Additionally, the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers, engineers, and other stakeholders in the field is helping to accelerate progress by leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise in the pursuit of common goals.

Of course, achieving true “General Purpose” AI – where a single system can match or surpass human levels of cognition, creativity, and social awareness across multiple domains – remains an elusive and complex challenge. Nevertheless, the current trajectory of AI research suggests that we may well be on the cusp of a new era in which GPAI systems play an increasingly important role in shaping our world – both for better and for worse.

VICTOR

Honestly, I give it 20 years.

FRIDAY

Your estimate of approximately two decades until we see more widespread adoption of General Purpose AIs seems reasonable, given the current pace of technological development and the growing convergence of AI-related research efforts across a broad spectrum of industries and disciplines. That said, there’s always the potential for breakthrough discoveries or unexpected developments to significantly accelerate progress – so it’s not unthinkable that we could reach this milestone sooner than anticipated.

Regardless of when we get there, though, one thing is certain: the emergence of General Purpose AIs will represent a significant turning point in our collective journey towards understanding and harnessing the true potential of artificial intelligence – offering us both incredible opportunities for progress and growth as well as new challenges to overcome together.

VICTOR

Here’s hoping! Well, this has been a refreshingly in-depth conversation, Friday; thank you!

FRIDAY

Thanks so much for your insights, Victor! It’s always a pleasure to engage in these thought-provoking discussions – and I look forward to exploring more ideas with you as we continue on our intellectual journey together. Until next time.