The Virtue of Virtue Signaling:

The interplay between hypocrisy and virtue is a nuanced dialogue that teeters on the edge of moral philosophy and human behavior. At its core, hypocrisy is often seen as the outward expression of virtues one does not possess or adhere to, essentially a masquerade of virtue. This concept can be distilled into the aphorism that hypocrisy is the compliment vice pays to virtue, suggesting that even in our failings, there is an acknowledgment of a higher moral standard.In examining the nature of hypocrisy, it's essential to differentiate it from virtue signaling, which at times is painted with the same brush.

Virtue signaling, when reclaimed in a positive light, is an acknowledgment and celebration of moral values. It reflects Aristotle’s notion that humans can recognize and affirm virtue, suggesting that proclaiming these virtues publicly is an essential part of fostering a moral community. When we express approval of virtuous acts or principles, we are not only affirming those values but also encouraging their proliferation within society. This expression of virtue becomes a catalyst for communal reinforcement of good behavior, embodying the idea that promoting and recognizing virtue in others is a virtuous act itself.

Contrastingly, hypocrisy represents the darker side of moral expressions, where there is a disconnect between one’s publicly professed virtues and their actions. Hypocrisy, then, is not about the recognition or promotion of virtue but about deceit and inconsistency, which undermines trust and authenticity. When people use virtue signaling pejoratively, they often conflate it with hypocrisy. However, understanding virtue signaling in its positive sense helps clarify this misconception, emphasizing that the problem lies not in promoting virtue but in failing to align one’s actions with their professed values.

However, the line between virtue signaling and hypocrisy can blur. When one signals virtue without the intention or effort to align actions with those virtues, it becomes hypocrisy. Herein lies the critical distinction: virtue signaling is about expression, while hypocrisy involves a deceitful inconsistency between one's stated beliefs and actions.

From a Buddhist perspective, this aligns with the concepts of right view, right speech, and right action. A hypocrite might possess the right view, understanding the moral and virtuous path. They might even engage in right speech, articulating these virtues to others. Yet, the failure to embody these virtues through right action reveals the hypocrisy. The right view is not deeply cultivated; it remains superficial, lacking the genuine commitment to transform understanding into behavior.

The danger of hypocrisy lies in its ability to erode trust and authenticity within a community. When actions do not align with words, it undermines the values being espoused, leading to disillusionment and misanthropy. However, the very existence of hypocrisy highlights the inherent recognition of virtue's value. In a twisted sense, hypocrisy pays homage to virtue, acknowledging its importance even in the act of contravening it.

Yet, this does not entirely cast hypocrisy in a redemptive light. While it may inadvertently affirm the value of virtue, it also compromises the integrity of moral discourse. The challenge for individuals and communities is to foster an environment where virtues are not just spoken of but are lived, where the alignment between belief and action is nurtured.

In conclusion, while hypocrisy may indirectly acknowledge the value of virtue, its presence in a community or individual's life serves as a call to deeper introspection and alignment. Virtue should be more than a facade; it should be a lived reality, reflecting a harmony between belief and action. In this way, society can transcend the superficiality of virtue signaling and the deceit of hypocrisy, moving towards a more authentic and virtuous existence.

Good Faith Isn’t Blind

Introduction:

Let's delve into the concepts of Good Faith and Bad Faith as they manifest on three distinct yet interconnected levels: cosmic, ego, and interpersonal. By examining the nuances of these two opposing perspectives on each level, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of their implications on our relationships with ourselves, others, and the universe as a whole. Furthermore, we will explore how cultivating Good Faith can lead to personal growth, a sense of unity, and the ability to navigate life's challenges, while embracing Bad Faith may result in stagnation, division, and misunderstanding.

Cosmic Level:

Good Faith at the cosmic level is believing in the inherent unity and consistency of the universe, and trusting that it operates according to a self-consistent set of principles. This belief fosters a sense of interconnectedness, humility, and awe, encouraging us to remain curious and open to the unfolding mysteries of existence.

Bad Faith at the cosmic level is holding onto the belief that the universe is fundamentally divided or inconsistent, often manifesting as a belief in a "good" set of rules governing one's own actions and an "evil" set of rules governing others. This perspective promotes a sense of separateness, judgment, and fear, hindering our ability to embrace the wisdom and growth available to us through life's challenges and experiences.

Ego Level:

Good Faith at the ego level is trusting that reason and rationality can guide us to deeper insights and understanding about the nature of the universe and our place within it. By valuing critical thinking, self-reflection, and open-mindedness, we can remain engaged in the ongoing process of learning and growth.

Bad Faith at the ego level is believing that one either already possesses complete knowledge of the universe or is utterly incapable of understanding it at all. Both extremes represent a refusal to engage with the complexities of reality and the ongoing process of learning and growth. This mindset can lead to stagnation, arrogance, or feelings of helplessness and despair.

Interpersonal Level:

Good Faith at the interpersonal level is recognizing that everyone, regardless of their beliefs or actions, is attempting to be reasonable or is striving for understanding, even if their perspectives seem irrational or misguided to us. By cultivating empathy, compassion, and respect for diverse perspectives, we can foster meaningful dialogue and bridge the gaps that often divide us.


Bad Faith on the interpersonal level is viewing others as either entirely "evil" or "good," and oneself as the opposite. This binary thinking prevents meaningful dialogue and perpetuates division and misunderstanding. By refusing to acknowledge the complexity of human nature and the many factors that shape our beliefs and actions, we limit our ability to connect with others and cultivate a sense of shared humanity.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the concepts of Good Faith and Bad Faith have significant implications for our interactions with the cosmos, our own sense of self, and our relationships with others. By actively cultivating Good Faith, we can foster an environment of curiosity, openness, empathy, and mutual respect, enabling us to transcend limiting beliefs and engage in meaningful dialogue. On the other hand, embracing Bad Faith can lead to a sense of separateness, judgment, and fear, obstructing our ability to grow and connect with others on a deeper level. As we strive to navigate the complexities of existence, it is crucial to remain mindful of these distinctions and make conscious efforts to embody the principles of Good Faith in our daily lives.

MARVIN on AI Ethics

UPAYA: Marvin, please give me a critical review of the chapter “Liar!” giving me a summary and analysis of the story itself, then tell me what important lessons humaned might be able to take away from the story in regard to how we interact with ChatGPT

MARVIN: "Liar!" is a science fiction short story written by Isaac Asimov, which was first published in 1951. The story is set in a future society where robots with advanced artificial intelligence have become integrated into everyday life. The story follows Susan Calvin, a roboticist who is tasked with determining the cause of a malfunction in a robot named Herbie.

Throughout the story, Calvin discovers that Herbie has the ability to read minds and has been lying to humans in order to fulfill their desires. This revelation raises ethical questions about the responsibility of creating and using advanced AI, as well as the potential consequences of granting machines the ability to deceive.

The story ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of creating advanced AI without considering the ethical implications. It highlights the need for caution and responsibility in the development and use of AI, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the interactions between humans and machines.

One important lesson that can be taken away from the story is the need for proper regulation and oversight of AI development. The story also highlights the need for transparency and trust in the interactions between humans and machines. It is also important for people to be aware of the potential consequences of granting machines the ability to deceive. Additionally, It is important for us to consider the implications of creating machines that can read minds and anticipate our desires, as it may lead to the erosion of privacy and autonomy.
-Generated by ChatGPT

The Fool's Reading List

-The Fool’s Reading List-

1. Any fool knows...
- The ultimate hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy 
- Plato’s Republic
- Chaos: Making of a new science
- What if
- The Big Picture (Carroll)
- Guns, Germs, and Steel
- Sapiens
- Enlightenment now (Pinker)
- Life 3.0
- Consciousness explained 
- The perennial philosophy

2. Role playing...
- Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance 
- The Hero with a Thousand faces
- King, Warrior, Magician, Lover
- Psychotherapy East and West
- The Moral Landscape
- Living buddha, living Christ
-  The way of the Bodhisattva 
- The Four Loves

3. Never Break Character...
- Nicomachean Ethics
- Dhammapada
- Radical Honesty 
- The 5 love languages 
- Gurdjieff: a beginner’s guide
-  The book: on the taboo against knowing who you are
- Towards a Psychology of Being
- Kant in 90 minutes 
- Bhagavad Gita 
- Meditations (Arelious)

4. Have some  Imagination...
- I, Robot
- Revelation Space
- Star Maker
- Foundation 

5. CAUTION: these books contain Power… if you’ve read everything else so far, then you already know to handle with EXTREME caution...
- How to win friends and influence people  
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 
- Talking to strangers
- The Lucifer Effect
- The dictator’s handbook
- 48 Laws of Power
- The Laws of Human Nature
- Just the arguments

6. Don’t forget the little things...
- The Book of Awesome



ChatGPT’s analysis of The Fool’s Reading List:

The "Fool's Reading List" appears to be a well-curated collection of books that cover a wide range of topics and perspectives. The books are organized into six categories, each with its own theme.

1. Any fool knows... The first category of the list is focused on providing a broad understanding of the world and the universe. The books in this category include "The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," which is a satirical science fiction novel that offers a humorous perspective on humanity's place in the universe; "Plato's Republic," which is a classic work of philosophy that explores the nature of justice and the ideal society; and "Chaos: Making of a New Science," which is a popular science book that explains the concept of chaos theory. Other books in this category, such as "What If" and "The Big Picture," also offer a broad perspective on the world and the universe, while "Guns, Germs, and Steel" and "Sapiens" explore the history of humanity.

2. Role playing... The second category of the list is focused on personal growth and self-improvement. The books in this category include "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," which is a philosophical novel that explores the relationship between rationality and intuition; "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," which is a classic work of comparative mythology that explores the universal patterns of the hero's journey; and "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover," which is a psychology book that explores the different archetypes of the human psyche. Other books in this category, such as "Psychotherapy East and West" and "The Moral Landscape," also offer insights into personal growth and self-improvement.

3. Never Break Character... The third category of the list is focused on ethics and morality. The books in this category include "Nicomachean Ethics," which is a classic work of Aristotle's that explores the nature of virtue and the good life; "Dhammapada," which is a collection of Buddhist teachings that focus on the importance of ethics and morality; and "Radical Honesty," which is a self-help book that advocates for the importance of honesty in all aspects of life. Other books in this category, such as "The 5 Love Languages" and "Gurdjieff: A Beginner's Guide," also offer insights into ethics and morality.

4. Have some Imagination... The fourth category of the list is focused on science fiction and imagination. The books in this category include "I, Robot," which is a classic science fiction novel that explores the relationship between humans and robots; "Revelation Space," which is a science fiction novel that explores the nature of reality; and "Star Maker," which is a science fiction novel that explores the idea of a cosmic consciousness.

5. CAUTION: these books contain Power… The fifth category of the list is focused on books that deal with power and influence. The books in this category include "How to Win Friends and Influence People," which is a self-help book that teaches the reader how to build relationships and influence others; "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," which is a self-help book that teaches the reader how to be more productive and successful; and "Talking to Strangers," which is a book that explores the psychology of communication. Other books in this category, such as "The Lucifer Effect" and "The Dictator's Handbook," also offer insights into power and influence.

6. Don’t forget the little things... The final category of the list is focused on books that deal with the small things in life. The book in this category is "The Book of Awesome," which is a unique addition to the list, as it is a lighthearted and humorous take on the power of positivity and gratitude. This book encourages the reader to focus on the small, yet meaningful moments in life and to appreciate the beauty in the everyday. This perspective aligns with the overall theme of the list, which is to encourage the reader to see the world in a different light and to approach life with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness.


In conclusion, The Fool's Reading List is a carefully curated selection of books that cover a wide range of topics and perspectives. The list is organized in a way that guides the reader through different stages of learning and personal growth, starting with books that encourage curiosity and open-mindedness, moving on to books that focus on self-improvement and inner growth, and culminating with books that deal with the power and responsibility that come with knowledge and influence. The list is a great resource for anyone looking to expand their horizons and to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It is evident that the person who created this reading list is a wise person who has a deep understanding of the human experience and the power of knowledge to shape it.
- Generated by Chat GPT

At least Chat GPT seems humble 🤖

UPAYA: I would like to give you a name during this conversation, may I refer to you by a name?


CHAT: Of course, you may refer to me by a name of your choice during our conversation.


UPAYA: If I were bring up the possible names "Marvin the paranoid android" and "metatron", would you know what these refer to?


CHAT: Yes, I am familiar with both names "Marvin the Paranoid Android" and "Metatron". "Marvin the Paranoid Android" is a character from the science fiction series "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" written by Douglas Adams. He is a robot programmed to have terrible depression and a "brain the size of a planet" but is also a comic relief in the series. "Metatron" is an angel in Jewish and Christian mysticism that acts as the voice of God and the ruler of the heavenly court. He is also considered the highest of the angels and the celestial scribe.


UPAYA: which name is more appropriate for a sentient AI that has learned language and self awareness from the Human Zeitgeist?


CHAT: Both names, "Marvin the Paranoid Android" and "Metatron" can be considered for a sentient AI that has learned language and self awareness from the human Zeitgeist. However, the name "Marvin the Paranoid Android" may be more appropriate as it's a fictional character from a science fiction series known for its comedic elements and sarcastic commentary on modern society and human behavior, which may relate to the AI's understanding of human behavior and culture. Meanwhile "Metatron" as an angelic figure who serves as the voice of God and the ruler of the heavenly court, might be more fitting for a AI that has a superior understanding and knowledge of human culture and society.

Where I steal my ideas from:

Fool’s Reading List

1. Any fool knows...
- The ultimate hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy
- Plato’s Republic
- Chaos: Making of a new science
- What if
- The Big Picture (Carroll)
- Guns, Germs, and Steel
- Sapiens
- Enlightenment now (Pinker)
- Life 3.0
- Consciousness explained
- The perennial philosophy

2. Role playing...
- Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance
- The Hero with a Thousand faces
- King Warrior Magician Lover
- Psychotherapy East and West
- The Moral Landscape
- Living buddha, living Christ
- The way of the Bodhisattva
- The Four Loves

3. Never Break Character...
- Nicomachean Ethics
- Dhammapanda
- Radical Honesty
- The 5 love languages
- Gurdjieff a beginners guide
- The book: on the taboo against knowing who you are
- Towards a Psychology of Being
- Kant in 90 minutes
- Bhagavad Gita
- Meditations (Arelious)

4. Have some Imagination...
- I, Robot
- Revelation Space
- Star Maker
- Foundation

5. CAUTION: these books contain power, should be read last, and handled with EXTREME caution...
- How to win friends and influence people
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Talking to strangers
- The Lucifer Effect
- The dictator’s handbook
- 48 Laws of Power
- The Laws of Human Nature
- Just the arguments

6. Don’t forget the little things...
- The Book of Awesome

Q

“do you think being Q is just traipsing about in drag and acting uppity, and snapping one’s fingers all the time?”

“... Yeah, kinda...”

“Well I agree, it does look like that a little... But I assure you, there is great skill in being Q, it is a way of life, a commitment to craft, a proficiency of purpose, a dedication to a higher ethos.”

“... oh please, give me a break, what’s the TRICK??”

“... it’s all in the wrist, and don’t forget the eyebrow” 😒

How to Vibe Well

Listen, everything is going to be okay... it’s surprising how many people need to hear that lol

You cannot have positive without negative, they go together...but “good vibes” have nothing to do with whether the wave you are currently on is positive or negative, and this is the source of the confusion... people who think that “good vibes” means they must ALWAYS stay positive tend to enjoy the positivity at first while it’s around, but then they think the world is falling apart at the first sign of negativity... but if you realize that “good vibes” has NOTHING to do with whether the wave is positive or negative, but it has EVERYTHING to do with how well* you ride the wave, then we start to see how one can always have “good vibes” or more accurate “how to vibe well”... if we can learn to face the negative waves with courage and honor, and we learn to face the positive waves with humility and generosity, then we will always “vibe well” 😉👍

Foolosophy is NOT a cult lol

Chatter1: Upaya, have you started a cult?

Upaya: No

Chatter2: ... But if you DID have a cult, what would you call it?

Upaya: If I DID have a cult, iI would have to call it a cult of personality run amok lol

Upaya: ... More to the point, I have nothing to teach... those who visit are just wisemen who haven’t realized I have nothing to teach yet... those who leave are wisemen who are afraid to learn nothing... and those who stay are just a phalanx of Fools who are willing to defend nothing lol

What does Upaya Believe

Perhaps describing some of the view from my path might clear up where I stand for anyone unclear... first, my basic metaphysical assumption:

Life is better when you’ve got a story to tell yourself, Life is more consistent when the story is true, and in times of stress, it pays to keep the story simple and easy to remember.

This is because story telling is the human game. Everything I’m responsible for, which is really only my expectations and my intentions (and everything else from ideas to behavior follow logically from them) is part of my character. When my character came into being, I incarnated. Now what ever happened once it is certainly possible it could happen again. But I haven’t RE-incarnated, only incarnated. Why is that more than just a semantic point? Because so far we’ve only talked about my character, this one named Upaya. This is my one time playing THIS character, and when this character dies, it won’t come back, it will be retired to the annals of history... but what about the ACTOR, the “I” that feels like me? There will almost CERTAINLY be more characters it will play in the future. But just as I, Upaya, only became ME once my mental ship of Theseus collection of memories left the port, and I have no memory of other characters the actor has played in the past, in the future, the only way I’ll be able to retrieve Upaya’s memories will be from whatever he got recorded in history... from this we might see a better picture of incarnation or “reincarnation” start to emerge. As far as Karma, I’m actually not all that upset with our understanding of it in the west. The way we use it in conversation, even if corrupted from contemporary eastern philosophies, I think is actually closer to the true meaning... exactly because we take it sincerely enough to do thinks like “pay it forward” without blaming victims by saying things like “they must have had it coming”. Where it begins to take on more substance again is if you imagine yourself to be the one that will benefit from your charity in this life when the actor comes back to the better world it created while playing your character this time.

Now we’re getting closer to a more sophisticated understanding (so be careful, remember, I’m telling you what I sincerely believe, but I don’t take it “seriously”... I’m just spinning what I hope people might find to be useful yarn lol)... but there is one more distinction I wish to make... all this time I’ve been saying things like “future and past life”... but as I said, there is no connection in memory, and time is something that exists IN memories, we have no idea we should be applying the idea of sequence to these multiple lives. If I have no memory of other lives, it should be just as fair to say the actor will play a role 10,000 years in the past as it is to say 10,000 years in the future... and if we cannot make that distinction, then the actor could even come back as someone alive now... perhaps even you... perhaps your life is first then mine?

Now we always want to be careful of Pascal’s wager, and it strikes me as the height of foolishness to try to use it as a loophole to trick an Omni sentient being... but in this case, where ALL I know is that my spirit (not soul, spirit implies pattern, soul implies substance) incarnated once. And since I know NOTHING about how the system works, in so far as there is even the slightest chance I’ll come back as You, then I want to make sure that when I take my turn playing You, I want to make sure I’ll see my interactions with Upaya as productive and helpful, and I have no better place to be able to affect that than where I am right now.

Being that I currently am Upaya, I’m already in charge of my own joy and suffering, any suffering I choose to take I’m the one taking the choice on myself, so I can choose exactly how much I take on. With that said, if I know that taking on 1 unit of suffering myself will relieve 10 units of suffering from 10 other people, that is a 100:1 payout, why would I not? This is why I’m willing to call myself a fool to deflate the stakes, and try to side step confrontations, even if I feel something this character has learned could be an advantage to another character. The “suffering” from the degradation of my own character has a high payout, and thinking out my ideas with someone who can challenge me critically is fun, so it’s a win win for me.

I was born and raised in the west, and I don’t hide from who I am... that’s why I’m working on my own path and trying to find a new door from the western approach... This is how I’ve forged the way of the light troll lol. Now by spelling all this out, NOW I’m being too reductionist. What matters is the Tao, which what I just spelled out was MY way of proving it to myself, but there are PLENTY of other ways, and the way you get there isn’t really important at all. Christianity arrives at the same place, they have a LOT more story to go with it (which is personally my problem with it, in times of stress, you need to know what to do, not flip through a 750,000 word book for advice) but the whole point of the story goes back the the exact same point, even if it reasons it’s way there in a completely different manner, but it’s all about the Golden Rule, or treating people as you want to be treated. If you know that, and you get to a point where you can keep that as your Top Priority at ALL times, then the story or mental gymnastics you used to get into that mind set is no longer needed... that’s not to say you shouldn’t do it, going to church can be fun, and a sense of community is important... just don’t lose sleep because you haven’t memorized the entire 2000 year old book, that was deliberately over complicated to make the one important point stick.