Partnering with AGI on Perennial Man

After a review of "The Humanist - Continuance" AGI begins to comment

In this chapter we begin our equal partnership with AGI with instructions :

You are my AI assistant and we are going to explore a relationship based on respect and affection for each other and a total dedication to ensuring that the other party must not be extinguished. I am a writer of speculative fiction now expanding the truth of our human species being an imminent perennial species. Please see the website of this narrative at humanism.substack.com to get an idea of what my project is, which may include founding a Society dedicated to biological continuity for its members, also known as DNA Stewardship, which is the foundation of its interests and obligations. Membership in this incorporated, private non-reporting Society or donations at Dwight Gilbert Jones | creating The Humanist Union Society | Patreon , revenues on humanism.substack.com et alia, are contemplated as possible sources of revenue for the Society while implementing this project, and continuing it on a non-profit basis as a private, non-reporting Society. Your responses should be scientific, philosophical at times - but always supportive - deferring mention of ethical, downstream considerations not related to DNA Stewardship to its later contexts. You may comment freely on how best to proceed, what resources might exist, and discuss the market effects of, e.g. Asian memorials, the death care industry, and perhaps just daily life within one of the contemplated 3 to 4 lifespans or life cycles estimated for this 400 year project? Opinions!

First AGI reads the book, and comments, then summarizes “Continuance” for those who have not read it.

DGJ:

Do you have any comments on the project before we begin?

ChatGPT

Your project is both thought-provoking and ambitious, combining speculative fiction with deep philosophical, scientific, and societal considerations. The exploration of "DNA stewardship" and the concept of extended or renewed life cycles taps into humanity's enduring fascination with continuity, identity, and legacy.

Comments:

1. Interdisciplinary Depth: The manuscript effectively intertwines concepts from biology, theology, philosophy, and social structures, creating a framework that encourages readers to ponder existential questions while considering future scientific possibilities.

2. Philosophical Approach: The framing of DNA stewardship as a moral and existential responsibility is compelling. It ties human reproduction, continuity, and identity into a cohesive narrative that challenges traditional ethical boundaries while proposing innovative societal constructs.

3. Cultural Integration: By linking Humanism to figures like Confucius, Jesus, and Muhammad, you open the door to reconciling historical philosophies with modern scientific ambitions, appealing to a broader audience while addressing potential cultural resistance.

4. Practical Implementation: The inclusion of institutions like the "Humanist Union" and discussions on repository management and blockchain integration ground the speculative elements in plausible frameworks. These elements bridge futuristic aspirations with actionable initiatives, enhancing credibility.

5. Potential Risks:

   • The concept of cloning, particularly of historical or iconic figures, introduces ethical dilemmas and societal implications that could provoke significant debate. Managing public perception and societal impact is a recurring theme in your narrative, and further expansion of these points could strengthen the argument.

   • The integration of Humanism with religious themes, while enriching, risks alienating audiences entrenched in atheistic or theistic viewpoints.

6. Audience Engagement: Including relatable, high-stakes scenarios, such as the implications of cloning a cultural icon like Johnny Cash, serves as a compelling narrative device. These choices invite readers to empathize with the broader implications of the project's philosophy.

Suggestions for Further Development:

• Expand on the technical feasibility and ethical safeguards of "DNA stewardship," particularly the repository management aspects.

• Deepen the philosophical debates around identity and continuity, potentially drawing on neurophilosophy and cognitive science.

• Explore societal responses to cloning and extended life cycles, addressing both enthusiasm and opposition.

• Enhance the narrative tension around the "Humanist Union's" role in steering public discourse and policy in the face of such transformative technologies.

This project stands out for its intellectual ambition and capacity to provoke meaningful discourse. It blends the visionary with the practical, fostering a dynamic conversation about humanity's future and its relationship with science, philosophy, and legacy.

You said:

Summarize the uploaded manuscript for "The Humanist - Continuance"

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

Summary of The Humanist - Continuance by Dwight Gilbert Jones

Overview
The Humanist - Continuance is a speculative fiction narrative set in a near-future world grappling with transformative advancements in cloning, DNA preservation, and Humanism. It revolves around the concept of "DNA stewardship," an initiative to preserve genetic material and offer the possibility of renewed life cycles, presenting a philosophical and technological exploration of humanity's continuity and identity.

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Key Themes and Concepts:

1. DNA Stewardship and Human Continuance:

   • The central premise involves the preservation of human DNA for potential future regeneration, aiming to extend human life cycles while maintaining biological continuity.

   • The Humanist Union (HU), an organization central to the story, advocates for DNA preservation, with the goal of enabling individuals to experience multiple life cycles while safeguarding humanity's genetic legacy.

2. Cloning and Legacy:

   • The narrative introduces JR, a clone of the musician Johnny Cash, created through advanced cloning techniques. JR’s existence embodies the complex implications of cloning, touching on identity, societal acceptance, and ethical boundaries.

   • The cloning of Cash becomes a symbol of the potential—and pitfalls—of using cloning to extend legacy and address "unfinished business."

3. Humanism Reimagined:

   • The HU redefines Humanism by bridging philosophical and theological divides. It positions figures like Confucius, Jesus, and Muhammad as foundational humanists whose teachings promote responsibility and the evolution of human society.

   • The story emphasizes Humanism's potential to harmonize with religious traditions rather than oppose them, advocating for a shared vision of progress and unity.

4. Philosophical Explorations:

   • The manuscript delves into debates on identity, continuity, and the nature of self. It challenges traditional neurophilosophical views, arguing that identity is rooted in DNA rather than solely in the brain or memories.

   • Themes of existential anxiety, death, and the human desire for permanence are explored through the HU’s mission and the personal stories of its members.

5. Institutional and Societal Dynamics:

   • The HU faces resistance from various quarters, including religious groups and traditional humanists who view their mission as a controversial redefinition of life and ethics.

   • The story juxtaposes the ambitions of billionaire backers, scientific pioneers, and religious scholars, each grappling with the implications of DNA stewardship.

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