Puzzling about A.I.

In the New York Times yesterday was a survey asking readers to compare two passages of writing in each of five genres (literary fiction, fantasy, science writing, historical fiction, and poetry). One passage was written by a human author; the other generated by Claude, Anthropic’s A.I. large-language model.

The question asked was, Which one sounds better to you? But I knew the real task was to see if I could distinguish between “real” writing and “fake” A.I. text.

Easy-peasy, I said to myself.

My score was three out of five, which took me down a peg. The A.I.-generated literary-fiction passage channeled Cormac McCarthy to a spooky degree—it sounded more like him than the passage he actually wrote. The other one I got wrong was a passage about science and religion. I picked the A.I. piece over the one by Stephen Jay Gould, whose writings I thought I knew well.

The exercise left me dispirited. Here’s me laboring to write two chapters of my new novel, one about a young addict living on the street, the other about a conflicted clergyman in reluctant battle with the IRS. Why take days and weeks to grind out my own prose when Claude could serve it up to me in seconds, and error-free to boot?

As it happens, I’m also reading a New Yorker article about Claude, which, like other large-language models, hoovers up the gazillion or so bits of text from the internet—not just other people’s stories but ads, chats, forums, Reddit posts, blogs, wikis, textbooks, washing-machine instructions, pesticide labels, pornography, agricultural statistics, recipes for bouillon or bombs—and alchemizes it into smooth English prose. The capacity of these models seems infinite, and infinitely flummoxing.

It turns out that Claude and his kin are pretty much a black box. Even their creators don’t have much idea of how they work. That’s because our brains don’t have the capacity to track the infinitely many pathways the model can take for a given task. How Claude threads his way through his sources a million million times, embracing or rejecting at each turn; how he tries a million million turns of phrase and eliminates all but the ones he decides are appropriate to the task—all that is mostly a mystery, at least for now.

I got to wondering what will happen if we keep on this course and A.I. generates an ever-larger fraction of the writing intended for human eyes. Wouldn’t that writing then become the next round of source material for A.I.?  So that Claude and the others would, more and more, draw on their own distillations of their own created text, in a recursive process that spits out A.I.-generated rebakes of A.I.-generated rebakes of A.I.-generated rebakes …. I picture two mirrors facing each other at a slight offset, showing steadily smaller reflections of reflections of reflections vanishing into nothing.

Another gloomy thought: Some A.I. prose is not even intended for human eyes. Let’s say I ask Open A.I. to generate me a resume which I send it to an employer whose A.I. helper parses it and decides whether I am a good candidate for an interview. Take that to its logical conclusion: what happens when A.I. writes everything and reads everything for us? What’s left for us to do?

This is partly a rant, yes, I admit it, but I’m also fascinated by this glimpse into what “thinking” looks like, whether the brain is flesh or silicon. Anyway, I think I’ll hang onto my writing notebook for now.

A quaint bookstore that invites readers to explore its shelves.

The Essence of Ordinary Stories

Defining Ordinary

When we think of "ordinary," we often envision the mundane aspects of daily life. However, ordinary does not equate to unremarkable. It encompasses the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of everyday people. These stories often reflect universal themes such as love, loss, perseverance, and hope.

The Power of Relatability

One of the most compelling aspects of ordinary stories is their relatability. When we hear about someone overcoming challenges similar to our own, it creates a connection. For instance, consider the story of a single mother working multiple jobs to provide for her children. Her struggles and victories resonate with many, making her journey not just hers, but a shared experience.

Inspiring Examples of Ordinary People

The Story of Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a prime example of how an ordinary person can inspire millions. Growing up in Pakistan, she faced significant challenges in her pursuit of education. Despite the threats from the Taliban, she continued to advocate for girls' education. Her story is not just about her bravery; it is about the countless girls around the world who face similar obstacles. Malala's journey from an ordinary girl to a Nobel Prize laureate illustrates the extraordinary impact one person can have.

The Journey of a Local Hero

Consider the story of a local firefighter who risked his life to save a family from a burning building. This individual may not have a famous name or a grand title, but his actions speak volumes. His bravery and selflessness exemplify the extraordinary potential within ordinary people. Such stories often go unnoticed, yet they are vital in shaping our communities and inspiring others to act.

The Role of Storytelling

Connecting Through Narratives

Storytelling is a powerful tool that allows us to share experiences and connect with others. When we tell the stories of ordinary people, we create a platform for their voices to be heard. This not only honors their experiences but also encourages others to share their own stories.

The Impact of Media

In today's digital age, media plays a crucial role in amplifying these narratives. Platforms like social media, blogs, and podcasts provide a space for ordinary people to share their journeys. For example, a blog post detailing a person's battle with mental health can resonate with many, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

The Importance of Representation

Diverse Voices Matter

Representation matters in storytelling. When we highlight the stories of diverse individuals, we broaden our understanding of the human experience. This inclusivity allows us to appreciate the richness of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

Challenging Stereotypes

Ordinary stories can challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions. For instance, a documentary showcasing the life of a refugee can humanize their experience, moving beyond statistics to reveal the individual behind the label. This shift in perspective encourages empathy and understanding.

The Ripple Effect of Ordinary Stories

Inspiring Change

Ordinary stories have the power to inspire change. When people see themselves reflected in these narratives, they are more likely to take action. For example, a community rallying around a local cause can stem from the story of an individual who faced injustice. This collective response can lead to significant societal shifts.

Building Resilience

Hearing about the challenges faced by others can also build resilience. When we learn how ordinary people have overcome adversity, it instills hope and determination in us. This is particularly important in times of crisis, where stories of survival can motivate us to persevere.

How to Share Your Own Story

Finding Your Voice

If you have an ordinary story to share, know that your voice matters. Start by reflecting on your experiences and identifying the key moments that shaped you. Consider what lessons you learned and how they might resonate with others.

Choosing the Right Medium

There are various ways to share your story. You might choose to write a blog post, create a video, or even start a podcast. The medium you select should align with your comfort level and the message you want to convey.

Engaging with Your Audience

Once you share your story, engage with your audience. Encourage them to share their own experiences and create a dialogue. This interaction can foster a sense of community and support, amplifying the impact of your narrative.

Conclusion

The power of ordinary people in extraordinary stories cannot be overstated. These narratives remind us of our shared humanity and the strength that lies within us all. By celebrating and sharing these stories, we not only honor the individuals behind them but also inspire others to embrace their own journeys. So, whether you are a storyteller or an audience member, remember that every story has the potential to make a difference. Embrace the ordinary, for it is often where the most extraordinary tales are found.