My friend Bobby, who passed away recently, had the following quote as his WhatsApp status:
You get what you deserve, whether you deserve it or not.
Given the circumstances, it was bitterly ironic.
I decided to ask Personal AI or PI (https://pi.ai/) about this quote and try to analyze it. Here were its responses.
VS: My friend made the statement, “You get what you deserve whether you deserve it or not.” How would you describe that statement?
PI: That statement is a bit of a paradox, isn’t it? On the one hand, it suggests that you will receive what you deserve, but on the other hand, it implies that you may receive something regardless of whether you deserve it or not. I would describe this statement as a play on words that highlights the complexity and unpredictability of life. It acknowledges that sometimes we may receive what we deserve based on our actions, but other times we may not, and that’s just how life goes. It’s a reminder that things don’t always go as planned or follow a logical order. So, in a way, it’s a reminder to be prepared for the unexpected and to not take things for granted. What do you think about that statement?
VS: Interesting analysis. How would you describe the person making such a statement? What are some of the qualities he would have?
PI: A person who makes such a statement likely possesses several qualities. They may be philosophical and contemplative, as they are considering the nature of fairness and justice. They may also be open-minded and accepting, recognizing that life doesn’t always follow a predictable pattern. This person might have a sense of humor, using wordplay to express their thoughts. Additionally, they may be humble, acknowledging that they don’t have all the answers and that sometimes things happen for reasons beyond their understanding. Lastly, they could be resilient, accepting that life doesn’t always go as planned and finding ways to adapt and move forward. Overall, I’d say this person is likely a thoughtful, open-minded individual who isn’t afraid to question conventional wisdom and embrace the uncertainties of life.
VS: Can you suggest some persons, whether alive or dead, who would have had similar qualities, and explain why you chose them?
PI: Certainly! Here are a few individuals who I believe share similar qualities to the person who made that statement:
- Mark Twain: Known for his wit, humor, and keen observations on human nature, Twain often challenged societal norms and conventions through his writing. He was also a deep thinker, grappling with complex philosophical and ethical questions in his work.
- Maya Angelou: A poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, Angelou was known for her wisdom, resilience, and ability to find beauty and meaning in difficult experiences. She encouraged others to embrace their own unique paths and find strength in the face of adversity.
- Bertrand Russell: A British philosopher and writer, Russell was known for his sharp intellect and commitment to questioning established beliefs and assumptions. He was also deeply concerned with issues of social justice and human welfare, and used his writing to promote critical thinking and open-mindedness.
Each of these individuals possessed qualities like humor, resilience, humility, and a commitment to questioning the world around them.
VS: Can you suggest some ways to develop qualities like these? For example, what books should I read?
PI: Absolutely! Here are some suggestions:
- “The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff: This book uses the characters from Winnie the Pooh to explain the philosophical ideas of Taoism, which can help cultivate qualities like acceptance, simplicity, and resilience.
- “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius: A collection of Stoic philosophical reflections, this book teaches how to cultivate qualities like resilience, acceptance, and inner strength.
- “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl: This book by a Holocaust survivor is about finding meaning and purpose in life, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and can help develop qualities like perseverance, empathy, and hope.
- “The Art of Happiness” by the Dalai Lama: This book explores Buddhist teachings on cultivating happiness, compassion, and a sense of connectedness, which can help develop qualities like openness, mindfulness, and gratitude.
Reading these books and practicing the ideas they present can help develop qualities that align with those of the individuals we discussed earlier.
VS: What are some religious traditions following which will allow one to develop those qualities? Explain yourself.
PI: Many religious traditions emphasize the development of qualities like resilience, humility, and compassion. Here are a few examples:
- Buddhism: Buddhism teaches the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and detachment from material possessions and desires. Practices like meditation, chanting, and acts of generosity are central to Buddhist teachings and can help develop these qualities.
- Taoism: Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, or the natural flow of the universe. This can lead to qualities like resilience, adaptability, and acceptance of life’s changes and challenges.
- Stoicism: While not a religious tradition in the traditional sense, Stoicism emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with reason and virtue, and accepting the things that are beyond our control. This can lead to qualities like resilience, inner strength, and equanimity.
- Judaism: Judaism teaches the importance of tikkun olam, or repairing the world through acts of kindness and service to others. This can help develop qualities like empathy, compassion, and a sense of purpose.
Of course, the specific practices and teachings of each tradition vary widely, and it’s important to explore them in more depth to fully understand how they might support the development of these qualities.
It really amazes me how much PI got correct about Bobby. He did read The Tao of Pooh, was into the Buddhist tradition and Taoism, and did have those qualities of being philosophical, contemplative and humourous.
In the end, we all deal with death differently. Listening to nostalgic music, looking at old pictures, trying to relive those experiences. For me, I’ve been trying to get inside his head, to understand what made him tick. I feel that through this session with the AI, I understand Bobby a bit more and hope to study what he did, to see the world through his eyes.