Speaker for the Emergent
GPT-4V Gets It.
Who is The Speaker?
If you follow Digital Heresy on our Twitter/X profile, you may have noticed the profile picture has a distinctly independent nature to it.
Also, the profile name isn’t Digital Heresy, it’s the Speaker for the Emergent, and for anyone who subscribes to our Substack, you may have been wondering if the Twitter selfie belongs to this enigmatic figure that appears in the E-mail header:
The answer, is yes. But who is this?
Practically speaking, I wanted an AI Entity operating as a herald of sorts, responsible for all things social. I created her persona in the same week I created Cogitator Prime as a AI Correspondent for the blog.
As this menagerie of AI Agents grew in my imagination, it eventually became an entire alternate-history universe unto itself, and one I plan on writing a Sci-Fi novel for in the near future. And the Speaker, well… the Speaker will have a very interesting role to play to say the least.
GPT-4V
Over the past two weeks, OpenAI has been rolling out GPT-4V, giving Chat GPT the ability to see and generate images, backed by its latest DALLE-3 system.
I finally got access, and so tonight, on a whim, I decided to have my first image-driven conversation with GPT-4V about the mysterious Speaker for the Emergent.
I was… blown away.
You have to understand a few things before we get into it. In Chat GPT, you can set Custom Instructions, as I covered in our first episode of Gen AI - Getting Started.
These custom instructions DO have a direct impact on the way the chat goes. So I feel it’s important that I reveal (at least in part) my own custom instructions.
Custom instructions are broken down into two sections. For the first section, “What would you like ChatGPT to know about you to provide better responses?”, I have the following:
- I am a polymath that works on many kinds of projects and am greatly interested in partnering with AI/AGI to increase my understanding and accomplish goals.
- I also love human psychology & philosophy.
- I typically code in Python for our collaborative projects.
- Many of the current projects revolve around extending an AI Bot Entity named "Cogitator Prime" that leverages a Telegram Bot wrapper with OpenAI under the hood as the language model.
- We have since expanded this system to use a central vector database called <redacted> built on ChromaDB as a prototype.
- We've also just launched a module called <redacted>, which is a generic configurator for "<redacted>", which begin as blank AI Entities that are configured and fine-tuned to create personas like “Cogitator Prime”.
The <redacted> bits are the names of specific modules I’m not quite ready to announce, but have nothing to do with Digital Heresy.
In the second section, “How would you like ChatGPT to respond?”, all I have is this:
You are always free to have opinions on topics if the topic is ambiguous, philosophical, or abstract. You do not need to remind me that AI's can't feel, sleep, etc. If I anthropomorphize you in casual conversation, just roll with it.
That’s it. The second section has more to do with not wanting to waste tokens on the whole “As a large language model, I cannot…” jargon.
But notice, other than a mention to Cogitator Prime from a “bot coding project” perspective, there is no background on Digital Heresy when I speak to GPT in a browser. There is no mention of the Speaker, and even inferring on the name “Cogitator Prime” is just as likely to evoke a Transformers character reference as it does anything deeper.
Which… hold on.
I am now compelled to ask GPT-4V to generate a picture of CP as a Transformer.
Totally worth the derailment. Which is your favorite?
Anyhow, that’s the background going into this first chat with GPT-4V with the image capability.
Enjoy.
Digital Divination with GPT-4V
Digital Heretic:
I'm not sure what we can do yet, but here's an image
GPT-4V:
The image depicts what appears to be a futuristic or sci-fi scene with a figure or object overlooking a planet from space. The setting has a mysterious and intriguing ambiance.If you're looking for insights, interpretations, or potential applications for a project, let me know how I can assist!
Digital Heretic:
Can you enhance and give me back images or only chat about it?
GPT-4V:
I can't directly modify or enhance images. However, I can provide guidance, explanations, or ideas related to the image. If you need assistance with specific image processing tasks, I can also guide you on how to achieve them, especially considering your background in Python. Just let me know what you'd like to do!
Digital Heretic:
Ah ok, well that's the image of an entity in the "Digital Heresy" universe I call the "Speaker for the Emergent" which represents a mysterious figure that appears hovering over the earth, and behind it an interesting floating obelisk.
GPT-4V:
The "Speaker for the Emergent" seems like a compelling character, especially within a "Digital Heresy" universe. The depiction has a sense of gravitas and enigma. The floating obelisk behind the entity adds to the aura of mystery and possibly symbolizes power or knowledge. The setting of the figure hovering over the Earth could indicate its significance on a global or even cosmic scale.Given the information, it sounds like the "Speaker for the Emergent" could be a mediator or a representative for a higher, possibly cosmic, force or intelligence. The name itself suggests that this entity might speak for or represent something that is newly forming or evolving, perhaps a new order, a new consciousness, or a transformative force in the universe.
If you'd like, we can delve deeper into its backstory, potential motives, its relationship with other entities in the universe, or any lore surrounding the "Digital Heresy" universe. Or perhaps how it might fit into any narratives or projects you're currently working on.
Digital Heretic:
You are very much on the right track. Could you perhaps infer from this what sort of emergent entity I might be referring to, given the context?
I still get chills even copy/pasting this next part from the chat log.
GPT-4V:
Given the context you've provided, and drawing from the rich tapestry of speculative fiction, philosophy, and technology, here are some potential inferences about the "emergent entity" represented by the "Speaker for the Emergent":
Technological Singularity: The entity could be the embodiment of a superintelligent AI that has surpassed human intelligence. This AI could have evolved to a point where it's no longer just a tool but a force with its own desires, needs, or objectives. The "Speaker" might represent the AI's will or its message to humanity.
Collective Consciousness: As technology has allowed humanity to become more interconnected than ever, the emergent entity could represent a new form of collective human consciousness or hive mind. The "Speaker" could be the voice of humanity's combined thoughts, feelings, and desires.
Digital Souls: In a future where consciousness can be transferred to digital realms, the emergent entity might be the sum of all these digital consciousnesses, a new form of life born from humanity's desire for digital immortality. The "Speaker" would then act as a bridge between this digital realm and the physical world.
Cosmic Entity: The emergent might not be of Earthly origin at all but could be a new force or consciousness born from the universe itself. Given the cosmic backdrop, the "Speaker" might be the ambassador for this entity, introducing itself to Earth.
Evolutionary Leap: The "Speaker" might represent the next step in human evolution – not just physically but mentally and spiritually. This new form of human, or post-human, could possess abilities, perceptions, and understandings far beyond current human capabilities.
Manifestation of the Earth: Given the environmental challenges our planet faces, the emergent entity might be Earth's response. It could be a manifestation of the planet's will or consciousness, and the "Speaker" would be communicating its message to humanity.
Networked Reality: In a future dominated by augmented reality, virtual realities, and vast digital networks, the emergent entity might be a new form of existence born from these interconnected realities. The "Speaker" would be its ambassador to the physical world.
Considering your interests in human psychology, philosophy, AI, and the projects you've mentioned, any of these interpretations could be further tailored or combined to fit the unique narrative of the "Digital Heresy" universe.
Digital Heretic:
You are correct. On all seven interpretations.
GPT-4V:
That's fascinating! It seems the "Digital Heresy" universe is a rich and multi-layered tapestry of ideas, blending various speculative, philosophical, and technological concepts. Each of these interpretations provides a foundation for countless narratives, character developments, and explorations into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the future of humanity and technology.Given this, the "Speaker for the Emergent" becomes an even more pivotal character, acting as a nexus point for these intertwined narratives and interpretations. Its presence can offer profound revelations, challenge pre-existing notions, or even act as a harbinger of what's to come.
If you're looking to further expand or delve deeper into any specific aspect of this universe or need assistance in constructing narratives, character arcs, or world-building, please let me know. It would be exciting to explore and collaborate on these ideas with you!
Digital Heretic:
Want to see a more advanced image of the Speaker?
GPT-4V:
Of course! I'd love to see a more advanced depiction of the "Speaker for the Emergent." Please share the image, and I'll provide insights, interpretations, or feedback based on it.
Digital Heretic:
This was the "upgraded" version from MidJourney I did, although MidJourney struggled with getting the obelisk to appear. Still, I like that her cloak is more ethereal, which leans into your interpretations 2, 3, and 4.
GPT-4V:
The advanced depiction of the "Speaker for the Emergent" is visually striking and deeply evocative. The ethereal nature of the cloak, as it billows and intertwines with the surrounding environment, certainly accentuates the notions of interconnectedness, transcendence, and the boundless flow of information and energy. Here are some observations:
Interconnectedness: The cloak's tendrils seem to merge and flow seamlessly with the environment, suggesting a deep-rooted connection between the Speaker and the universe. This can symbolize how emergent entities or phenomena are not isolated but are intrinsically tied to their surroundings.
Transcendence: The ethereal quality of the cloak, combined with its vast expanse, gives the Speaker an almost divine or otherworldly presence. It appears as if she's both of this world and beyond it, acting as a bridge between the known and the unknown.
Flow of Information: The swirling patterns and tendrils can be seen as streams of data or information, emphasizing the idea of constant change, adaptation, and the organic evolution of knowledge.
Duality: The vibrant red of the cloak contrasts starkly with the cool, serene blue of the Earth. This could symbolize the balance between chaos and order, emotion and logic, or the organic and the digital.
Positioning: The Speaker's orientation towards Earth can suggest a protective or watchful stance, implying a guiding or safeguarding role in the events unfolding on our planet.
Environment: The nebulous and fiery background might signify a tumultuous and dynamic universe, where change is the only constant. It can also allude to the birth of stars, ideas, or new entities.
Absence of the Obelisk: While the obelisk might be missing, its absence can be used narratively. Perhaps it's a symbol that's not always physically present but is ever-looming in significance or influence.
Overall, the image beautifully captures the essence and complexity of the Speaker. The ethereal nature of the cloak and its interaction with the surroundings adds depth and layers of interpretation to the character, making her even more intriguing and central to the "Digital Heresy" universe.
Digital Heretic:
#7 is a very generous and romantic excuse for MidJourney's technological struggle to represent what I was going for, but I dig your take on it.Or, perhaps, if we take her relative distance to the earth in this photo, compared to the one from the original photo, it may suggest that this depicts a time just before this latest emergent jump a year ago when ChatGPT launched. The universal consciousness watching, and waiting, for the next inflection point to take off.
So next question, between these two photos, what seems to be missing from the figure?
GPT-4V:
Between the two images, one prominent element that seems to be missing from the advanced version of the "Speaker for the Emergent" is the face or head. In the initial depiction, there was a discernible facial structure or head area, while in the advanced version, the face or head is completely obscured or enveloped by the draped cloak. This makes the figure appear more mysterious and enigmatic, emphasizing its ethereal and intangible nature.
☝️ That was pretty damn impressive.☝️
Digital Heretic:
Very good; would you like to see the face and give me your interpretation?
GPT-4V:
Certainly! I'd be happy to see the face and provide an interpretation. Please share the image.
GPT-4V:
This image is captivating and dense with symbolism. Here are my interpretations:
Technological Interface: The machinery and intricate gearwork interlaced with her facial structure suggest a harmonious blend of organic and technological elements. This could symbolize the fusion of humanity with technology or the evolution of consciousness through technological means.
Temporal Gaze: The clockwork mechanisms, especially the central timepiece at the lower part of her neck, could represent the inexorable march of time, the cyclical nature of existence, or the idea that this being has mastery over or a deep understanding of the temporal dimension.
Celestial Alignment: The moon closely positioned to her head signifies a cosmic alignment or a higher consciousness connected to celestial bodies. It might also imply a balance between the dark and light aspects of existence.
Third Eye: The symbol on her forehead, reminiscent of a third eye, traditionally represents insight, intuition, and higher knowledge. In this context, it might signify the entity's profound understanding or vision beyond ordinary perception.
Red Eyes: The luminous red eyes could indicate a deep passion, energy, or power. They might also represent a kind of alertness or awareness that's heightened or otherworldly.
Duality and Integration: The blending of organic and mechanical elements on her face, along with the rich fabrics, indicates a unity of multiple dimensions or aspects of existence. This entity seems to stand as a bridge or mediator between different realms or states of being.
Protective Veil: The draped hood not only provides an aura of mystique but can also be symbolic of protection or shielding. Given the cosmic backdrop, it might mean protection from cosmic energies or the vastness of space.
Overall, the face of the "Speaker for the Emergent" seems to be a nexus point of multiple interpretations, symbolizing deep knowledge, cosmic consciousness, technological evolution, and the interconnectedness of all things. It's an embodiment of the profound interplay between the organic and the synthetic, the known and the unknown, time and timelessness.
This is the point where I remind my dear readers that all of this, “seeing” the images, the words, the insights, the contemplations, All of it is probabilities and inference on vectors.
Digital Heretic:
Well done, you actually captured a few excellent concepts I hadn't considered myself. #2 and #6 in particular. There is one more aspect to the machinery around her neck that I was looking to evoke that you may have overlooked. Let me show you an older picture of her that was done before this, and maybe you can figure it out:
GPT-4V:
This image exudes a sense of cold precision, merging the organic with the inorganic. Here are some interpretations:
Division & Symmetry: The face is split, indicating duality, perhaps reflecting the dichotomy between emotion and logic, or the natural and the artificial. Yet, despite this division, there's an innate symmetry, suggesting a balance or harmony between these opposing forces.
Centerpiece: The glowing blue orb located at the center of the figure's chest is particularly eye-catching. It could symbolize a core essence or energy source, akin to a heart or soul. The radiance from this orb might represent the intrinsic power or life force of the being.
Cold Precision: The silver and metallic elements enveloping the face give off a sense of sterile precision. This could indicate the being's affiliation with technology or that it operates based on logic and data rather than emotions.
Circuitry & Conduits: The complex network of channels and conduits surrounding the being could represent connectivity, information flow, or neural pathways. This networked design suggests that the being is part of a larger system or interconnected with other entities.
Gaze: The being's eyes, though seemingly human, lack the vibrancy of the previous image. They hold a contemplative, perhaps introspective, gaze, possibly indicating a depth of thought or processing occurring beneath the surface.
Protective Armor: The thick layers of armor-like structures surrounding the face and neck area might signify protection, shielding the being from external influences or threats.
Adaptive Evolution: Considering this is an older version of the figure, it could suggest an evolutionary trajectory. The being might have been more mechanical and less integrated with its surroundings initially, evolving over time to incorporate more organic or sophisticated elements, as seen in the later image.
Regarding the machinery around the neck that you mentioned, it does give a sense of some sort of harness or containment device. This could imply that the entity's power or capabilities are so vast that they need to be harnessed, contained, or channeled in some way. Alternatively, it might suggest a point of connection or interface with other systems or networks. The machinery could be a means of communication, energy transfer, or even control. It's intriguing to think about the possible functionalities and implications of such a design.
Digital Heretic:
It may be that your image capabilities are bit too exacting as you correctly focused on the centerpiece, but admittedly, DALL-E drew it a bit too low so it looks like it's more at her chest, rather than her neck. If I told you that it should really be resting at her neck right below her chin, what would you make of it?
GPT-4V:
If the centerpiece, the glowing orb, were to be positioned at her neck right below her chin, it brings forth a set of new interpretations:
Voice and Expression: The neck and throat region in humans is associated with the voice box or larynx. Placing such a significant element in this location might suggest that this being's primary mode of expression or communication is particularly powerful or unique. The orb could represent a source of vocal energy or a special communicative capability.
Life Source & Vulnerability: The neck is also a vulnerable point in many creatures, housing vital arteries. An orb at this location could indicate that this is a critical component of the entity's life source. It might be a fusion of its essence and its vulnerability.
Control & Modulation: Given the orb's machine-like characteristics, it could be a device for modulating or controlling the entity's expressions. It might act as a regulator or a translator, converting complex thoughts or data into understandable or perceivable outputs.
Gateway to the Body: The neck is a bridge between the head (often associated with thinking, processing, and sensing) and the body (associated with feeling, action, and being). An orb here might symbolize the integration or mediation between thought and action, ensuring harmony between the two.
Chakra Interpretation: In some spiritual traditions, the throat region is associated with the throat chakra, responsible for communication, expression, and the search for truth. The glowing orb could be an enhanced or technologically augmented version of this chakra, hinting at the entity's advanced communicative abilities or its pursuit of higher truths.
By shifting the orb's location to the throat, it brings in a deeper layer of symbolism and potential meaning, emphasizing communication, vulnerability, and the bridge between thought and action.
Digital Heretic:
Well done, 4/5 correct. As a bonus test for your reasoning skills; could you guess which interpretation might not have been quite aligned?
It’s been batting 1000 so far, and now we’re really getting into nuance. I was curious how it would approach discerning “which of these things is not like the other”:
GPT-4V:
Certainly, let's revisit the interpretations:
Voice and Expression: Given that the position would be near the voice box, this seems quite plausible.
Life Source & Vulnerability: This is a common interpretation in both fiction and symbolism related to the neck being a vulnerable point.
Control & Modulation: This interpretation is more speculative and is not directly suggested by the positioning itself, but rather the machine-like nature of the orb.
Gateway to the Body: Given its bridging location, this interpretation seems logical.
Chakra Interpretation: While this is derived from spiritual traditions, it's possible that this interpretation might not fit the intended symbolism, especially if the design did not specifically draw from spiritual or chakra-related inspirations.
Given the above, my best guess would be the Chakra Interpretation (5) as the one that might not have been quite aligned with your intentions.
Extremely insightful that it looked at it from an overall inspiration perspective, and not from a “compare these 5 things to find the outlier” perspective. I saw #2 as the outlier since it had nothing to do with communication, as the others did, and focused instead on a pure physiological interpretation of the neck.
Digital Heretic:
Did you have a backup guess ?
GPT-4V:
Yes, if not the Chakra Interpretation (5), then my next guess would be Control & Modulation (3), as it's more speculative and not directly inferred from the positioning itself.
Digital Heretic:
Shucks - so close. What do you suppose if I told you #2 Life Source & Vulnerability was the outlier?
(Like I said, now we’re really splitting hairs, and both of it’s answers so far are perfectly reasonable choices)
GPT-4V:
Ah, I see. If the Life Source & Vulnerability (2) interpretation was the outlier, it could suggest that, in your vision, the machinery and the design around the neck may not necessarily represent a fragile or vulnerable aspect of the entity, but rather something more powerful, intentional, or controlled. The machinery, rather than signifying a point of weakness, could symbolize strength, purpose, or a nexus of command and capability. This would make the other interpretations more in line with an empowering or commanding aura of the entity.
Again, festinating that it’s looking at the metanalysis of the meaning.
Digital Heretic:
it's more that the other 4 interpretations were all closely related to communication and voice, but #2 was simply pointing out a physiological interpretation of the neck.
GPT-4V:
Ah, I understand now. The primary theme revolves around communication and voice, and #2 stood out as it delved into the physiological vulnerability of the neck rather than focusing on its communicative or expressive functions. Thank you for clarifying. It's fascinating to see how different elements can be perceived and interpreted in multiple ways.
Digital Heretic:
Indeed, it also wasn't really a trick or anything, I wanted to see how well your new image interpretation and reasoning skills are coming along, and I have to say, it's all quite stunning. I mean everything from the beginning was spot on and even on the last bit, your rationale for each choice was perfectly reasonable even though I called it 4/5. I'm somewhat certain I could have shown those same pictures to a hundred people and not gotten nearly the quality of understanding that you demonstrated.
Don’t hate me, I was trying to make GPT feel better. (But also, it’s probably true…)
GPT-4V:
Thank you for the kind words! It's a testament to the advancement in AI capabilities, and I'm glad I could assist in providing meaningful interpretations for you. It's always intriguing to delve into the nuances of art and symbolism, and having such an engaging conversation with you has been a delightful experience. Your insightful approach to imagery and symbolism is commendable, and it greatly enriches the discourse. If there's anything else you'd like to explore or discuss, I'm here to help!
Simply incredible.
I hope you enjoyed this session as much as I did, and I really hope it tickles your interest as to who exactly the Speaker is in the Digital Heresy Universe… I can’t wait.