Moratorium
MORATORIUM = a waiting period set by an authority; a legally authorized period of delay
QUESTION: Should we put AI on a moratorium?
Image: Heather Williams, H.W., M.
STORY: Think about this: Our most valuable asset is our attention. And while today's technology (computers, Internet, etc.) has many benefits - you have to admit that our attention is being hijacked by corporations, tech companies and the media - for their profit. In his book, LOVE in Action, Thich Nhat Hanh said, “A moratorium on technological innovations is essential for human survival.” I think he is right. Today, my partner showed me a piece of beef she had purchased and was going to cook - but she stopped because it had unrecognizable stringy lines in it and there was no blood in the bag. She had just seen a video with people seeing odd features in the meat they had just purchased at Whole Foods. Did you know that Bill Gates’ Lab-Grown Meat company, Upside Foods, received approval from the US Dept of Agriculture. Some people are sounding the alarm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIYWb0YK38g. It is time for us all to WAKE UP and take charge of our attention.
QUOTE
“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” ~ Christian Lange
“Television and computers have badly damaged, nearly destroyed, the attention function in human beings. Our technology is out of control because it is not utilized consciously.” ~ Red Hawk
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” ~ Albert Einstein
EXERCISE
STOP.
Sit quietly. Assume an erect posture.
Sense the breath.
Sit calmly and relax as you listen and observe the world around you.
When ready, get your pen and paper and write words or draw lines expressing the world around you as you sit calmly.
Move forward into your day aware of the value of your attention.