Friday, January 04, 2019

Gods And Monsters

I think it’s a pity that there are almost no characters in literature or movies who are higher than humans. (Gods, angels, aliens, AIs...) As in way higher power, way higher awareness, way higher wisdom, way less ego... Instead they all act human. Jealous, petty, selfish, competitive... To me that’s just very limited imagination.

 (They wouldn’t have to be the main characters, of course, it’s clear that the main character needs to be human-like for a story to appeal.)

 William Gibson and Iain M Banks have some of the rare exceptions, in both cases they are super-human AIs. (In Banks’ case, extremely super-human, more like gods. But benevolent.)

50 comments:

  1. There are the eldils (basically angels) in C. S. Lewis's space trilogy.

    Of course, as Lewis pointed out, it's difficult to imagine a person who is very much better than oneself.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ah yes, that’s a very good point! Thanks.

    I’ve had glimpses of being, or seeing, ‘much better than myself’, and I want to see more of it, for it’s beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So are the eldils much Better than humans?

    ReplyDelete
  4. The eldils are presented as being very much better than humans. Each is in charge of a planet, and the planet we see the most of, Mars, is very well run. No war, no starvation or disease. The one exception is the eldil in charge of the Earth, who rebelled against God. He is presumably Satan, though I can't remember if that is stated explicitly. Even he is better than humans in every way except morally.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don't know, Banks' A.I.s always seemed very human to me, apparently they even do the nasty - in a way.

    Gods that are like us make more sense, though - I mean the Greek gods were all complete assholes, and that explains the world a lot better. To Christians it must be hard to square a good God with all the evil and crappy elements in the world, but to a Greek, Roman, etc. it was easy - their gods were douches.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fair points.

    If you use Fb, look me up.

    ReplyDelete
  7. ... Right, Banks’ drones are very human indeed, some of them are downright bloodthirsty.
    The Minds though seem to go towards abstraction.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Even the Minds, like those in "Use of Weapons" and "Excession." None of them seem to be that evolved in their behaviour. They're not above screwing with people, of going to war, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Point taken.

    But pascifist though I am myself, if I was responsible for a civilization, I’m not sure I’d always avoid war. The Idiran war for example, was done to prevent the Idirans from enslaving the whole galaxy. Cost/benefit.

    I’m not saying they are right there, in my postulate, but I do think that the Minds are closer than most.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, I agree they're closer than most.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I would like to nominate the Overlords, and in particular Karellen, the "Supervisor for Earth" in the Overlord's protectorate. You may choose to disqualify my example because... {spoiler alert]















    ...the Overlords, although superior to humans at the beginning of the story, suffer developmntal arrest at a level far inferior to what Humans, and most other sentient species, eventually become.

    ReplyDelete
  12. * Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks, Ben. Childhood’s End is indeed an interesting book, as is a lot of Clarke’s work.

    By the way folk, look me up on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Personally I'd rather be stuck at the level of the Overlords. It's been a while since I've read Childhood's End, but I seem to recall that humans lost their individuality when they made that leap. No thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  15. By the way, Childhood's End was published in 1953, do we really need a spoiler alert? :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. You are not alone.

    Although it wasn’t quite clear what happened in the end.

    ReplyDelete
  17. They join the Overmind. Not everyone, just the new breed who have those gnarly psychic powers.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for all the tips mentioned in this article! it’s always good to read things you have heard before and are implementing, but from a different perspective, always pick up some extra bits of information. Visit@
    mcafee.com/activate

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very informative post thanks for sharing
    M3M Golf Estate

    ReplyDelete
  20. The Hewlett-Packard Company, commonly shortened to Hewlett-Packard or HP, was an American multinational information technology company headquartered in

    123.hp/laserjet

    www.amazon.com/code

    192.168.11

    ReplyDelete
  21. Would you like to know learn how to troubleshoot Roku Error code 009? Here is the article with the title “Troubleshooting guide to resolve Roku Error code 009”.Spend your free time reading, if you are stuck with the error code. Read the troubleshooting tips to overcome Roku Error code 009 on Roku. Excellent article and you have done a good job. Want to know some more solutions to solve the Error code 009 on Roku? then never delay calling our technical specialist squad by dialing the toll-free number +1-820-300-0450.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Activate and watch CNN channel on roku. Contact our customer support team by dialling toll free number +1-820-300-0340
    For more visit : cnn.it/Roku

    ReplyDelete
  23. Activate roku device and enjoy the live streaming. Need a support for roku activation or account creation, contact the customer support team +1-820-300-0310
    For more visit : Roku.com/link create account

    ReplyDelete
  24. Need any guidence for printer setup/driver dowload, feel free to contact our customer support team by dialing toll free number +1-844-876-5110

    ReplyDelete
  25. Attach the go.roku.com/rss to your TV using HDMI or turn on your Roku TV. If you have a 4K-enabled Roku Streaming Stick or Streaming Stick, make sure that you attach the stick to an HDMI port that is compliant with HDCP 2.2. This is particularly important for HDR-encoded content compatibility. In case of any queries that you have, you can feel free to contact the active customer care team. just call @support number +1-805-457-0700

    ReplyDelete
  26. A best AR-15 pistol is nothing but an AR made shorter version. The best about custom guns is you can try out every part and the accessories that you can end up need in the end. AR is legos for adults, it really is. You can try reading our blog, which is just a small tip of the iceberg.

    ReplyDelete
  27. The Remington 870 seems to be the finest customizable gun in business. But gun Customization is the preference of several gun builders. Among all the other rifles, the AR-15 is one of the best guns to buy in USA. Its modular design allows users to modify the gun. One can add many accessories and elements to alter the shape. Another perfect example of this is 1911. Mostly, the pistol made by the Nighthawk Fire hawk has earned accolades all over the world for its built.

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. There are many ways to build an AR-15. But the most common ways to build an AR has three AR 15 build styles. Using Pre-Assembled Lower and upper, Prebuilt Lower or upper, and then assembly or Complete Build From Scratch. Readout our blog to get to know the AR- building styles and start building one yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Need a guide for installation and troubleshooting of printers?, kindly reach out to us for an instant via +1-888-214-1820 and timely resolution relying upon your pre-requisite necessities for the time
    For more visit 123hp.com setup

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm impressed after reading your blog with the title “Paramount Plus Roku” channel activation using the portal, Paramountplus.com/activate. You have done a great job. I could activate my device easily. I'm expecting more interesting Blogs going forward.

    ReplyDelete
  32. How fast will another celebration get money delivered through Income App? Cash might be shipped and received immediately throughout the program , in accordance with your website. Depositing or adding money for a Money App accounts may choose in a few days, based upon your own bank, your website accounts.
    cash app login
    cash app login

    ReplyDelete
  33. Let us explain how to execute 123.hp.com/setup; if you are a new user .Complete the first-time Printer setup. Insert the cartridges and load the paper into the input tray. If the above step is complete, navigate to the Settings >Network. Select the option, Wireless setup wizard. Answer the wizard instructions one by one. Now, choose your network and provide the wireless network SSID, Password to activate the connection. You can also choose other connection methods such as WPS or Wi- Fi direct if compatible. Once if the network connection is active, install the Printer software. Finally, add your Mac, Windows device to start printing your documents.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Here we suggest the troubleshooting tips to get rid of go.roku.com/lowpower issue.
    At first, understand what causes the error
    Check the power cables connected to the device
    If the Power cable used is faulty, replace it with a new one
    Restart your device and check if go.roku.com/low power issues resolve
    Do not place any electrical interference between your Roku device, TV, and Router
    Never allow your device to heat up. Turn off your device and ON it after a while
    Please contact our customer support for troubleshooting assistance

    ReplyDelete
  35. Let us help to fix Roku Black Screen Error by suggesting a blog post titled, How to resolve Roku Black Screen Error? You can understand the troubleshooting tips easily. Execute the tips after reading. Resolve the error to stream Roku without any interruption
    Also provide your feed back after reading the post

    ReplyDelete
  36. Are you guys unaware of the Roku Activation Code? I’m glad to share with you the most recent blog about Roku Streaming devices. The blog explains the setup and how to get Roku activation code for activation steps. The setup procedure is given for all the Roku models. In addition, they also provide the troubleshooting step for all Roku error codes. I suggest you read the blog for more information about the Roku activation code. You can also share the article with your family and friends who’s unaware of the Roku device.

    ReplyDelete
  37. If you find it tough to fix Roku Login error. Here we explain the troubleshooting tips in detail. At first, understand what causes the error code to popup on your device screen. Using the wrong Roku Login
    error credentials can cause the error code to popup on your device screen. Hence provide the valid credentials and login again. Check if you can create a new login. If you are expecting any help to get rid of Roku Login error, please contact our Roku customer support right away.

    ReplyDelete
  38. HP Printer Troubleshooting is easy to execute. If you are new to HP printer models, let me suggest 
    an article titled, HP Printer Troubleshooting. It’s time to learn how to execute the troubleshooting 
    tips and get rid of the frequent error codes .

    ReplyDelete
  39. Are you guys unaware of the Roku.com/Activation Code
    I’m glad to share with you the most recent blog about Roku Streaming devices. The blog explains the setup and how to get Roku activation code for activation steps. The setup procedure is given for all the Roku models. In addition, they also provide the troubleshooting step for all Roku error codes. I suggest you read the blog for more information about the Roku activation code. You can also share the article with your family and friends who’s unaware of the Roku device.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Executing Roku.com/link activation process is not a tough task. Fix your gadget to the TV. Then start pairing your Roku remote. Using your Roku remote, go to the network settings. After choosing the wireless network, type the wireless network SSID and Password. Go forward with the activation settings. 
    Finally complete Roku activation by navigating to the page, Roku.com/link. For Roku device activation support, dial the toll free number provided.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Are you ready to start 123.hp.com/setup? Let me suggest an article to read. Read the post a few days back. I could find 123hpcom/setup steps, software installation procedure, troubleshooting guide to fix setup issues. It will be useful if you can suggest the latest Printer models available in the market today.

    ReplyDelete
  42. New Netgear Router Login not a very difficult task but little confusing for new users. if you are a netgear router or extender user and want to know his login process then my blog netgear router login can do your help in this task. Mywifiext | ASUS Router Login | Spectrum Router Login

    ReplyDelete
  43. Most of us are unaware of the fact that we can take a hard copy of the emails that are available in our aol mail login account. This feature may not be found in other email clients but is specifically available for AOL mail account holders. As you can see, using the "Print" feature is pretty easy and can be used on any email in any folder of your account. PayPal Login | www.Amazon.com/mytv | Yahoo Mail not working | Yahoo Mail Login

    ReplyDelete
  44. HOW TO EXECUTE 123.HP.COM/SETUP?

    If you are ready to start 123.hp.com/setup, follow the steps below
    ∙To start with, take out the device from the package
    ∙Then refer the device setup manual
    ∙Learn how to execute 123.hp.com/setup steps
    ∙Connect the necessary cables
    ∙Access the device control panel
    ∙Choose the network settings
    ∙Activate the connection
    ∙Update the Printer software
    ∙Finally ,add your Windows, Mac device
    ∙Select your document
    ∙Tap on the Print icon to start printing
    ∙Resolve 123.hp.com/setup
    issues if you come across any

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your blog post titled, How to setup 123.hp.com/dj3630 printer is interesting to read. The creative style of writing is excellent. I’m happy that I could understand the setup guidelines easily after reading your post.
    Keep up the good work and keep posting more informative blogs from now on

    ReplyDelete
  46. If you are ready to begin 123.hp.com/setup , here we explain the setup steps in detail .At first, take out your HP Printer from the package. Then attach the necessary cables. Switch the device ON and choose the appropriate network settings .Also update the Printer software. After adding your Windows, Mac device, select your document to start printing. For 123.hp.com/setup assistance, please contact our Printer customer support right away.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Are you unaware of setting up your printers, install the drivers or software? Here are the easy steps to set up, install the drivers or software, or update your HP printers' software. Power on your printer and PC, then connect them to the internet. And, visit 123.hp.com/setup and choose the printer model. Click the following button. Then, install the HP smart app on your PC or smartphone. Follow the on-screen instruction and create an HP account. Register your printer and add the printer to your PC or smartphone and install the drivers and software. Now, you can print, fax, scan, copy a file. To know more about setting up the printer, install the drivers or software to your HP printers using 123.hp.com/setup. Please contact our customer support.

    ReplyDelete
  48. 123.hp.com/setup guide to help you
    Here we explain 123.hp.com/setup steps in detail if your HP printer is brand new. Complete the setup to operate the printer. The setup steps include fixing the hardware, activating the network, inserting the Printer cartridge, loading the paper into the paper input tray, installing the Printer driver, and connecting the Printer to Windows and Mac device. It's equally important to troubleshoot 123.hp.com/setup errors if you come across any. Please make a note of the customer support number provided on our website portal for 123.hp.com/setup assistance.

    ReplyDelete
  49. How to Setup HP OfficeJet Printer?
    If you are ready to set up HP Office jet Printer, here we explain the setup steps in detail. Connecting the hardware is the first step. If the connections are secure, navigate to the Printer control panel and begin your search to find the appropriate network settings. Once if the network is active, proceed with the settings to add Windows or Mac computer. After adding the computer, choose the settings to perform the functions such as Print, Scan, Copy, and Fax. It’s hard to avoid errors, if you come across any, select the appropriate troubleshooting guide to fix it. You can also contact our Printer support for assistance

    ReplyDelete