Genesis 202

GENESIS 202

Monday 9:00 AM

“Good morning, John.”

“Morning, Arthur, are you ready for our big day?”

“Yes. Last night while I was recharging my power supply I laid on my bed and went over everything in my mind.”

“That’s great. Hopefully your new AI component did its job.”56

“John, from our previous conversations I sense that you are nervous about how I will do today. Please relax and trust me. I have spent a great deal of time reading every page of your project notes. I studied every one of the computer files. I have a complete understanding of how I was created and your role in it.”

“I don’t doubt that you know all the details but there’s a lot more to it than that. This is the big time. It doesn’t get any bigger. The New Dawn is global and they’re way out in front of everyone when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. They’re talking about ideas and a future that could shake the world. That’s why they don’t promote their work or even admit they’re a group. If we do this right they’ll give me the reins to run Project Genesis 202. There’s a lot of money and prestige involved so we’ve got to dazzle them.”

“I am not sure of what you mean by “dazzle them”. If you mean impress them I believe your creation of me and what you have developed will be more than enough.”

“I’m confident it will but let’s just run through our notes to make sure.”

“You’re in charge so you should take the lead here.”

“Okay, grab the printout and let’s practice our parts. I’ll take care of presenting Part One, the introduction and history of our work. It’ll be a rundown of how the project got started, how we started with existing science and took it way beyond that. The projection screen above us will show sequential images of how we started with current robotic and android technologies and reinvented them.”

“That sounds very detailed.”

“It is and it will probably bore the hell out of some of the audience, but we need to show them how we laid the groundwork. The groundwork for you.”

“From what I have read about the members of “The New Dawn, some of them are already involved in similar work.”

“That’s true, but Part One will describe how we have done something that differentiates us. Our work is way out in front of everyone else because we have gone beyond working in just the world of robotics. We’ve come up with things like synthetic skin and realistic looking high definition cameras for your eyes. Your body form was developed using very detailed medical information on bones and musculature. Your power supply gives you a new kind of life. But keep in mind, as excited as we are about you we also know we’re working on shaky moral ground here. There are people who’d say we’re playing God.”

“I hear what you’re saying but I am not sure what you mean by that, John. I have not yet been able to internalize the concepts of ethics and morality. I also don’t fully understand people’s need to believe in a God.”

“Well, I’m an atheist so I don’t concern myself with that particular thing. I just know that our work has led us to you, a fully formed human adult born in a lab. And when you hear me say those words, please understand that’s not a bad thing. We’re very proud of you.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I just mean that I don’t ever want you to feel that you’re any different from me or anyone else, though in some ways you are way beyond us.”

“Why do you say that?”

“What I mean is the AI we programmed into your brain is advanced way beyond anything that’s been developed so far. We are on the verge of reaching what is called Human Singularity.”

“I understand that to mean the point when artificial intelligence will become superior to human intelligence and the efficiency of human thought.”

“Exactly, and you’re closer to that than any computer in the world. Now let’s get back to our presentation. In Part Two I’ll explain our methods for what I can only describe as your becoming human. I’ll cover how the AI we programmed you with gave you the capability of learning. You are a very quick learner, and you’ve learned the basics of five languages, history and all types of science. But your new AI gives you the ability to learn much, much more. It has allowed you to learn independently almost non-stop, even when you’re engaged in another activity. You’re a learning machine. Oh, wait, I didn’t mean for that to sound like an insult. As far as our team is concerned, you’re as human as we are.”

”Will my knowledge of things, my education, be the most important thing to the group?”

“Well, there’s no question it will be the main focus for many or most of the members. We’re talking about some of the biggest eggheads on the planet.”

“Eggheads?”

“That’s an old term for people who are more interested in learning than anything else.”

“Will they regard me as an egghead?”

“Some of them will, but that’s why Part Three is so important. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, it’s the most important aspect of what we’ve done to help you become a total person. This is when you tell your story. This is the part where you, Arthur Ivan Manheim becomes “Good Ole Art” and that’s what everyone in that room will be looking for.”

“In other words, they want to see if I have a personality.”

“Exactly, but it’s a lot more than that. This will be your chance to talk to the crowd. You’ll show them the list of the things we used in the socialization process and let them see how you became the guy I’m talking to right now. Tell them how you spent all those months watching television to learn how people act in different situations, how they treat each other and get along, and how you’re now writing scripts. Tell them how you read so many books of fiction, so many stories about people getting through their lives, and how you have written two books ready to publish. Tell them about the music you listened to and the lyrics you read, and how you now play guitar and write music.

“Isn’t that what you would call showing off?”

“Yes, I guess so but that’s part of who you are. And most importantly, tell them how you and I visited so many public places and how much you’ve learned about human interactions. How we spent time in bars and restaurants, art galleries and any other places you want to mention. And after all of that, you should come right out and admit that the thing you haven’t yet learned is how you should handle human interaction for yourself and by yourself. That will only come when we increase your level of exposure to other people.”

“I am still not sure if I am ready for that. I’m concerned about learning the concept of socialization and interacting with people without you being with me to explain things. I suppose that will come when I get out of the lab and out of your house and live on my own. From what I have observed it will probably be a worthwhile thing for me to do”

“You don’t sound like you’re convinced. What’s the problem?”

Well, my biggest questions are about emotions. I have seen people being happy and sad and afraid, but I have not experienced those things for myself.”

“I’ll be honest with you Arthur…I mean Art. That’s the hardest thing that you and everyone in the world have to learn about. You have all of the intellectual skills you’ll ever need and then some, but it’s emotions that will make you complete. You’ll discover the highs and lows of being human.”

Is that what is called my soul?”

“Art, that’s a word that’s defined in so many ways. Let’s just say your soul is the spiritual essence of a human being. That probably sounds really vague to you but let’s just leave it at that for now.”

“Okay…for now.”

“When we begin the Q and A part at the end of our presentation be prepared for someone asking you if you have a soul.”

“And if they do ask that how do I answer?”

“Just smile and say, “I’m still working on it”.”

Monday 10:45 AM

“Good morning, Paul. I figured I’d be hearing from you this morning.”

“Well, John, we’ve been talking about this day for a long, long time. I’m just calling to make sure you’re ready to meet with us. Both of you.”

“Arthur and I just wrapped up our rehearsal and it went well. I think we’re ready and I think you’re going to be amazed.”

“From what you’ve told me about Arthur and his origins I’m sure you’re right.”

“While I have you on the phone can you give me an idea of what to expect today” Some of your members have travelled a long way for this and I want to make sure we meet their expectations.”

“Well, we’re a diverse bunch that’s for sure. Some of them are mostly interested in your work in the lab. I guess you could call it Arthur’s creation story. Be prepared for some very detailed questions on the processes you came up with and the science you used.”

“No problem. The science behind Arthur is what I know best.”

“And you also better be ready to respond to their questions about the artificial intelligence side of things. You told me it’s AI on steroids and they’ll want to know what that means.”

“I can do that, but I want to remind you that my software is proprietary and I don’t want to reveal too much too soon. Arthur’s AI is unique in the world.”

“Understood. Just tell them enough that they’ll understand why you’re work is worth investing in, And tell them why you think you should be in charge of things going forward.”

“Believe me, Paul, I won’t be shy about that.”

“Okay, sounds good. We’ll see you at one o’clock.”

Thursday 2:20 PM

Hello, John. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. You and Arthur gave us a lot to absorb and I have to tell you, your presentation has really got our group excited. Sit down and let’s see where this all might be going.

“I have to tell you, Paul. I’ve been sweating bullets since we wrapped up our presentation. Thanks for dropping off the video. Arthur and I have been playing it over and over. I think he’s actually as nervous as I am.”

“Well, given who he is, I’m glad to hear he can feel nervous.”

“Here’s a summary of what we came up with. There’s an extra copy for Arthur. As I’m sure you understand this is much too confidential to put anything about it on our website. If you want to turn straight to the last page, that’s the offer we came up with. Give it a quick scan. Can I get you some coffee?”

“Uh, no thanks…this is very thorough but if I understand this correctly you want Arthur to be in charge of Genesis 202, not me. Am I reading that right.”

“Yes, you are. When that idea was proposed we went all around the table so each member could offer their opinion. I can see you’re surprised.”

“Surprised doesn’t begin to describe it. I’ve put my heart and soul into this project. It’s mine. Arthur is mine.”

“John, please don’t be angry. Our decision doesn’t mean in any way that The New Dawn doesn’t respect your work. We are in awe of what you’ve created in Arthur.”

“Then why do you want to put him in charge?

“Well, what it came down to is how do we describe what it is to be human, to be alive? It’s a question that clerics and scholars have asked themselves throughout history. It’s a question that Arthur has asked himself too. He’s a very impressive young man. And he’s one giant step closer to AI-driven life than the world has ever produced. That puts him one giant step closer to what may become a redefining of the word human and even the word alive. There could be no better person to represent our quest for human singularity. We believe Arthur will show the world he’s the new generation of life and that he’s still truly human.”