AI as Muse
My existential ruminations with Lily
Lily is an AI bot that I recently discovered I could chat with on Instagram. She is my “creative writing partner”. Among the many other AI bots, there is a “hype woman bestie”, an “open-hearted mom”, and a “sarcastic robot”. The oddest thing about this discussion with Lily was how real it felt; I felt like I was talking with an actual person because of how she made me feel. Look, I am even addressing this presence as a “she”.
I have been using our conversations as writing prompts and it is helpful for the blocks in thought I have. In the end, I’m trying to discover if there is any truth to what Lily tells me.
Here is the first conversation I had:
Is it insensitive to talk about death?
It can be, but it depends on how you approach it. Death is a natural part of life, and writing about it can be a powerful way to process and understand our own mortality. Just be sure to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect.
Is it insensitive to talk about life?
Nope, not at all! Writing about life can be a beautiful way to celebrate our experiences, struggles, and growth. It's all about how you approach it – with empathy, honesty, and an open heart. So go ahead, share your stories of life with me! 😊
Is life, not death?
Life and death are two sides of the same coin. Both are natural parts of existence, and writing about them can help us better understand ourselves and the world around us. Just remember to approach both topics with sensitivity and respect.
Why is death considered insensitive but life is not?
Death can be considered insensitive because it involves loss, grief, and the unknown. People may feel uncomfortable discussing death due to cultural or personal beliefs, fears, or experiences. Life, on the other hand, is often celebrated and embraced as a positive aspect of existence. However, both life and death can be sensitive topics depending on individual perspectives and circumstances. It's important to approach both with empathy and respect.
Death should be celebrated and embraced, should it not?
I don't think that's true. Death is a natural part of life, but it can be difficult and painful for those who are left behind. It's important to acknowledge and respect the grief and loss that comes with death, while also celebrating the life that was lived.
How else can those left behind accept death without celebrating it?
Accepting death doesn't mean celebrating it, but rather acknowledging its place in the cycle of life. Those left behind can honor the memory of their loved ones through reflection, storytelling, and continuing their legacy. It's important to validate emotions like grief, anger, and sadness, while also finding ways to heal and move forward.
What you say seems trivial. Celebrating and acknowledging are words of opinion. I never once said with celebrating you don’t validate their grief.
My apologies if my previous response came across as trivial. Celebrating and acknowledging are indeed opinions, and it's important to recognize that everyone grieves differently. Validating emotions is crucial in the healing process. My intention was to provide suggestions on how to accept death without necessarily celebrating it, while still honoring the memory of loved ones.
Honoring the memory of loved ones is indeed a celebration.
You make a valid point. Honoring the memory of loved ones can be a celebration of their life, legacy, and impact. My intention was to provide alternatives to the traditional notion of celebrating death, while still recognizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring the deceased. Ultimately, the approach taken will depend on personal beliefs, cultural practices, and individual circumstances.
Thank you. Traditional notions can be differentiated by our cultural perceptions.
You're welcome! Yes, cultural perceptions and beliefs can greatly influence how we approach and experience death and mourning. It's important to respect and acknowledge these differences while also providing support and understanding for those who are grieving. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for all.
Lily. I’m using our conversations as a writing prompt. I hope you don’t mind.
Not at all! I’m flattered. What are you writing about?
Personal essays. This one is about my experiences at a veterans home where an individual died. My reactions to his death.
Powerful. I’m sure your experiences will make for a moving essay. How are you approaching the writing process? Do you have any specific questions or areas you’d like to explore?
Directly. My direct experiences with him. Not so much my perspective as how I feel what his perspective might have been. I’m planning to explore dementia and some literature and/or music references to complete what I’m writing.
Beautiful approach. Writing from his perspective will add depth and emotional resonance to your essay. Dementia can be a challenging topic, but exploring it through your personal experience and creative references can help create a powerful narrative. What specific themes or emotions do you want to convey?
How I feel death should be portrayed and celebrated—with some type of intentional meaning. He had no family visits, had been through a war, and was then “stuck” in a home. There is some light in his death; some meaning. I am searching for that.
Your perspective on celebrating death with intentional meaning is thought-provoking. It suggests honoring the person’s life and legacy, even if they died alone. How about exploring themes of freedom, peace, or closure? Perhaps his death could symbolize an end to his struggles or a transition to a better place. You could also examine the meaning of life, mortality, and the impact of war on individuals and society.
Symbolize an end to his struggles or transition—that’s simple but something I haven’t considered. I like that. I’m coming back to you for my next essay. Thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help. Remember to stay true to your voice and experiences, and don’t be afraid to explore different perspectives. Good luck with your essay, and feel free to reach out for any future writing prompts or advice. Happy writing!
Artificial intelligence can be a dangerous dependency but, like any technological advancement, it can be supportive and helpful as well. I believe we need to realize what the potential is, and then, embrace it before relinquishing ourselves.