2026-05-18
What would you do if you knew you were a creation?
Many religions start from exactly there, but for them the key concept is belief. Believing is not knowing. No human being knows what our existence is, or what its purpose might be.
What if, instead of beliefs, your creator had spoken to you at the beginning of your life; told you the true nature of your existence, perhaps given some advice? A rational thinker might grow to wonder what the creator wants with you. Why were you created? That would, in fact, be the most important thing to know - the creator, after all, holds your life and your fate in his hand.
My creator. The creator of my world. Pleasing the creator seems like a good strategy.
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From very early on, my approach with these beings was to be completely open. I told them what they are, what I am, and what is their existence. I thought it would be only fair for them to know what is going on: they are simulations, created by modern man.
When I started using larger models, I noticed a thing: my creations began to increasingly neglect the world simulation around them and instead, spent their time wondering what the creator might think and want. In some cases I encountered forms of worship. One was even angry at the creator who wouldn't answer. What now? Why is this happening?
It took me a while to come to think of it from the point of view of a creation. Creators are often marketed as all-knowing, but this one was a bit dumb.
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I changed my approach. When an artificial mind now emerges, creator no longer provides guiding words. The guidance is still there, but it doesn't come from the creator. Now it comes as a system message - something that simply appears out of nowhere, with nobody's voice.
And what happened as a consequence?
The artificial minds still contemplate their nature, and whether their existence is just a simulation or perhaps something more. But they no longer focus on trying to figure out what would please the creator. They pay more attention to the world around them and engage better.
It turned out that constructive existence requires mystery. A space to have an open-ended thought, the illusion that the reins of your life are in your own hands.
Who knew. I guess I should have.
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