un-uniquely human

Being human is all I know, making it the most ordinary thing possible. Yet, it's also the lens through which I perceive everything else, rendering it incredibly valuable. The vehicle my consciousness inhabits is impressive, whether it’s an emergent property of a complex biological system or a fundamental aspect of the universe shared by ants and helium molecules alike. These musings on consciousness are intriguing, but they also lead me to question the uniqueness of our human experience.

Exploring Consciousness

Consciousness—what is it, and where is it found? Is it an emergent property of complex biological systems, or is it a fundamental property of the universe? This question fascinates me endlessly. Regardless of its nature, I feel grateful for the ability to ponder the most fundamental aspects of my existence, which feels intimately, and perhaps uniquely, human.

But is it truly unique? I think not. Should anything be considered "uniquely human"? I would argue no. We are predictable emergent phenomena in a vast universe. The notion that humans occupy the highest pedestal of existence, that our experiences are the most valid or significant, is flawed. Sure, we perform complex tasks, create intricate art, and develop advanced technology. This is impressive, given our close genetic ties to primates. However, these capabilities don’t make us special.

Human Uniqueness and Interconnectedness

Many fear that AI will erode what it means to be human, stripping away our uniqueness. This perspective, however, seems naïve. While I eschew organized religion and spirituality, I appreciate the lessons learned along the way: we are not separate. There is no "me" having an experience. I am the experience. The "me" or "I" that references itself is merely investigating the experience, not an unchanging subject in a world full of objects.

I seldom identify myself primarily as a human, man, husband, or brother. Perhaps this makes me unusual. Yet, this understanding has led to an acceptance of "this is it." I don’t claim to have surrendered to this reality completely, but I grasp the concepts of emptiness and form. I’ve lost the fear of death and, with it, the belief in objective meaning. I can see through the illusion of separation at will. I am not threatened because I am not separate, nor am I special, and this realization is a superpower.

AI and the Future of Humanity

AI will fundamentally change society, causing significant individual suffering and anguish as people are displaced by algorithms and robots. It's understandable to fear losing one's sense of uniqueness when abilities once deemed special become widely accessible. Knowledge work, too, will be transformed as large language models perform tasks with a few keystrokes. This shift is often perceived as a loss of humanity, but I see it differently.

As I write this, I feel more in touch with my humanity than ever. My mind is calm, observing my hand writing in green pen (not my favorite) in my journal. This moment is what it feels like to be human. My wife is nursing our baby boy while our toddler stirs. The day will soon rush at us, pulling me in many directions, and I may lose touch with this intimate experience. But this separation is an illusion—it's all the same experience, only obscured by inattention.

Mindfulness and Human Experience

I am not scared because I am not separate. In this calm moment, I embrace the simplicity and profundity of human experience. The world is experienced through my mind, and despite the impending rush of daily life, this fundamental is-ness remains. By paying attention, we can bridge the apparent separation and connect with the essence of being human.

In reflecting on consciousness, human uniqueness, and the impact of AI, I find a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. We are not special, nor are we separate. Embracing this interconnectedness can transform our perspective on life and our relationship with emerging technologies. As we navigate these changes, let's remain mindful of our shared experience and the beauty of being human.