occasional reflections on culture & politics
In the recent months, we have seen a race to implement artificial intelligence systems seemingly everywhere. Suddenly, AI is everywhere, and so is the concern about its safety. Things are developing quickly, and even my own recent interaction with a previous version of ChatGPT may now already be outdated. This development has created a backlash… Continue reading #209: We Need to Control Artificial Intelligence
I believe in peace. Nothing violates the dignity and existence of life like war. This is certainly clear, and there is not much controversial in such a statement. And yet, not everyone agrees. There are those who believe that war steels character, that it is a necessary cataclysm to bring about a clarifying and cleansing… Continue reading #205: If You Want Peace: Why We Must Help Ukraine
We are living in a world with many dangers, threats and uncertainties. And yet, panic, fear or depression would be the wrong answer. The only thing that really helps anyone is cautious optimism. You may ask, how can you be optimistic? It is a legitimate question. On the surface, I seem to be worried about… Continue reading #202: Fear Not: Why We Need to be Optimistic About the Future
I have never been a cultural pessimist, nor have I ever been a Luddite. As soon as I was able to, I learned to use a computer in the pre-internet age (I still remember 5 ¼ inch disks and even data tapes), and as soon as the internet became available for private citizens, not just… Continue reading #181: Are We too Stupid for the Internet?
We seem to be more deeply entrenched in our positions than we ever have been. Nothing is really debated, all we do is to exchange unaltering positions, demand a no-compromise outcome and refuse to engage with each other. While there are some cases that are simply clear-cut and indefensible (like Putin’s war, for instance), we… Continue reading #177: Thinking Beyond Caricatures
As I said before, an apology needs to count for something. Will Smith apologized, Chris Rock refused to press charges, even to throw him out of the room. As horrendous as Smith's behavior was, he has recognized that. Can we move on please? Is not everybody allowed a lapse of judgement? Cancel culture is a… Continue reading µ08: Will Smith Apologized; Let It Go
I must admit, I have never understood the rather uncritical position in vast swaths of the political left towards Justin Trudeau and Canada. Certainly, the United States is by no means perfect, but the almost self-hating adoration of Canada by some Americans is strange. It has been Trudeau’s government who has maintained the Keystone XL… Continue reading #142: Oh, Canada…
I am old. If you don’t believe me, I am going to prove it to you with this text. Correction: I am not that old, mid-40s, but I am old enough to not quite fit in with this world anymore. I am no stranger to computers. While in East Germany, we could not easily get… Continue reading #132: My Tablet Told Me to Try a Bedtime Alarm to Get More Sleep
When you lose an election, the impulse to insult the voters appears highly appealing. They just didn’t understand your great plans. They don’t know enough. They are easily misled by misinformation. Maybe they are wicked, immoral, and deplorable. The enemies are strong and devious. We are righteous warriors for truth and justice, and those who… Continue reading #118: The Voter is Always Right: The Meaning of Democracy
As Democrats are (hopefully) reflecting on their election loss in Virginia, they should understand that it is not about Trump, it has never been about Trump – and that even Trump has not been about Trump (well, maybe a little bit). It is about the issues. First, Bill Clinton knew that it is about the… Continue reading #117: It’s Not About Trump. It’s About the Issues
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