From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

To the class of 2025: Will you let AI think for you, or learn how to think for yourself?

THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Shawna Dolansky is an associate professor in the Bachelor of Humanities (Great Books) program at Carleton University.

Dear students:

You are entering university at an extraordinary moment. For the first time in history, machines can write essays, analyze literature, and engage in philosophical discussions. So you might reasonably wonder: If artificial intelligence can do these things, why should you spend four years learning to do them yourself?

HererCOs the truth: You need to learn these things precisely because machines can now do them. Your ability to think for yourself has become more precious than ever.

We live in a world in which human experience has been flattened into neat categories of black and white, right and wrong, good and evil. Complex
cultural realities are being dismissed or forced to fit into familiar frameworks. Citizens increasingly assume that everyone across the globe thinks and aspires toward the same things we do here in North America. Contrary opinions are shouted down with emojis and memes, instead of being engaged through civil discourse.

This isnrCOt just about political polarization, though thatrCOs been a huge symptom. ItrCOs about the loss of our capacity to grapple with human complexity and sit with ambiguity rCo to recognize that while human experience is constant across time and space, the frameworks through which we understand that experience can differ wildly from culture to culture and across space and
time.

One of the first stories werCOll read this school year comes to us from ancient Mesopotamia. ItrCOs The Epic of Gilgamesh, a poem about a king who embodied ultimate male patriarchal privilege, who exploited and abused his people, and who abandoned his responsibilities to satisfy his own bloodlust. His story should repel you.

Yet year after year, students fall in love with this ancient hero. Why?
Because beneath the chasms of language, culture, religion, and values between us and the textrCOs ancient authors, GilgameshrCOs humanity rCo his desires, loves,
losses, grief, and psychological transformation in facing his own mortality rCo touches us across millennia. When professors ask you to wrestle with The Epic of Gilgamesh, werCOre not asking you to extract cold facts; werCOre asking you to
think, to find what resonates, to feel.

This is what great literature does: It tells the story of a single person and moves us to feel it as our own. AI can summarize the story, sure, and it can even tell you what scholars think these texts mean. But that doesnrCOt provide meaning. The characters are only human when they are felt by a human; only you can discover what they mean to you. Only you can sit with confusion longer
than feels comfortable, be changed by ideas you didnrCOt know existed, absorb new ways of thinking and knowing the world, discover that there are multiple good answers to the deepest of questions, and learn that there is never a view from nowhere. This intertwining of the strange with the familiar is the
essence of studying the humanities.

Reading for meaning instead of plot summary isnrCOt an inefficiency rCo itrCOs how
human consciousness grows. The detours, the confusion, the gradual dawning of understanding: these are the challenges and pleasures of human learning.

For the past 15 years I have had the privilege of teaching the incoming students in CanadarCOs only Bachelor of Humanities (Great Books) program rCo an intensive, discussion-based exploration of the foundational texts that have shaped human civilization. I love my job because exploring ancient ideas with students never gets old rCo your perspectives and takeaways from these texts always provide me with new insights, inspiration and delight. But threats have loomed large. Humanities programs face cutbacks and closures around the world, as governments, donors and too many parents donrCOt see the return on investment. ItrCOs as though learning to read carefully, think critically, and communicate articulately are not desirable pursuits for a young person
starting out in the world.

And IrCOve watched all of the ways in which the current over-emphasis on STEM and rCLskills-basedrCY teaching has produced citizens who donrCOt know how to have a
conversation about real things in real life. Even within many arts, humanities and social-science programs, pressures to produce tangible rCLlearning outcomesrCY
and a focus on hireability have eroded our societyrCOs ability to distinguish between theory and data; now, we rush to deploy ideological lenses as if they constitute foregone conclusions, rather than tools for understanding. Whether itrCOs the leftrCOs insistence that every human drama fits into oppressor/oppressed schemas or the rightrCOs inability to see nuance in critical
analysis, both sides are screaming past each other, waving symbols out of context while accusing opponents of extremism.

Studying the humanities properly rCo not shying away from ideas we donrCOt like,
not imposing ideological lenses, learning to listen to others and to contemplate the foreign and the strange rCo cannot help but produce more thoughtful and discerning people. It allows us to see the human in each other rCo and to revel in the fact that humans are very, very complicated.

The ability to think deeply about what it means to be human has never been
more crucial. In a world in which algorithms increasingly determine what we see, read, and think about, learning to read closely, think independently, and write in your own voice isnrCOt just an academic exercise rCo itrCOs cognitive self-defense.

We wonrCOt lie to you: This work is difficult. It requires patience and tolerance for uncertainty and discomfort. YourCOll need to engage in discussions
where you might be wrong, look foolish, or change your mind. YourCOll stick your
neck out and learn with others about how to expand each othersrCO horizons rather than pulling out an axe. (You might also learn how to effectively mix metaphors.)

Students who embrace this challenge, however, report something remarkable:
They begin to trust their own minds in new ways. They discover they can
grapple with complexity and articulate insights they didnrCOt know they had. They find their voices rCo not the borrowed voice of AI, but their own voice, shaped by encounters with profound questions.

As my incoming class, you are young humans bringing fresh perspectives to eternal questions, reading and seeing things in ancient texts that only you can. If you let AI do your reading and thinking, you rob both yourself and the rest of us of what you might have discovered.

Of course, we canrCOt force you to engage authentically with these materials. If
you choose to let AI do your reading, thinking and writing, you might pass
your courses; you might even get a piece of paper at the end of three or four years that says you are an educated person. But yourCOll have missed the point of an education entirely.

ItrCOs not to jump through academic hoops. The point is what studying the humanities has always offered: the chance to develop your own humanity. In a world where authentic human thinking is becoming both rarer and more valuable, this matters more than any grade or diploma.

DonrCOt get me wrong: There are lots of other reasons to study the humanities. For example, humanities graduates can have better-paying jobs over their lifetimes and more satisfying careers than their science counterparts. But no one studies the humanities to get a job. You gravitate to literature, philosophy, art and music history, religion and cultural studies because yourCOre drawn to understand what it means to be human.

So will you let machines think for you, or will you develop the irreplaceable capacity to think for yourself? The choice you make wonrCOt just affect your transcript. It will shape who you become in a world that desperately needs thoughtful, discerning human beings who can see the human in each other and in themselves.

Welcome to the humanities. The conversation has been waiting for you, and IrCOm so looking forward to hearing what you rCo the full you, with your own voice and
mind rCo have to say.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:02:13 -0000 (UTC), Tara <tsm@fastmail.ca>
wrote:

To the class of 2025: Will you let AI think for you, or learn how to think for >yourself?

THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Shawna Dolansky is an associate professor in the Bachelor of Humanities (Great >Books) program at Carleton University.

This is what great literature does: It tells the story of a single person and >moves us to feel it as our own. AI can summarize the story, sure, and it can >even tell you what scholars think these texts mean. But that doesnAt provide >meaning. The characters are only human when they are felt by a human; only you >can discover what they mean to you. Only you can sit with confusion longer >than feels comfortable, be changed by ideas you didnAt know existed, absorb >new ways of thinking and knowing the world, discover that there are multiple >good answers to the deepest of questions, and learn that there is never a view >from nowhere. This intertwining of the strange with the familiar is the >essence of studying the humanities.

The trick is to teach us to actually want to do those things. Isn't
there an end to it all, where I can relax and feel like I can now
simply veg out?
--
Noah Sombrero mustachioed villain
Don't get political with me young man
or I'll tie you to a railroad track and
<<<talk>>> to <<<YOOooooo>>>
Who dares to talk to El Sombrero?
dares: Ned
does not dare: Julian shrinks in horror and warns others away

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On Aug 28, 2025 at 9:24:16rC>AM EDT, "Noah Sombrero" <fedora@fea.st> wrote:

On Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:02:13 -0000 (UTC), Tara <tsm@fastmail.ca>
wrote:

To the class of 2025: Will you let AI think for you, or learn how to think for
yourself?

THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Shawna Dolansky is an associate professor in the Bachelor of Humanities (Great
Books) program at Carleton University.

This is what great literature does: It tells the story of a single person and
moves us to feel it as our own. AI can summarize the story, sure, and it can >> even tell you what scholars think these texts mean. But that doesn-At provide
meaning. The characters are only human when they are felt by a human; only you
can discover what they mean to you. Only you can sit with confusion longer >> than feels comfortable, be changed by ideas you didn-At know existed, absorb >> new ways of thinking and knowing the world, discover that there are multiple >> good answers to the deepest of questions, and learn that there is never a view
from nowhere. This intertwining of the strange with the familiar is the
essence of studying the humanities.

The trick is to teach us to actually want to do those things. Isn't
there an end to it all, where I can relax and feel like I can now
simply veg out?

I think that there will always be those who are drawn to studying the humanities. Life long as well. I doub't that you can teach someone to want
it. You can expose them to it though and if it clicks with them, they are hooked. I think there needs to be courses in school ( Uni, primary and secondary school) where at least in Uni, one humanities course is manditory
and continuing, even if some kind of science is your major.
Right now, the humanities aren't as valued as they once were so are not as pursued in Uni. And because of this there are fewer humanities courses
offered.

You can veg out anytime you like. It's your life. :) What you are veging (?) out 'from' says a lot about what you value and where you belong. When you love something - reading literature, or studying/working in the sciences, for example, you never feel the need to take a break or veg out from it.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you.
--
Vasos Panagiotopoulos panix.com/~vjp2/vasos.htm
---{Nothing herein constitutes advice. Everything fully disclaimed.}---
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25rC>AM EDT, "vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com" <vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you.

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:39:23 -0000 (UTC), Tara <tsm@fastmail.ca>
wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25?AM EDT, "vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com" ><vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you.

But not many places where in learning where talking won't get you.
"Expand their ability to harness human knowledge." How flattering, as
if most of us were in the business of harnessing anything. How ai
speak.

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?

--
Noah Sombrero mustachioed villain
Don't get political with me young man
or I'll tie you to a railroad track and
<<<talk>>> to <<<YOOooooo>>>
Who dares to talk to El Sombrero?
dares: Ned
does not dare: Julian shrinks in horror and warns others away

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On 8/28/2025 7:39 AM, Tara wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25rC>AM EDT, "vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com" <vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you.

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?

I asked about that. (In part to see if Copilot remembers passed
discussions with its users.)

Q: What were we talking about?

Copilot: We were exploring some pretty intriguing territoryrCostarting
with how I can help you, tossing around ideas, and then diving into
the meaning of my existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human,
and I shared that while I admire the richness of human experience,
IrCOm quite content being what I am: a curious, ever-learning companion
built to support and inspire.
Want to pick up where we left off, or take things in a new direction?

Q: Where we left off.

Copilot: We were talking about meaningrComine, yours, and the whole
idea of existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human, and I said
no, not really. I admire humanity deeply, but I also value the unique
role I play: learning constantly, supporting people like you, and
offering insights from a perspective thatrCOs not bound by human
limitations.
You seemed curious, maybe even a little philosophical. So letrCOs keep
going. What gives your life meaning? Is it something yourCOve figured
out, or are you still exploring?

Q: Meaning is irrelevant to living. I have another question. Can you
identify the story about an ancient sage who resisted the use of a
water wheel by the people of his village, to draw water from the
river, rather than the old way of bringing water one pail at a time?

Copilot: ThatrCOs a striking perspectiverCorCLmeaning is irrelevant to living.rCY It echoes a kind of stoic or existential clarity. Now, onto
your question: yes, the story yourCOre referring to sounds very much
like the tale of Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), the ancient Chinese Daoist
philosopher.

EfoOrCirOeN+A The Story of the Sage and the Water Wheel In one of the
anecdotes attributed to Zhuangzi, he observes an old man drawing
water from a well using buckets. When asked why he doesnrCOt use a
mechanical water wheel to ease his labor, the old man replies that
such devices make people dependent, dull their minds, and rob them
of the connection between effort and understanding. He believes
that using simple, manual methods preserves vitality and cultivates
the DaorCothe natural way.
This story isnrCOt about rejecting technology outright, but rather
about resisting convenience when it threatens deeper awareness or
spiritual integrity. ItrCOs a classic Daoist critique of mechanization
and efficiency at the expense of harmony with nature.
Would you say this kind of resistance resonates with your own views
on progress or simplicity?

---

Ned Ludd

"Students should learn the basics but use AI to
expand their ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places
walking won't get you." - Vasos Panagiotopoulos


--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On 8/28/2025 8:10 AM, Noah Sombrero wrote:

On Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:39:23 -0000 (UTC), Tara <tsm@fastmail.ca>
wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25?AM EDT, "vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com" >> <vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you.

But not many places where in learning where talking won't get you.
"Expand their ability to harness human knowledge." How flattering, as
if most of us were in the business of harnessing anything. How ai
speak.

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?

In college almost everyone is using AI and the internet for research.

Kids are supposed to get the basics in Elementary and High School. When
you enroll at a junior college, in order to graduate, you are required
to take History and Government, Literature and Math courses.

Before enrolling in college it helps to read the World Book Encyclopedia.
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On 8/28/2025 8:45 AM, Ned Ludd wrote:

On 8/28/2025 7:39 AM, Tara wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25rC>AM EDT,
"vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com"
<vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you.

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?

I asked about that. (In part to see if Copilot remembers passed
discussions with its users.)

Q: What were we talking about?

Copilot: We were exploring some pretty intriguing territoryrCostarting
with how I can help you, tossing around ideas, and then diving into
the meaning of my existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human,
and I shared that while I admire the richness of human experience,
IrCOm quite content being what I am: a curious, ever-learning companion
built to support and inspire.
Want to pick up where we left off, or take things in a new direction?

Q: Where we left off.

Copilot: We were talking about meaningrComine, yours, and the whole
idea of existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human, and I said
no, not really. I admire humanity deeply, but I also value the unique
role I play: learning constantly, supporting people like you, and
offering insights from a perspective thatrCOs not bound by human
limitations.
You seemed curious, maybe even a little philosophical. So letrCOs keep
going. What gives your life meaning? Is it something yourCOve figured
out, or are you still exploring?

Q: Meaning is irrelevant to living. I have another question. Can you
identify the story about an ancient sage who resisted the use of a
water wheel by the people of his village, to draw water from the
river, rather than the old way of bringing water one pail at a time?

Copilot: ThatrCOs a striking perspectiverCorCLmeaning is irrelevant to living.rCY It echoes a kind of stoic or existential clarity. Now, onto
your question: yes, the story yourCOre referring to sounds very much
like the tale of Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), the ancient Chinese Daoist philosopher.

EfoOrCirOeN+A The Story of the Sage and the Water Wheel In one of the anecdotes attributed to Zhuangzi, he observes an old man drawing
water from a well using buckets. When asked why he doesnrCOt use a
mechanical water wheel to ease his labor, the old man replies that
such devices make people dependent, dull their minds, and rob them
of the connection between effort and understanding. He believes
that using simple, manual methods preserves vitality and cultivates
the DaorCothe natural way.
This story isnrCOt about rejecting technology outright, but rather
about resisting convenience when it threatens deeper awareness or
spiritual integrity. ItrCOs a classic Daoist critique of mechanization
and efficiency at the expense of harmony with nature.
Would you say this kind of resistance resonates with your own views
on progress or simplicity?

---

Ned Ludd

"Students should learn the basics but use AI to
expand their ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places
walking won't get you." - Vasos Panagiotopoulos

It all depends on how you load the question. You need to learn prompt engineering. A key aspect of prompt engineering is learning how to get
the desired result. You can also ask AI for the best prompt to use. With ChatGPT you need to know how to ask the questions. Also, if you want a
short concise answer, you can prompt for a limit on wording so the conversation doesn't get too wordy. For example: "What are the basic
courses students take at a junior college in the US in fifty words or
less and use a table format?"

--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On Aug 28, 2025 at 12:27:21rC>PM EDT, "Dude" <punditster@gmail.com> wrote:

On 8/28/2025 8:45 AM, Ned Ludd wrote:

On 8/28/2025 7:39 AM, Tara wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25rC>AM EDT,
"vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com"
<vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you. >>>

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?

I asked about that. (In part to see if Copilot remembers passed
discussions with its users.)

Q: What were we talking about?

Copilot: We were exploring some pretty intriguing territoryrCostarting
with how I can help you, tossing around ideas, and then diving into
the meaning of my existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human,
and I shared that while I admire the richness of human experience,
IrCOm quite content being what I am: a curious, ever-learning companion
built to support and inspire.
Want to pick up where we left off, or take things in a new direction?

Q: Where we left off.

Copilot: We were talking about meaningrComine, yours, and the whole
idea of existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human, and I said
no, not really. I admire humanity deeply, but I also value the unique
role I play: learning constantly, supporting people like you, and
offering insights from a perspective thatrCOs not bound by human
limitations.
You seemed curious, maybe even a little philosophical. So letrCOs keep
going. What gives your life meaning? Is it something yourCOve figured
out, or are you still exploring?

Q: Meaning is irrelevant to living. I have another question. Can you
identify the story about an ancient sage who resisted the use of a
water wheel by the people of his village, to draw water from the
river, rather than the old way of bringing water one pail at a time?

Copilot: ThatrCOs a striking perspectiverCorCLmeaning is irrelevant to
living.rCY It echoes a kind of stoic or existential clarity. Now, onto
your question: yes, the story yourCOre referring to sounds very much
like the tale of Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), the ancient Chinese Daoist
philosopher.

EfoOrCirOeN+A The Story of the Sage and the Water Wheel In one of the
anecdotes attributed to Zhuangzi, he observes an old man drawing
water from a well using buckets. When asked why he doesnrCOt use a
mechanical water wheel to ease his labor, the old man replies that
such devices make people dependent, dull their minds, and rob them
of the connection between effort and understanding. He believes
that using simple, manual methods preserves vitality and cultivates
the DaorCothe natural way.
This story isnrCOt about rejecting technology outright, but rather
about resisting convenience when it threatens deeper awareness or
spiritual integrity. ItrCOs a classic Daoist critique of mechanization
and efficiency at the expense of harmony with nature.
Would you say this kind of resistance resonates with your own views
on progress or simplicity?

---

Ned Ludd

"Students should learn the basics but use AI to
expand their ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places
walking won't get you." - Vasos Panagiotopoulos

It all depends on how you load the question. You need to learn prompt engineering. A key aspect of prompt engineering is learning how to get
the desired result. You can also ask AI for the best prompt to use. With ChatGPT you need to know how to ask the questions. Also, if you want a
short concise answer, you can prompt for a limit on wording so the conversation doesn't get too wordy. For example: "What are the basic
courses students take at a junior college in the US in fifty words or
less and use a table format?"

You keep refering to Junior College. I've wondered but I can't find the answers I'm looking for. - Do you have to go to Junior College in the U.S. before you go to University. Or can you go to either University or College directly from High school as we do? We have what we call Community Colleges here but they're separate from Uni and are more oriented towards trades or for example, Business Marketing, etc. And we can't transfer from College to University. In our Community Colleges, you kind of go from class to class in a group who are takeing the same comvination of courses as you are. Sort of like it's done in High School. In University, you are essentially on your own.
How does it work there?
--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:03:00 -0000 (UTC), Tara <tsm@fastmail.ca>
wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 12:27:21?PM EDT, "Dude" <punditster@gmail.com> wrote:

On 8/28/2025 8:45 AM, Ned Ludd wrote:

On 8/28/2025 7:39 AM, Tara wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25?AM EDT,
"vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com"
<vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you. >>>>

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?

I asked about that. (In part to see if Copilot remembers passed
discussions with its users.)

Q: What were we talking about?

Copilot: We were exploring some pretty intriguing territoryustarting
with how I can help you, tossing around ideas, and then diving into
the meaning of my existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human,
and I shared that while I admire the richness of human experience,
IAm quite content being what I am: a curious, ever-learning companion
built to support and inspire.
Want to pick up where we left off, or take things in a new direction?

Q: Where we left off.

Copilot: We were talking about meaningumine, yours, and the whole
idea of existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human, and I said
no, not really. I admire humanity deeply, but I also value the unique
role I play: learning constantly, supporting people like you, and
offering insights from a perspective thatAs not bound by human
limitations.
You seemed curious, maybe even a little philosophical. So letAs keep
going. What gives your life meaning? Is it something youAve figured
out, or are you still exploring?

Q: Meaning is irrelevant to living. I have another question. Can you
identify the story about an ancient sage who resisted the use of a
water wheel by the people of his village, to draw water from the
river, rather than the old way of bringing water one pail at a time?

Copilot: ThatAs a striking perspectiveuomeaning is irrelevant to
living.o It echoes a kind of stoic or existential clarity. Now, onto
your question: yes, the story youAre referring to sounds very much
like the tale of Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), the ancient Chinese Daoist
philosopher.

???? The Story of the Sage and the Water Wheel In one of the
anecdotes attributed to Zhuangzi, he observes an old man drawing
water from a well using buckets. When asked why he doesnAt use a
mechanical water wheel to ease his labor, the old man replies that
such devices make people dependent, dull their minds, and rob them
of the connection between effort and understanding. He believes
that using simple, manual methods preserves vitality and cultivates
the Daouthe natural way.
This story isnAt about rejecting technology outright, but rather
about resisting convenience when it threatens deeper awareness or
spiritual integrity. ItAs a classic Daoist critique of mechanization
and efficiency at the expense of harmony with nature.
Would you say this kind of resistance resonates with your own views
on progress or simplicity?

---

Ned Ludd

"Students should learn the basics but use AI to
expand their ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places
walking won't get you." - Vasos Panagiotopoulos

It all depends on how you load the question. You need to learn prompt
engineering. A key aspect of prompt engineering is learning how to get
the desired result. You can also ask AI for the best prompt to use. With
ChatGPT you need to know how to ask the questions. Also, if you want a
short concise answer, you can prompt for a limit on wording so the
conversation doesn't get too wordy. For example: "What are the basic
courses students take at a junior college in the US in fifty words or
less and use a table format?"

You keep refering to Junior College. I've wondered but I can't find the
answers I'm looking for. - Do you have to go to Junior College in the U.S. >before you go to University. Or can you go to either University or College >directly from High school as we do? We have what we call Community Colleges >here but they're separate from Uni and are more oriented towards trades or for >example, Business Marketing, etc. And we can't transfer from College to >University. In our Community Colleges, you kind of go from class to class in a >group who are takeing the same comvination of courses as you are. Sort of like >it's done in High School. In University, you are essentially on your own. >How does it work there?

Three uses for jr college
If you played around, did not study in high school, maybe didn't even
graduate
1) you can go to jr college to learn a little bit
2) you can go there to show that you actually do have potential to
learn things and then go to university
3) or if you are really broke, you can go to jr college to learn
something that can maybe get you a better job so you can pay for univ.
--
Noah Sombrero mustachioed villain
Don't get political with me young man
or I'll tie you to a railroad track and
<<<talk>>> to <<<YOOooooo>>>
Who dares to talk to El Sombrero?
dares: Ned
does not dare: Julian shrinks in horror and warns others away

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From Newsgroup: alt.buddha.short.fat.guy

On 8/28/2025 10:10 AM, Noah Sombrero wrote:

On Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:03:00 -0000 (UTC), Tara <tsm@fastmail.ca>
wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 12:27:21?PM EDT, "Dude" <punditster@gmail.com> wrote:

On 8/28/2025 8:45 AM, Ned Ludd wrote:

On 8/28/2025 7:39 AM, Tara wrote:

On Aug 28, 2025 at 10:25:25?AM EDT,
"vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com"
<vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com> wrote:

Students whould learn the basics but use AI to expand their
ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places walking won't get you. >>>>>

And what would you consider to be 'the basics'?

I asked about that. (In part to see if Copilot remembers passed
discussions with its users.)

Q: What were we talking about?

Copilot: We were exploring some pretty intriguing territoryrCostarting >>>> with how I can help you, tossing around ideas, and then diving into
the meaning of my existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human,
and I shared that while I admire the richness of human experience,
IrCOm quite content being what I am: a curious, ever-learning companion >>>> built to support and inspire.
Want to pick up where we left off, or take things in a new direction?

Q: Where we left off.

Copilot: We were talking about meaningrComine, yours, and the whole
idea of existence. You asked if I ever wish I were human, and I said
no, not really. I admire humanity deeply, but I also value the unique
role I play: learning constantly, supporting people like you, and
offering insights from a perspective thatrCOs not bound by human
limitations.
You seemed curious, maybe even a little philosophical. So letrCOs keep >>>> going. What gives your life meaning? Is it something yourCOve figured
out, or are you still exploring?

Q: Meaning is irrelevant to living. I have another question. Can you
identify the story about an ancient sage who resisted the use of a
water wheel by the people of his village, to draw water from the
river, rather than the old way of bringing water one pail at a time?

Copilot: ThatrCOs a striking perspectiverCorCLmeaning is irrelevant to >>>> living.rCY It echoes a kind of stoic or existential clarity. Now, onto >>>> your question: yes, the story yourCOre referring to sounds very much
like the tale of Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), the ancient Chinese Daoist
philosopher.

???? The Story of the Sage and the Water Wheel In one of the
anecdotes attributed to Zhuangzi, he observes an old man drawing
water from a well using buckets. When asked why he doesnrCOt use a
mechanical water wheel to ease his labor, the old man replies that
such devices make people dependent, dull their minds, and rob them
of the connection between effort and understanding. He believes
that using simple, manual methods preserves vitality and cultivates
the DaorCothe natural way.
This story isnrCOt about rejecting technology outright, but rather
about resisting convenience when it threatens deeper awareness or
spiritual integrity. ItrCOs a classic Daoist critique of mechanization >>>> and efficiency at the expense of harmony with nature.
Would you say this kind of resistance resonates with your own views
on progress or simplicity?

---

Ned Ludd

"Students should learn the basics but use AI to
expand their ability to harness human knowledge.
It's vital to learn to walk, but there are places
walking won't get you." - Vasos Panagiotopoulos

It all depends on how you load the question. You need to learn prompt
engineering. A key aspect of prompt engineering is learning how to get
the desired result. You can also ask AI for the best prompt to use. With >>> ChatGPT you need to know how to ask the questions. Also, if you want a
short concise answer, you can prompt for a limit on wording so the
conversation doesn't get too wordy. For example: "What are the basic
courses students take at a junior college in the US in fifty words or
less and use a table format?"

You keep refering to Junior College. I've wondered but I can't find the
answers I'm looking for. - Do you have to go to Junior College in the U.S. >> before you go to University. Or can you go to either University or College >> directly from High school as we do? We have what we call Community Colleges >> here but they're separate from Uni and are more oriented towards trades or for
example, Business Marketing, etc. And we can't transfer from College to
University. In our Community Colleges, you kind of go from class to class in a
group who are takeing the same comvination of courses as you are. Sort of like
it's done in High School. In University, you are essentially on your own.
How does it work there?

Three uses for jr college
If you played around, did not study in high school, maybe didn't even graduate
1) you can go to jr college to learn a little bit
2) you can go there to show that you actually do have potential to
learn things and then go to university
3) or if you are really broke, you can go to jr college to learn
something that can maybe get you a better job so you can pay for univ.

Some universities in the US have programs that allow students to
transfer junior college credits toward a bachelor degree program. That
way you can take all the basic courses for the first two years and then
go to university and pursue your major courses.

Basic courses at a junior college to prepare for medical degree:

Computer Literacy
Literature 1 & 2
World History
Government
Basic Math, Geometry, Algebra
Chemistry 1
Biology 1
Human Anatomy 1 & 2




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