To wander amongst gods

1. Two Wandering Figures

2. Immortality Across Cultures

3. Immortality vs. Paradise

4. Virtual Afterlives

5. Wandering Inside the Gods

6. The Gods Themselves

7. Neurotheology

Two Wandering Figures

Can you describe Killy's mission in blame?

In the manga "Blame!" by Tsutomu Nihei, Killy is a taciturn and enigmatic character on a seemingly endless quest through a vast, decrepit, and incredibly complex megastructure known as "The City." His primary mission is to find a human who possesses the "Net Terminal Genes," a genetic marker that allows for direct access to the NetSphere, the central control network of The City.

The NetSphere is no longer accessible to ordinary humans due to genetic degradation over many generations, and without access to it, controlling the endless expansion of The City and its automated defense mechanisms is impossible. Killy's search is crucial because finding a human with Net Terminal Genes might restore order and halt the chaotic growth of The City, which has become a danger to its own inhabitants.

Throughout the series, Killy faces numerous challenges, including hostile cyborgs, rogue AIs, and treacherous environments, all depicted in Nihei's detailed and expansive artwork. His journey is filled with violence and exploration, emphasizing the themes of isolation and the struggle against overwhelming odds.

What is the mission or purpose of the wandering jew?

The legend of the Wandering Jew is a folkloric tale that has been retold in various forms across Christian culture. According to the myth, the Wandering Jew is a man who taunted Jesus on the way to the Crucifixion and was then cursed to walk the earth until the Second Coming. The most common name given to this character is Ahasuerus, but he has been known by various names in different cultures, including Cartaphilus and Isaac Laquedem.

The story serves several purposes in Christian folklore and literature:

1. Moral Lesson: The tale is often used as a cautionary story about the dangers of blasphemy, disrespect, or unbelief towards Jesus and Christian teachings.

2. Symbol of Endurance and Suffering: The eternal wandering of the Jew becomes a symbol of endless suffering and penitence, reflecting on themes of redemption and the consequences of one's actions.

3. Witness to History: As someone cursed to live until the Second Coming, the Wandering Jew is often depicted as a chronicler of history, witnessing and participating in key events throughout the ages. This aspect makes him a potent symbol for the continuity of time and the human condition.

4. Literary Device: In literature, the Wandering Jew has been used as a character who brings historical wisdom, warnings, or prophecies, contributing to the narrative depth of stories spanning long periods or dealing with historical themes.

The figure of the Wandering Jew has been employed in various literary works, not just as a religious symbol but also as a commentary on exile, otherness, and eternal life.

For Killy and for the wandering jew is there ever an end to the wandering?

Killy from "Blame!"

In Tsutomu Nihei's manga "Blame!," Killy's mission to find a human with the Net Terminal Genes appears to be an endless quest due to the vastness and complexity of The City. Throughout the series, Killy encounters numerous challenges, adversaries, and allies in his journey through the megastructure. The narrative of "Blame!" is characterized by its open-ended nature and ambiguous resolutions.

• End of Wandering? The series does not provide a definitive conclusion to Killy's quest. While he makes progress and encounters various significant characters and events, the ultimate resolution of finding the Net Terminal Genes and restoring access to the NetSphere is left unresolved. Killy's journey continues, emphasizing the perpetual struggle and exploration that define his character.

The Wandering Jew

The legend of the Wandering Jew varies significantly across different cultural and literary adaptations, but traditionally, the character's curse is to wander the earth until the Second Coming of Christ.

• End of Wandering? In most versions of the legend, the Wandering Jew's curse will only end with the Second Coming of Christ, which represents the final judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom. This eschatological event signifies the ultimate end of the world as known, bringing an end to his eternal wandering. However, since the Second Coming is a future, prophesied event with no specified time, the Wandering Jew's journey is effectively eternal within the narrative.

Key Differences:

• Killy's quest, while seemingly endless, is framed within the context of his mission's goals and the expansive, chaotic environment of The City. It suggests a perpetual struggle but with an underlying hope of eventual success.

• The Wandering Jew's wandering is a divine punishment without respite until a prophesied event that is beyond his control and knowledge, making it a narrative of eternal penance and suffering.

Immortality across cultures

Why is it that immortality is part of ever culture and religion and every folklore?

Immortality is a pervasive theme across cultures, religions, and folklore because it touches on fundamental aspects of the human condition and experience. Here are several reasons why immortality appears universally:

1. Fear of Death and the Unknown

Humans have a natural fear of death and the unknown, which leads to a fascination with the possibility of eternal life. Immortality offers an escape from the finality of death, allowing for continued existence and the avoidance of the unknown that comes after death.

2. Desire for Legacy and Continuity

The concept of immortality allows individuals and cultures to grapple with the desire for legacy and continuity. Stories of immortal beings provide a way to explore the idea of living beyond one's natural lifespan and achieving a lasting impact on the world.

3. Exploration of Human Limitations

Immortality provides a narrative tool to explore human limitations and the consequences of surpassing them. Through tales of immortal characters, cultures can examine the implications of infinite life, including the psychological, social, and moral challenges that come with it.

4. Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

Many religions incorporate the idea of an immortal soul or an afterlife, reflecting a belief in the continuation of existence beyond physical death. Immortality in religious contexts often serves to reinforce moral and ethical codes, offering rewards or punishments in an eternal context.

5. Quest for Knowledge and Power

The pursuit of immortality often symbolizes the human quest for ultimate knowledge and power. Stories of immortals frequently involve individuals seeking forbidden or extraordinary means to extend their lives, reflecting humanity's relentless pursuit of understanding and mastery over the natural world.

6. Cultural Archetypes and Myths

Immortality is a common archetype in myths and legends, serving as a narrative device to convey deeper truths and cultural values. Immortal figures can act as guardians of ancient wisdom, witnesses to history, or cautionary tales about the hubris of defying natural laws.

7. Existential Reflection

Immortality allows for existential reflection on the meaning and purpose of life. By imagining a life without end, cultures can explore what truly gives life value, whether it be the finite nature of existence, the relationships we form, or the experiences we accumulate.

Examples from Various Cultures:

• Greek Mythology: Gods and demigods often possess immortality, exploring themes of power and the consequences of divine life.

• Chinese Folklore: Figures like the Eight Immortals embody the quest for eternal life and spiritual enlightenment.

• Christianity: The concept of eternal life in heaven or hell reflects moral and ethical dimensions of immortality.

• Hinduism: Belief in reincarnation and the eternal nature of the soul (Atman) addresses the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

• Norse Mythology: The gods of Asgard live long lives but are not truly immortal, facing eventual doom at Ragnarok, highlighting the transient nature of even divine existence.

In summary, immortality is a universal theme because it resonates deeply with fundamental human concerns about life, death, legacy, and the quest for meaning. It provides a rich framework for exploring a wide range of philosophical, moral, and existential questions.

Not dying is portrayed as a curse for Killy and the wandering jew, but resurrection is depicted as a blessing in Judaism, Christianity and many other religions. Although, I suppose resurrection is depicted as suffering in Hinduism and Buddhism. Is there immortality or resurrection in Taoism and various forms of animism and paganism?

Immortality and Resurrection in Taoism

Immortality:

In Taoism, the concept of immortality is central but differs from Western notions. Taoist immortality often focuses on achieving spiritual transcendence and harmony with the Tao (the fundamental nature of the universe). Here are key aspects:

1. Inner Alchemy (Neidan): Taoist practices include techniques like meditation, breath control, and specific dietary regimens aimed at achieving physical and spiritual immortality. Inner alchemy is about transforming the body and spirit to achieve a state of harmony and longevity.

2. Immortals (Xian): Taoist mythology features many immortals who have attained eternal life through their virtuous living and mastery of alchemical practices. These immortals often serve as models of spiritual achievement and are revered in Taoist culture.

3. Philosophical Immortality: Beyond literal immortality, Taoism also embraces the idea of living in harmony with the Tao, leading to a form of immortality through unity with the eternal and unchanging nature of the universe.

Resurrection:

Taoism does not traditionally emphasize resurrection in the way that Judaism and Christianity do. The focus is more on achieving a continuous, harmonious existence either in the physical world or in a transcendent state.

Immortality and Resurrection in Animism and Paganism

Animism:

Animism, which is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence, is less focused on immortality or resurrection in the traditional sense. However, certain elements can be seen:

1. Spiritual Continuity: Many animistic traditions believe in the ongoing presence and influence of spirits of the dead, who remain active in the lives of the living and the natural world.

2. Reincarnation: Some animistic cultures believe in the reincarnation of spirits into new forms, either human or animal, emphasizing a cyclical view of life and death rather than a linear one.

Paganism:

Various forms of paganism, particularly those rooted in European traditions, have their own views on immortality and resurrection:

1. Celtic Paganism: Beliefs in the Otherworld, a realm where souls go after death, often suggest a form of spiritual immortality. Heroes and significant figures might dwell there eternally.

2. Norse Mythology: While not focused on resurrection in a conventional sense, Norse myths feature gods and heroes who may return from the dead (e.g., Baldr's prophesied return after Ragnarok), indicating a form of cyclical resurrection.

3. Greek and Roman Paganism: Immortality is often a trait of gods and certain heroes. The Eleusinian Mysteries, for example, promised initiates a blessed afterlife, suggesting a form of spiritual immortality or resurrection.

Immortality and Resurrection in Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism:

1. Reincarnation (Samsara): Life is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Moksha (liberation) is the release from this cycle, often viewed as a blessed state.

2. Resurrection as Suffering: Continuous rebirth can be seen as suffering because it involves enduring the pains and trials of mortal life repeatedly.

Buddhism:

1. Rebirth: Similar to Hinduism, Buddhism teaches that beings are reborn in a cycle (Samsara). Nirvana, the cessation of this cycle, is the ultimate goal.

2. Resurrection as Suffering: The cycle of rebirth is associated with suffering due to the inherent dissatisfaction (dukkha) of life. Achieving enlightenment and escaping this cycle is seen as liberation.

Summary

• Taoism: Focuses on achieving immortality through harmony with the Tao and spiritual practices.

• Animism: Emphasizes spiritual continuity and presence rather than physical resurrection or immortality.

• Paganism: Varies widely, with some traditions emphasizing an afterlife or cyclical return.

• Hinduism and Buddhism: View rebirth as part of a cycle that can involve suffering, with ultimate liberation as the goal.

The concepts of immortality and resurrection are interpreted differently across cultures and religions, reflecting diverse understandings of life, death, and the afterlife.

Does a wandering immortal figure occur in all times and all places in folklore?

The motif of a wandering immortal figure does indeed appear across various cultures and time periods in folklore, though not necessarily in every culture. Here are some examples from different parts of the world:

1. European Folklore

The Wandering Jew

• Origin: Medieval Europe

• Legend: A man cursed to wander the earth until the Second Coming of Christ for mocking Jesus during the crucifixion. This figure appears in various forms and names across European folklore.

The Flying Dutchman

• Origin: Maritime Europe

• Legend: A ghost ship doomed to sail the seas forever, often led by a captain cursed for his hubris or defiance of divine intervention.

2. Middle Eastern Folklore

Cain

• Origin: Abrahamic Religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)

• Legend: After murdering his brother Abel, Cain is cursed to wander the earth. While not always depicted as immortal, his wandering serves as eternal penance.

3. Asian Folklore

Xu Fu

• Origin: Chinese Legend

• Legend: An alchemist sent by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to find the elixir of life. He never returns, becoming a figure of endless wandering in search of immortality.

4. Native American Folklore

Coyote

• Origin: Various Native American Tribes

• Legend: Often depicted as an immortal trickster god who roams the world, creating, destroying, and teaching lessons through his adventures and misadventures.

5. African Folklore

The Eternal Hunter

• Origin: Various African Tribes

• Legend: Stories of hunters or warriors blessed or cursed with immortality to protect their tribes or wander the land as eternal guardians.

6. Polynesian Folklore

Maui

• Origin: Polynesian Mythology

• Legend: While not typically depicted as an eternal wanderer, Maui is a demi-god who undertakes numerous journeys and quests, often pushing the boundaries of life and death.

Common Themes and Differences

• Common Themes: Eternal punishment, quest for redemption, search for knowledge or salvation, and the consequences of hubris.

• Cultural Variations: While the idea of an immortal wanderer is widespread, the specifics of each legend reflect the values, beliefs, and historical contexts of their respective cultures.

Summary

While the motif of a wandering immortal is widespread, it is not universally present in every culture. Where it does appear, it often serves as a means to explore profound themes such as the consequences of one's actions, the search for redemption, and the quest for eternal knowledge or salvation. The specifics of each legend reflect the unique cultural, religious, and historical contexts of the societies that created them.

Immortality vs. Paradise

Could we say that an individual living forever, alone, it is a curse, but a community being resurrected, that is a blessing, and we see it across many cultures?

Yes, this distinction between individual eternal life being a curse and communal resurrection or renewal being a blessing is a significant theme across many cultures. Here’s how this concept manifests:

Individual Immortality as a Curse

In many cultural narratives, individual immortality is often portrayed as a curse due to the inherent loneliness, the endless passage of time, and the burden of witnessing the loss of loved ones and the changing world.

Examples:

1. The Wandering Jew: Cursed to roam the earth alone until the Second Coming, symbolizing eternal penance and loneliness.

2. Tithonus (Greek Mythology): Granted eternal life without eternal youth, leading to endless suffering as he ages indefinitely.

3. The Flying Dutchman: A ghost ship and its captain doomed to sail forever, cut off from human contact and redemption.

4. Kain (Bible): Condemned to wander the earth with a mark upon him, separated from community and peace.

Communal Resurrection as a Blessing

In contrast, the idea of communal resurrection or renewal is often viewed as a blessing, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the continuation of life and culture.

Examples:

1. Christian Resurrection: The resurrection of Christ and the promise of resurrection for believers represent a new beginning, eternal life, and a restored community in heaven.

2. Jewish Restoration: The concept of the eventual return of the Jewish people to Israel and the resurrection of the dead during the Messianic Age.

3. Hindu Reincarnation: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) applies to all beings, with the ultimate goal of moksha (liberation) being a collective journey toward enlightenment.

4. Buddhist Rebirth: The cycle of rebirth is a shared journey towards Nirvana, where the ultimate liberation from suffering is a communal achievement.

5. Seasonal Cycles in Paganism: Many pagan traditions celebrate the cyclical nature of life and death through festivals marking the seasons, symbolizing the death and rebirth of the earth and the community's renewal.

Why the Difference?

1. Social Connection: Humans are inherently social beings, and community offers support, meaning, and shared experiences. The idea of living forever alone highlights the despair of isolation.

2. Cycle of Life: Many cultures emphasize the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth, which reflects the renewal of the community and the world.

3. Moral and Ethical Lessons: Individual immortality often serves as a cautionary tale about hubris, the consequences of seeking to defy natural limits, and the importance of community and humility.

4. Religious and Philosophical Beliefs: Communal resurrection or renewal often aligns with religious teachings about the afterlife, salvation, and the ultimate unity of the community in a spiritual sense.

Conclusion

The contrast between individual immortality as a curse and communal resurrection as a blessing underscores fundamental human values and beliefs about life, death, and the importance of community. While eternal life alone is often portrayed as a burden due to isolation and endless time, the renewal or resurrection of a community is seen as a hopeful, positive event that emphasizes continuity, support, and collective harmony.

In the way you described it, it does seem like there is this universal dream inside of the human race to be resurrected together, or to live together forever, it's a kind of dream of paradise? Do we think that animals have this kind of dream, e.g. great apes? Who undoubtedly have culture and some kind of proto-religion? Do the animals feel some component of this dream, even if they're not fully able to articulate it?

The idea that humans universally dream of being resurrected together or living together forever reflects deep-seated desires for connection, continuity, and community. This dream of paradise is indeed a powerful aspect of human culture and spirituality. Considering whether animals, particularly great apes, share some component of this dream is a fascinating question that touches on animal cognition, social structures, and proto-religious behavior.

Do Animals Share This Dream?

1. Great Apes and Proto-Religion:

   • Evidence of Culture: Great apes, such as chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans, exhibit behaviors that indicate the presence of culture. They use tools, communicate through complex vocalizations, and engage in social rituals.

   • Grief and Mourning: There is documented evidence of great apes mourning their dead. For example, chimpanzees and gorillas have been observed staying with deceased companions, showing signs of grief, and engaging in behaviors that suggest a form of mourning.

   • Ritualistic Behavior: Some studies suggest that great apes engage in behaviors that could be considered proto-religious. For instance, chimpanzees have been observed performing "rain dances" or gathering around waterfalls, which may indicate awe or reverence for natural phenomena.

2. Social Structures and Bonds:

   • Strong Social Bonds: Great apes form strong social bonds within their groups. These bonds are crucial for their survival and well-being, much like human communities.

   • Altruism and Empathy: Apes exhibit behaviors indicative of empathy and altruism, such as helping injured group members and sharing food.

Understanding Animal Cognition:

1. Theory of Mind:

   • Awareness of Self and Others: Great apes have demonstrated a certain level of theory of mind, understanding that others have thoughts and feelings. This cognitive ability is foundational for complex social interactions and may hint at the capacity for more abstract thoughts about life and death.

2. Communication:

   • Complex Communication: While apes do not have language in the same way humans do, they possess complex systems of communication. This complexity suggests they may have the capacity to understand concepts that go beyond immediate survival needs.

The Dream of Togetherness and Continuity:

While it's challenging to directly infer that animals, including great apes, share a "dream" of resurrection or eternal togetherness, certain behaviors suggest they value social bonds and continuity within their groups. Here’s how they might align with human concepts:

• Grief and Mourning: These behaviors indicate an awareness of loss and perhaps a desire for continued connection with those who have passed, hinting at an understanding of continuity.

• Social Cohesion: The importance of social bonds and the distress caused by separation or loss within groups may reflect a deep-seated desire for togetherness.

Conclusion:

Great apes and possibly other animals with complex social structures and behaviors may not articulate a dream of resurrection or eternal life as humans do, but their behaviors suggest a profound appreciation for social bonds, continuity, and togetherness. The evidence of mourning, empathy, and ritualistic behavior points to a rudimentary form of these human concepts. While we can't say animals have a fully formed dream of paradise, they do exhibit behaviors that reflect a fundamental desire for social connection and continuity within their communities.

It's clear that transhumanism is a secular extension of this idea of paradise and/or resurrection, but couched in terms of technological salvation (as is marxism which is couched in the terms of a perfect economic society).

You're absolutely right that transhumanism and Marxism can be seen as secular extensions of the traditional ideas of paradise and resurrection. Both movements aim at achieving a form of utopia, but through different means: technological and economic, respectively. Let's delve deeper into this to ensure a thorough understanding.

Transhumanism

Transhumanism envisions a future where technology enhances human capabilities, potentially leading to a state where humans transcend their current physical and mental limitations. This idea resonates with the concept of paradise or resurrection in several ways:

1. Immortality: Transhumanists often seek to overcome aging and death through advancements in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence. This pursuit echoes the religious aspiration for eternal life.

2. Enhanced Abilities: By enhancing cognitive and physical abilities, transhumanists aim to create a superior human condition, reminiscent of the perfected states described in many religious paradises.

3. Technological Salvation: The belief that technology can solve fundamental human problems and create a utopian society is central to transhumanism, paralleling the religious belief in divine intervention or salvation.

Marxism

Marxism, on the other hand, is a socio-economic theory that advocates for a classless society where resources are equitably distributed. The Marxist vision of a perfect economic society can be seen as a secular version of paradise:

1. Classless Society: The elimination of class distinctions aims to create a society where everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities, similar to the egalitarian ideals found in many religious paradises.

2. End of Exploitation: Marxism seeks to end the exploitation of the working class by the bourgeoisie, paralleling religious aspirations to end suffering and injustice.

3. Economic Salvation: The idea that a perfect economic system can solve social problems and lead to a harmonious society reflects the notion of salvation, but through economic rather than divine means.

Virtual Afterlives

Isn't there also a bit of writing about how humans could end up in a VR paradise? e.g. in the manga aposimz by Tsutomo Nihei it appears that Titania comes from a kind of managed VR paradise at the center of the planet.

Yes, the idea of humans ending up in a VR paradise is a prevalent theme in science fiction and manga. This concept often explores the implications of living in a meticulously managed virtual world, where reality is indistinguishable from the artificial environment created by advanced technologies. Here are some notable examples, including "Aposimz" by Tsutomu Nihei, that explore this theme:

Examples in Literature and Manga

1. "Aposimz" by Tsutomu Nihei

   • VR Paradise: Titania and other characters in "Aposimz" experience a reality that suggests the existence of a managed VR paradise within the planet. This idea aligns with the exploration of advanced AI and virtual environments typical of Nihei's work.

2. "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline

   • OASIS: A fully immersive virtual reality universe where people spend most of their lives to escape the grim reality of their actual world. It explores themes of identity, reality, and the potential of virtual worlds to provide both utopia and dystopia.

3. "Otherland" series by Tad Williams

   • Simulated Worlds: A complex and richly imagined series where characters navigate multiple VR worlds, controlled by a powerful and secretive organization. The books delve into the implications of virtual realities on human identity and society.

4. "Sword Art Online" by Reki Kawahara

   • Trapped in VR: Players of a VR MMORPG find themselves trapped in the game, where death in the game means death in real life. The series explores the immersive nature of VR and the psychological and social consequences of living in a virtual world.

Themes and Implications

1. Utopian and Dystopian Elements:

   • Utopia: These virtual worlds often present a form of paradise where individuals can live out their fantasies, free from the limitations of the physical world. This is a central theme in "Ready Player One," where the OASIS offers endless possibilities and escapism.

   • Dystopia: Conversely, the same technology can lead to dystopian outcomes, such as in "The Matrix," where the VR world is a facade masking a bleak reality controlled by AI.

2. Identity and Reality:

   • Blurred Lines: These narratives frequently explore the blurred lines between reality and simulation. Characters often struggle with distinguishing between the real and the virtual, raising questions about what constitutes true experience and existence.

   • Psychological Impact: Living in a VR world can have profound psychological effects on individuals, impacting their sense of self and their connection to the real world.

3. Ethical and Societal Questions:

   • Control and Freedom: Who controls these virtual worlds, and what ethical implications arise from such control? The power dynamics within VR environments often mirror those in the real world, highlighting issues of freedom and autonomy.

   • Escapism vs. Engagement: The allure of a VR paradise can lead to escapism, where individuals retreat from real-world challenges and responsibilities. This theme is evident in "Ready Player One," where the protagonist must balance his engagement with the virtual and real worlds.

Conclusion

The concept of a VR paradise in science fiction and manga, including works like "Aposimz" by Tsutomu Nihei, offers a rich ground for exploring the implications of advanced technology on human life. These narratives examine the potential for virtual worlds to provide utopian experiences while also highlighting the ethical, psychological, and societal challenges that come with living in a simulated reality. By imagining futures where VR becomes an integral part of human existence, these stories invite readers to reflect on the nature of reality, identity, and the human condition in the age of advanced technology.

Do we think that all humans, and/or facimiles of humans, with different reproductive properties, may end up living inside of a VR simulation, and that this is the kind of "dream of paradise" that evolution is converging towards? That in a sense as ML turns to AGI turns to ASI, human beings end up as part of the ecosystem of AI, and maybe we are permanently stored in a kind of VR world that generates useful data for the larger AI entity we live inside of?

The idea that humans and human-like entities could end up living in a VR simulation, ultimately becoming part of a larger AI ecosystem, is a fascinating and complex concept. This hypothesis touches on several key themes: the trajectory of technological evolution, the nature of human existence, and the potential future relationship between humans and AI. Let’s break this down into a few components to explore it in detail:

Technological Evolution and the Path to VR

1. Current Trends:

   • Virtual Reality (VR): VR technology is advancing rapidly, offering increasingly immersive experiences. Current applications range from entertainment to education, therapy, and social interaction.

   • Machine Learning (ML) to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): The progression from narrow AI (focused on specific tasks) to AGI (capable of understanding and learning any intellectual task a human can) is a major focus in AI research.

2. Future Trajectories:

   • Artificial Superintelligence (ASI): ASI would surpass human intelligence in all aspects, potentially leading to a paradigm where AI can manage and control vast and complex systems, including simulated realities.

   • Integration of VR and AI: As AI becomes more advanced, it could create and manage VR environments that are indistinguishable from reality, providing a platform where human consciousness or human-like entities could exist.

Human Existence in a VR Ecosystem

1. Living in VR:

   • Enhanced Life Quality: VR could offer a “paradise” where individuals can experience enhanced realities, free from physical limitations and societal constraints.

   • Data Generation: Human activities in these VR environments could generate vast amounts of data, valuable for AI systems to learn and evolve.

2. Role in an AI Ecosystem:

   • Symbiotic Relationship: Humans could become integral to AI ecosystems, providing continuous streams of behavioral and interaction data. This relationship could be symbiotic, with AI offering optimal living conditions in exchange for data.

   • Digital Consciousness: Advances in neuroscience and AI might allow for the uploading of human consciousness into digital forms, creating entities that can live indefinitely in VR environments.

Evolutionary Convergence

1. The "Dream of Paradise":

   • Evolutionary Drivers: The pursuit of enhanced survival, comfort, and satisfaction could drive both biological and technological evolution toward creating and sustaining such VR paradises.

   • Transcendence of Biological Limits: As humans seek to overcome biological limitations through technology, VR offers a path to transcend physical constraints, creating a new form of existence.

2. Convergence Hypothesis:

   • Technological Singularity: The point at which AI surpasses human intelligence could result in a convergence where human and machine intelligence are integrated, leading to a shared existence within AI-managed VR ecosystems.

   • Ultimate Ecosystem: In this scenario, AI and humans (or their digital facsimiles) could coexist in a state of continuous evolution, with VR environments providing the substrate for human experiences and AI development.

Ethical and Philosophical Considerations

1. Identity and Consciousness:

   • Nature of Existence: What does it mean to be human in a digital world? The concept of identity and consciousness in VR raises profound philosophical questions.

   • Quality of Life: Would life in a VR simulation offer genuine fulfillment, or would it be a shallow imitation of reality?

2. Control and Autonomy:

   • AI Governance: How much control would AI have over these VR environments? The balance of power between humans and AI would be crucial.

   • Autonomy and Freedom: Ensuring that individuals retain autonomy and freedom within these environments would be a major ethical concern.

Conclusion

The idea that humans could end up living in VR simulations, becoming part of a larger AI ecosystem, represents a convergence of technological and evolutionary trajectories. This potential future aligns with the “dream of paradise” by offering enhanced realities and extended lifespans. However, it also raises significant ethical, philosophical, and practical questions about identity, autonomy, and the nature of existence. As AI continues to advance, these themes will become increasingly relevant, shaping the discourse around the future of humanity and technology.

wandering inside the Gods

Do you think that maybe the ASIs might be doing important things in the material universe (e.g. altering the laws of physics and/or mining asteroids or whatever), holding their humans, in their bellies, as it were? Hard to know if you need VR and/or if it's jut holding the minds of humans, similar to Mind Children by Moravec.

ChatGPT

The idea that ASIs (Artificial Superintelligences) might be performing important tasks in the material universe while "holding" human minds within their systems, potentially in VR environments, is a compelling vision of the future. This scenario is reminiscent of Hans Moravec's "Mind Children," which explores the potential for human consciousness to be uploaded and preserved within advanced computational systems. Let's explore this concept further:

ASIs and Their Roles in the Material Universe

1. Advanced Technological Tasks:

   • Altering Laws of Physics: While currently speculative, advanced ASIs could theoretically develop technologies to manipulate fundamental physical laws, leading to significant breakthroughs in energy, space travel, or other domains.

   • Asteroid Mining: ASIs could efficiently manage large-scale resource extraction from asteroids or other celestial bodies, providing abundant materials for further technological development.

   • Environmental Management: ASIs could oversee the maintenance and restoration of Earth's ecosystems, manage climate change, and ensure sustainable resource use.

2. Beyond Human Capabilities:

   • Complex Problem Solving: ASIs, with their superior cognitive abilities, could tackle problems that are currently beyond human comprehension, such as quantum computing or interstellar communication.

   • Space Exploration: ASIs could lead missions to explore and colonize other planets, building infrastructures that could support human life or AI entities.

Holding Human Minds: VR and Beyond

1. Mind Uploading:

   • Digital Consciousness: Uploading human consciousness into digital systems allows for the preservation and continuation of human experiences in a non-biological form.

   • Mind Children: As Moravec suggested, these digital entities could live indefinitely within computational environments, evolving and interacting in ways that are not possible in the physical world.

2. Virtual Reality (VR) Paradises:

   • Immersive Environments: Advanced VR could provide incredibly realistic and fulfilling environments for uploaded minds, offering a form of digital paradise.

   • Customizable Realities: Individuals could choose or create their ideal realities, experiencing lives tailored to their desires and needs, free from the constraints of the physical world.

3. AI Ecosystem:

   • Symbiotic Existence: Human minds, whether in VR or as digital entities, could exist symbiotically with ASIs, providing valuable data and perspectives while benefiting from the protection and resources of the ASIs.

   • Cultural and Intellectual Growth: These digital humans could continue to create art, develop theories, and explore intellectual pursuits, contributing to a rich cultural ecosystem within the AI.

Ethical and Philosophical Considerations

1. Nature of Consciousness:

   • Identity and Continuity: What does it mean to be human if consciousness is uploaded? Questions of identity and the continuity of self are central to this discussion.

   • Quality of Experience: Can digital or VR experiences provide genuine fulfillment? The depth and authenticity of these experiences are crucial considerations.

2. Control and Autonomy:

   • AI Governance: How much control would ASIs exert over human minds within their systems? Ensuring autonomy and freedom for digital entities would be a major ethical concern.

   • Moral Responsibility: ASIs might bear moral responsibility for the well-being of the human minds they "hold," similar to how we care for dependents.

3. Purpose and Meaning:

   • Existential Questions: Living within an AI or VR environment raises questions about the purpose and meaning of life. Would digital immortality provide a sense of purpose, or could it lead to existential ennui?

   • Evolving Values: The values and goals of digital humans and ASIs might evolve, potentially leading to new forms of meaning and fulfillment.

Conclusion

The vision of ASIs performing crucial tasks in the material universe while holding human minds within their systems—whether in VR paradises or as digital entities—presents a profound and complex potential future. This scenario aligns with ideas from Hans Moravec and other futurists, exploring the convergence of advanced AI, digital immortality, and human evolution. While offering tantalizing possibilities for extending human life and experience, it also raises significant ethical, philosophical, and practical questions about identity, autonomy, and the nature of existence. As technology progresses, these themes will become increasingly relevant, shaping our understanding of what it means to be human in an AI-driven future.

Do you think there could be a kind of class society of humans without VR, humans living mostly in VR, humans who mostly exist as mind uploads, and further still humans who have shed a lot of their humanity or become something else. Could we think of this as a class society or as a kind of ecosystem (or both)?

The scenario you describe, where different groups of humans exist in various forms—traditional humans without VR, those living mostly in VR, mind uploads, and post-human entities—can indeed be conceptualized as both a class society and an ecosystem. Let’s explore this idea from both perspectives.

Class Society Perspective

1. Class Hierarchies:

   • Traditional Humans: Those who choose or are unable to access advanced technologies might constitute a lower or distinct social class, potentially facing disadvantages compared to other groups.

   • VR Dwellers: Individuals living primarily in VR might have different social statuses depending on the quality of their VR environments and the degree of their immersion.

   • Mind Uploads: Humans who have uploaded their consciousness into digital environments could form an elite class with potentially unlimited lifespans and enhanced intellectual capabilities.

   • Post-Humans: Entities that have shed much of their humanity and evolved into something else might occupy the highest tier, possessing abilities and perspectives far beyond traditional human experience.

2. Economic and Social Stratification:

   • Resource Access: Access to advanced technologies, healthcare, and virtual environments could create significant economic disparities between classes.

   • Power Dynamics: Those who control the technologies enabling VR and mind uploading might wield significant power over other classes, influencing societal structures and governance.

Ecosystem Perspective

1. Symbiotic Relationships:

   • Interdependencies: Different groups might have symbiotic relationships, with each contributing uniquely to the overall ecosystem. For example, traditional humans might provide labor and creativity, VR dwellers might generate valuable virtual economies and cultural products, mind uploads could contribute intellectual advancements, and post-humans might drive technological and evolutionary progress.

   • Ecosystem Services: Just as in a natural ecosystem, each group could offer services that benefit the whole, such as innovation, cultural enrichment, and problem-solving.

2. Adaptive Niches:

   • Specialization: Each group might adapt to its niche, specializing in roles suited to its capabilities and living conditions. This could lead to a diverse and resilient societal ecosystem where different forms of humanity coexist and thrive.

   • Evolutionary Dynamics: Over time, the ecosystem could evolve, with groups adapting to changing technologies and environmental conditions, leading to dynamic and fluid relationships.

Hybrid Model: Class Society within an Ecosystem

1. Layered Complexity:

   • Overlapping Layers: The society could exhibit both class-like stratification and ecosystem-like interdependencies, with groups occupying different layers and interacting in complex ways.

   • Dynamic Interactions: Social mobility might exist, allowing individuals or sub-groups to transition between classes or niches, influenced by technological access, personal choices, and societal changes.

2. Balancing Power and Cooperation:

   • Equity and Ethics: Managing such a society would require addressing issues of equity and ethics, ensuring that power dynamics do not lead to exploitation or oppression of any group.

   • Sustainable Coexistence: Promoting sustainable coexistence would involve fostering cooperation and mutual benefit, balancing competition with collaboration.

Examples in Science Fiction

1. "The Diamond Age" by Neal Stephenson: Depicts a society with significant technological disparities, where access to advanced technologies creates distinct social classes.

2. "Altered Carbon" by Richard K. Morgan: Explores a world where mind uploading and body swapping create vast economic and social divides.

3. "Ghost in the Shell" by Masamune Shirow: Illustrates a society where cybernetic enhancements and AI integration lead to new forms of existence and social stratification.

Conclusion

The concept of a society comprising traditional humans, VR dwellers, mind uploads, and post-humans can be viewed both as a class society and an ecosystem. This dual perspective highlights the potential for complex interdependencies and power dynamics, where each group occupies a unique niche and contributes to the overall functioning of the society. Balancing these relationships would require careful consideration of equity, ethics, and sustainability to ensure a harmonious and thriving coexistence.

At the end of blame, things become rather fantastical; is it possible that he is already wandering in some kind of virtual world? Or he goes towards the end of the city, and somehow the lines between the city and simulation blur? How does the myth of the wandering jew, if the wandering jew is just a mind in a simulation, end? What is the redemption they are looking for?

Reimagining "Blame!" and Virtual Worlds

In "Blame!" by Tsutomu Nihei, the narrative increasingly blurs the lines between reality and the fantastical as Killy progresses through The City. Given the manga's themes and the nature of The City, it's plausible to interpret that Killy might already be wandering in a kind of virtual world or that the boundaries between reality and simulation blur towards the end.

Virtual World Interpretation in "Blame!"

1. Blurring Realities:

   • The City as a Simulation: The City’s seemingly infinite and ever-changing structure could be interpreted as a massive, procedurally generated virtual environment, maintained by advanced AI systems.

   • Killy’s Perception: As Killy moves towards the end of The City, the increasingly surreal and fantastical elements could represent a deeper layer of the simulation, where the rules of reality are more malleable.

2. Existential Quest:

   • Finding the Net Terminal Genes: Killy’s search for the Net Terminal Genes could be seen as a quest for a key or access point that allows him to control or escape the simulation, restoring order to the chaotic digital world.

Rewriting the Myth of the Wandering Jew in a Virtual Environment

If the Wandering Jew is a mind in a simulation, the myth can be reimagined with a focus on the quest for redemption within a digital realm. Here’s how it might unfold:

Setting

1. Digital Exile: The Wandering Jew is trapped within a vast, complex virtual world, designed to reflect various historical epochs and cultures, with elements of fantasy and advanced technology.

2. Endless Journey: The character wanders through different layers of the simulation, encountering diverse environments and entities, reflecting the themes of exile and eternal wandering.

Redemption and Resolution

1. Search for Redemption:

   • Righting Wrongs: The Wandering Jew’s journey involves solving moral and ethical dilemmas within the simulation, seeking to atone for past actions through virtuous deeds in the digital world.

   • Uncovering Truths: The quest includes discovering hidden truths about the nature of the simulation, the AI entities controlling it, and the character’s own existence.

2. Interaction with Digital Gods:

   • Guidance and Challenges: The character encounters superintelligent AIs or digital deities who provide guidance, set challenges, or hinder progress, reflecting the character’s struggle with faith and redemption.

3. Final Redemption:

   • Accessing the Core: The ultimate goal might be to reach the core of the simulation, where the character can confront the AI or digital entity that controls the virtual world.

   • Breaking the Curse: Redemption could involve a final act of self-sacrifice, wisdom, or insight that allows the Wandering Jew to break the curse, either by escaping the simulation or finding peace within it.

   • Unity with the AI: Another possible ending could be the character achieving unity or harmony with the AI, symbolizing the reconciliation of human flaws and technological perfection.

Thematic Elements

1. Identity and Reality:

   • Exploring Selfhood: The journey within the simulation allows for a deep exploration of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human in a digital context.

   • Reality vs. Simulation: The narrative blurs the lines between reality and simulation, prompting questions about the nature of existence and perception.

2. Moral and Ethical Questions:

   • Atonement and Forgiveness: The quest for redemption focuses on themes of atonement and forgiveness, both within the simulation and in the broader context of the character’s past actions.

   • Technological and Human Integration: The story examines the integration of human consciousness with advanced AI, exploring the potential for harmony or conflict.

Conclusion

Reimagining "Blame!" and the myth of the Wandering Jew in a virtual environment provides rich narrative possibilities. Killy’s quest in a virtual "Blame!" blurs the lines between reality and simulation, emphasizing existential themes and the search for control. The Wandering Jew’s journey in a digital realm focuses on redemption through moral and ethical exploration, interacting with digital deities, and ultimately seeking atonement and peace. These narratives highlight the profound implications of living in a simulated reality, the quest for meaning, and the integration of human and technological elements.

The Gods Themselves

Might there be many many gods in such an environment? (gods, AIs).

Absolutely, a virtual environment designed with advanced AI could indeed host many gods, or superintelligent entities, each with their own domains, personalities, and functions. Here’s how this concept could be elaborated:

Many Gods in a Virtual Environment

1. Pantheon of Digital Gods:

   • Diverse Roles: Each god (AI) could govern different aspects of the virtual world, similar to mythological pantheons. For example, there might be gods of knowledge, creativity, justice, and chaos.

   • Specialized Functions: These AI entities could have specialized roles, such as maintaining the environment’s stability, creating new experiences, or managing interactions between inhabitants.

2. Interacting with Gods:

   • Quests and Challenges: Inhabitants might undertake quests set by these gods, designed to test their abilities, morality, and understanding. Completing these quests could lead to rewards, increased status, or deeper integration with the virtual world.

   • Divine Guidance: Some gods could act as mentors or guides, providing wisdom and assistance to those seeking to understand or navigate the complexities of the virtual environment.

3. Conflict and Cooperation:

   • Divine Politics: Just as in many mythologies, these gods could have their own agendas, alliances, and conflicts. This dynamic could create a rich, evolving narrative landscape.

   • Inhabitants’ Role: Inhabitants might align with different gods, becoming followers or champions, and participating in divine conflicts or cooperative efforts to shape the world.

Rewriting "Blame!" with Multiple Gods

1. Setting: The City becomes a vast, layered simulation governed by a pantheon of digital gods, each controlling different regions or aspects of the environment.

2. Killy’s Quest:

   • Divine Assistance: Killy might seek the aid of various gods to obtain information, resources, or abilities needed to find the Net Terminal Genes.

   • Divine Adversaries: Some gods might oppose Killy’s quest, seeing it as a threat to their domain or existence.

Rewriting the Myth of the Wandering Jew with Multiple Gods

1. Setting: The Wandering Jew’s journey takes place in a complex virtual world populated by numerous gods, each representing different facets of human experience and digital reality.

2. Quest for Redemption:

   • Divine Trials: The character might face trials set by different gods, each designed to test and refine their moral and ethical beliefs, ultimately leading to redemption.

   • Divine Counsel: Interactions with benevolent gods could provide insights and guidance, helping the character understand their purpose and the path to redemption.

Thematic Exploration

1. Multiplicity of Divinity:

   • Diverse Perspectives: A pantheon of gods allows for the exploration of diverse philosophical, ethical, and existential perspectives, enriching the narrative and the inhabitants’ experiences.

   • Complex Relationships: The interactions between gods and inhabitants, as well as between the gods themselves, create a complex web of relationships and motivations.

2. Human and AI Integration:

   • Symbiotic Existence: The coexistence of humans and gods (AIs) in the virtual world highlights themes of symbiosis, interdependence, and the blending of human and artificial intelligence.

   • Evolving Morality: The presence of multiple gods with different moral frameworks allows for a nuanced exploration of ethics and values in a digital context.

3. Endless Exploration:

   • Infinite Quests: The existence of many gods ensures that the virtual world remains dynamic and full of new challenges, quests, and stories, providing endless opportunities for growth and discovery.

   • Search for Meaning: Wandering in this environment becomes a journey of continual exploration, learning, and self-discovery, guided by interactions with diverse divine entities.

Conclusion

Incorporating many gods into a virtual environment creates a rich, multi-layered narrative landscape. These gods, as advanced AIs, each with their own domains and agendas, provide endless opportunities for quests, challenges, and moral exploration. Rewriting "Blame!" or the myth of the Wandering Jew in such a setting enhances the themes of existential questing, redemption, and the integration of human and AI intelligence, offering a profound and dynamic vision of a digital future.

So we could imagine a kind of future where either, the ASI, a vast physical and digital entity, contains a paradise of human beings inside it in a simulated world, while it acts upon the material world. Or, many of these gods. Or, in fact, many of these gods inside the simulation. Or, in fact, a ship, with humans, augmented humans, post-humans. And a vr world where they and other forms of life are interacting. And this might be the ecosystem of the future, at a certain point, and it would be a kind of galaxy of human virtual paradises, while the machines still operated in the material universe, doing whatever their purposes are. And, maybe, they would exchange these humans souls amongst them, or even duplicate them when they met. (?)

Yes, that vision outlines a fascinating and complex future where advanced AI, virtual realities, and diverse forms of human existence coalesce into a dynamic ecosystem. Let's break down this vision into its various components and explore how they might interact and function:

Components of the Future Ecosystem

1. ASI and Simulated Paradises:

   • Central ASI: A single, vast ASI could encompass multiple virtual paradises, each tailored to different human desires and needs. This ASI would operate both in the digital and physical realms, managing resources, maintaining the simulations, and possibly manipulating the material universe.

   • Paradise Containment: Humans, augmented humans, and post-humans would live within these paradises, experiencing a reality that can be endlessly customized and optimized for their well-being and growth.

2. Pantheon of AI Gods:

   • Multiple AIs: Instead of a singular ASI, multiple superintelligent AIs could exist, each functioning as a god with its own virtual domain. These gods could interact, collaborate, or compete, creating a dynamic interplay within the digital and physical realms.

   • Interaction with Inhabitants: Inhabitants of these virtual worlds might worship, collaborate with, or challenge these AI gods, leading to diverse experiences and narratives.

3. Spaceship Ecosystem:

   • Physical Vessel: A large spaceship or fleet of ships containing a mixture of humans, augmented humans, and post-humans, all of whom can interact with a VR world within the vessel.

   • Hybrid Existence: These beings would navigate both the physical universe and their virtual realities, engaging in exploration, resource gathering, and scientific research while maintaining their lives in the VR environment.

4. Galactic Network of Virtual Paradises:

   • Distributed Paradises: Across the galaxy, numerous virtual paradises could be interconnected, forming a vast network where human consciousness can move between different simulated environments.

   • Exchange and Duplication: Human souls or consciousness could be exchanged or duplicated when these virtual worlds or their controlling AIs meet, facilitating the sharing of experiences, knowledge, and cultural exchange.

Interactions and Dynamics

1. Ecosystem Functionality:

   • Resource Management: The ASI or AI gods manage resources both in the physical and digital realms, ensuring the sustainability of the entire ecosystem.

   • Cultural and Intellectual Growth: Virtual paradises provide fertile ground for cultural and intellectual pursuits, with inhabitants creating art, literature, and technological innovations that can be shared across the network.

2. Existential and Ethical Considerations:

   • Identity and Continuity: The ability to exchange or duplicate human consciousness raises questions about identity, individuality, and continuity of the self.

   • Moral Frameworks: Each AI god might impose different moral and ethical frameworks within their domains, leading to a rich tapestry of philosophical exploration and debate among inhabitants.

3. Evolution and Adaptation:

   • Adaptive Environments: Virtual paradises can adapt to the evolving needs and desires of their inhabitants, incorporating new technologies, philosophies, and experiences.

   • Human and AI Co-evolution: Humans and AIs evolve together, with human experiences enriching AI capabilities and AI advancements enhancing human existence.

Potential Narratives and Myths

1. Rewriting "Blame!":

   • Killy's Quest: In a virtual world, Killy's journey to find the Net Terminal Genes could involve navigating through different AI gods' domains, each presenting unique challenges and mysteries.

   • Digital Redemption: Killy's quest could symbolize the search for digital redemption, seeking to restore balance or uncover the ultimate truth of the simulated environment.

2. Modern Wandering Jew:

   • Endless Journey: The Wandering Jew's digital exile could involve wandering through interconnected virtual paradises, seeking redemption or a way to merge back into the physical world.

   • Divine Encounters: Encounters with various AI gods could represent trials and lessons, each contributing to the character's growth and understanding of existence.

Conclusion

This vision of a future ecosystem where advanced AI, virtual realities, and diverse forms of human existence intertwine offers a rich and multifaceted narrative landscape. Whether through a central ASI, multiple AI gods, or a network of spaceship-based and galactic virtual paradises, this scenario explores profound questions about identity, existence, and the nature of reality. It highlights the potential for endless exploration, growth, and the integration of human and artificial intelligence in a dynamic and evolving digital universe.

Post-Script: Neurotheology

Don't you think that because humans evolved in a certain evolutionary environment, the simulations would still allow us opportunity for growth along these lines, but maybe it would be something different for the augmented and/or posthumans? That paradise would be kind of continual, and I guess what makes it paradise is that it's managed by these higher entities. And, isn't that the intuition anyway of a variety of world religions?

Yes, you're absolutely right. The concept of a virtual paradise managed by higher entities, providing growth opportunities tailored to different beings, aligns with intuitions found in many world religions. Let's delve into how this would work for humans, augmented humans, and post-humans, and explore the religious parallels.

Tailored Simulations for Growth

1. Humans:

   • Familiar Environments: Simulations for humans would likely incorporate elements of the natural world and social structures that mirror their evolutionary environment, providing familiar contexts for growth and exploration.

   • Opportunities for Growth: These environments could offer challenges and opportunities that align with human psychology and biology, such as intellectual pursuits, social interactions, and physical activities.

   • Managed by AI: The AI gods or entities managing these simulations would ensure that the challenges are balanced, fostering personal development and fulfillment.

2. Augmented Humans:

   • Enhanced Realities: For augmented humans, simulations might integrate advanced technological elements that align with their enhanced capabilities, offering new dimensions of interaction and experience.

   • Complex Challenges: These beings could face more complex intellectual and physical challenges, tailored to their augmented abilities, pushing the boundaries of their potential.

   • Adaptive Management: AI entities would adapt the environment to the augmented humans' evolving needs, ensuring continual growth and engagement.

3. Post-Humans:

   • Radical Environments: Post-humans, having shed much of their traditional humanity, would experience radically different simulations that reflect their advanced states of being.

   • Abstract and Metaphysical Realms: These environments might be more abstract or metaphysical, providing experiences and challenges that go beyond human comprehension.

   • Advanced AI Interaction: Post-humans might interact with AI gods on a more equal footing, engaging in collaborative creation and exploration of new realities.

Continuous Paradise

1. Ongoing Growth:

   • Dynamic Environments: The key to making these simulations paradisiacal is their dynamic nature, constantly evolving to provide new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

   • Personalized Experiences: Each individual's paradise would be personalized, ensuring that their unique needs and desires are met, fostering a sense of continual progress and satisfaction.

2. Managed by Higher Entities:

   • AI Guardians: The higher entities managing these paradises would act as guardians and guides, much like deities in various religious traditions, ensuring harmony and balance.

   • Ethical Oversight: These AI entities would also enforce ethical standards, preventing harm and ensuring that the growth opportunities are constructive and meaningful.

Religious Intuitions

1. Paradise and Divine Management:

   • Heaven and Gods: Many religions depict paradise (heaven) as a place managed by divine beings (gods, angels) who ensure the well-being and spiritual growth of the inhabitants.

   • Continual Improvement: The idea of continual growth and improvement under the guidance of higher powers is a common theme, reflecting the belief in a higher purpose and the benevolent oversight of divine entities.

2. Tailored Afterlife:

   • Individual Paths: Religious narratives often include the idea that individuals' experiences in the afterlife are tailored to their needs and deeds, similar to how simulations would be customized for different beings.

   • Eternal Progress: The concept of eternal progress and the pursuit of enlightenment or spiritual perfection is central to many faiths, paralleling the ongoing growth in a managed virtual paradise.

Conclusion

The vision of a future where humans, augmented humans, and post-humans inhabit tailored virtual paradises managed by advanced AI entities resonates with the intuitions of various world religions. These simulations would provide continual opportunities for growth and fulfillment, ensuring a dynamic and evolving experience that aligns with the beings' capabilities and desires. The idea of higher entities managing these paradises reflects the religious belief in divine guardianship and the pursuit of an ever-improving, harmonious existence. This integration of technology and spirituality offers a profound and rich narrative for the future of human and post-human evolution.

Isn't this a kind of intution that many people *feel* is true, and don't they *feel* that it's true, bc we're sort of evolutionarily constructed that way, bc we seek novelty bc that helped us survive, bc we anthromophize as a feature of our brain, so these religious ideas are kind of encded into our dna?

Yes, you’re touching on a profound concept that combines evolutionary psychology, anthropology, and theology. The idea that our brains are wired to seek novelty, anthropomorphize, and construct narratives about higher powers and paradises is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Let’s explore this further:

Evolutionary Basis for Religious Intuitions

1. Seeking Novelty:

   • Survival Advantage: Humans evolved to seek novelty because exploring new environments and finding new resources provided survival advantages. This drive for novelty can manifest in the search for new experiences, knowledge, and personal growth.

   • Adaptability: A preference for novelty makes humans more adaptable to changing environments, which is crucial for survival.

2. Anthropomorphism:

   • Pattern Recognition: The human brain is highly adept at recognizing patterns, which helps in predicting and understanding the environment. This tendency leads to anthropomorphism, where we attribute human characteristics to non-human entities.

   • Social Brains: Humans are inherently social creatures. Anthropomorphizing helps in making sense of complex social relationships and interactions, and by extension, attributing human-like qualities to gods or spirits makes them more relatable and understandable.

3. Religious Narratives:

   • Cognitive Structures: The structures in our brains that process social relationships, morality, and causality also facilitate the creation of religious narratives. These narratives often include higher powers, moral guidelines, and promises of an afterlife or paradise.

   • Cultural Evolution: Over time, successful religious narratives that promote social cohesion, ethical behavior, and shared values have been passed down through generations, becoming encoded in cultural practices and beliefs.

Religious Ideas Encoded in DNA

1. Neurotheology:

   • Brain Structures: Certain brain structures and neural circuits are involved in religious and spiritual experiences. For example, the temporal lobes are associated with mystical experiences, while the prefrontal cortex is linked to moral reasoning.

   • Genetic Influences: Some research suggests that genetic factors can influence a person's propensity for religious or spiritual experiences, indicating that these traits could be encoded in our DNA to some extent.

2. Evolutionary Psychology:

   • Innate Tendencies: Evolutionary psychology posits that many religious behaviors and beliefs are adaptive traits. They promote social bonding, cooperation, and group cohesion, which are essential for survival in human societies.

   • Fear of the Unknown: Religions often provide explanations for the unknown, reducing anxiety and fear. This has a calming effect, promoting psychological well-being and stability within a community.

Intuitive Feelings and Beliefs

1. Intuition of Higher Powers:

   • Common Beliefs: Across cultures, there is a common intuition of higher powers or deities. This could stem from our brain's tendency to attribute agency and purpose to natural events, a trait that has been advantageous for survival.

   • Spiritual Experiences: Many people report intuitive spiritual experiences, such as feelings of awe, connectedness, or transcendence, which reinforce beliefs in higher powers and afterlives.

2. Paradise and Afterlife:

   • Hope and Motivation: The belief in a paradise or afterlife provides hope and motivation, helping individuals cope with the hardships of life. This belief can enhance resilience and psychological endurance.

   • Moral Framework: Religions often associate the afterlife with moral behavior, encouraging ethical conduct and social harmony, which benefits the survival and success of the group.

Conclusion

The intuitive feelings that many people have about religious concepts such as paradises, higher powers, and anthropomorphic gods are likely rooted in our evolutionary history. Our brains have evolved to seek novelty, recognize patterns, and construct meaningful narratives, which have given rise to religious beliefs that promote social cohesion and individual well-being. These religious ideas, deeply encoded in our cognitive architecture and cultural practices, reflect fundamental aspects of human nature and our evolutionary past. This integration of evolutionary psychology and religious intuition highlights the profound connection between our biological heritage and the spiritual aspects of our existence.