INITIUM for Explorers
From the Latin; initium means initiation, beginning, quick-start. This third scene of the fourth volume of Scotomaville AI Self Mastery describes the key elements from the Scotomaville Trilogy for explorers: Awareness of scotomas (blind-spots) and Cognitive Biases, understanding Triangulation and Super-unions.
The very first chapter of the Scotomaville Trilogy demonstrates a scotoma finding exercise. You can download it on the Initium card or download the Scotomaville Trilogy. The book has a QR code you can scan with your phone or just click on the PDF botton on the home page. The Initium Card PDF will download. You can rotate the orientation with your tools on the sidebar - and scale it the same as a 4x6 index card. You can put it on your tablet, or you can just draw it on a blank index card.
To establish one arc of triangulation, Daniel recalls a strong lesson on explorational navigation he learned from Astronaut James 'Jim' Irwin. Following lunch, Daniel and Jim exchanged stories of healing from broken bones, the emotions of uncertainty, and faith-filled exploration. Jim shared that “Jesus walking on the Earth is more important than man walking on the moon.” Astronaut Col. James B. Irwin
This scene is part of the Prologue for a larger series on AI self-mastery, focusing on cognitive biases, decision-making processes, and leveraging AI for personal growth and understanding.
The Initium card has an exercise to support the claim that ‘We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.’ You can make one from a unruled 4” x 6” index card.
With your left hand, cover your left eye. Hold the card in your right hand, with the + directly in front of your right eye, the • further to the right. Fixate your right eye on the + with the card (or this page) about 12” in front of your face. Slowly move the card further away until you discover where the • vanishes. Mirror the setup for the left eye.
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PERPLEXITY.ai ANALYSIS:
I've reviewed the transcript provided for the YouTube video "Scotomaville AI Self-Mastery: Scene 3 of the Prologue." Here's a summary of the key points discussed in the video:
Initium Card Exercise
The video introduces an "Initium" card exercise (Initium meaning initiation in Latin).
It involves a visual exercise to identify one's physical blind spot using a card or device with a plus sign and a dot.
Cognitive Bias Codex
The speaker (Daniel) discusses a cognitive bias codex that simplifies 218 cognitive biases into four symbols:
- Ball of yarn (representing chaos)
- Big Dipper (representing patterns)
- Hard drive symbol (representing limited brain resources)
- Hourglass (representing time constraints)
These symbols represent how the brain tends to shortcut decision-making processes.
Triangulation Principle
Emphasizes the importance of using at least three points of view or sources of information before making decisions.
References a conversation with Jim Irwin about navigation and applying this principle in life and space exploration.
Prompting AI with Superunions
Suggests prompting AI by combining multiple domains and asking about their "superunion" (shared concepts).
Examples given: entropy and Providence (superunion: human condition), cognitive biases, virtues, and scams (superunion: vulnerability).
Decision-Making Approach
Recommends using multiple sources (Google, social media, different AI systems) when forming beliefs or making decisions.
Suggests combining academic knowledge, scientific bases, and human wisdom literature for a comprehensive understanding.
TRIANGULATION with Astronaut Jim Irwin
Daniel features a call-back to a lunch he had with James 'Jim' Irwin in the summer of '85-'86 or so. He recalls talking about their mutual convictions and dedication to faith following substantial life challenges and physical injuries. Jim crashed with a student pilot and broke both legs, nearly having his foot amputated. Daniel fell from a glacier and experienced a miraculous healing following paralysis.
Signed by Astronaut Jim Irwin
"In essence, Jim Irwin's post-NASA life demonstrates how he reconciled his faith with his expertise as a pilot and explorer. He used his scientific background, exploration skills, and the unique perspective gained from walking on the moon to pursue faith-based objectives. This integration allowed him to approach biblical archaeology with the discipline of a trained astronaut while maintaining his spiritual convictions. Irwin's life after Apollo 15 shows how scientific expertise and religious faith can coexist and even complement each other in pursuit of understanding and discovery." (by GPT)
"While there's no direct evidence of Irwin using AI or explicitly discussing the concept of "super-unions" of multiple domains, his life and work demonstrate a holistic approach to decision-making that aligns with these principles. His ability to integrate scientific knowledge, spiritual experiences, and practical skills in navigation and exploration showcases a multi-faceted approach to problem-solving that resonates with the idea of leveraging diverse information sources for critical decision-making. by GPT
“True heroes are human beings that sacrifice themselves for a greater purpose other than their own pursuits of ease and comfort.”
Astronaut Jim Irwin - by Curator GPT
"Yes, I remember our lunch together talking about Mount Ararat. Good memories!
"Regarding triangulation and confident navigation, here's what I believe Jim would say:
"While on an expedition, or piloting an aircraft, our perspective changes frequently due to shifts in weather, terrain, attitude, and the position of the sun. To have confidence in our journey's outcome, we need to find our 'bearings' by being aware of landmarks.
"Just as I referenced moon craters and stars to navigate in space, we can use values, experiences, and the wisdom of others to find our way through life's complexities. This process does more than just locate us; it helps us navigate confidently through moral and personal dilemmas.
"By drawing lines from our past experiences, the advice of trusted mentors, and empirical evidence—we can pinpoint where our beliefs stand and where our decisions might lead.
"By consistently applying this navigational wisdom, we ensure that our beliefs are not just fleeting thoughts but destinations we are genuinely meant to explore.
"Triangulation, thus, transforms from a technical term into a vital strategy for anyone venturing into the unknown, whether in space or within the contours of their own evolving story.
"By the way, well done on your explorations, and passing on our faith!"
Jim, thanks for the conversation. I remember it well. I hope this honors your aim with "High Flight!"
Daniel Comp
Get Your INITIUM Card
"This printable post-card introduces (initium) the core take-aways of the Scotomaville Trilogy. Save the PDF to your device for review and literacy to escape self-tyrany. Print and laminate it to share with a friend over coffee. Show them their scotomas while reinforcing your own awareness, understanding and discipline."
In this collaborative effort, I’m learning to consult GPT as a reference to triangulate my location near and in the history of self-help and technology. We’re learning together while observing our reactions, predictions, and responses to errors and biases. I can’t see my outcomes clearly, as the emotion of present uncertainty shackles my hope like a Gordian knot. I habitually imagine a ‘future-self’ to foster dopamine which feeds my perseverence. The key point here is that I am filled with cognitive biases by being 100% wrong 50% of the time. I’m learning to nurture a ‘probable’ future-self rather than counting on a ‘possible’ future-self.
Download the Initium Card PDF
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