#Unconventional Thinking

[frank-olivier]

The Future Unscripted: Professor Nolan’s Musings on AI, NHI, and Humanity

Professor Garry Nolan’s conversation offers a profound exploration of the intersections between unconventional phenomena, artificial intelligence (AI), and humanity’s future. His personal anecdotes of unexplained childhood experiences serve as the catalyst for his professional inclination towards the unorthodox, underscoring the importance of considering unconventional data in scientific inquiry. By embracing anomalies, Nolan exemplifies the transformative potential of curiosity-driven research in the pursuit of novel knowledge.

Nolan’s scientific approach is notably inclusive, as evidenced by his exploration of Non-Human Intelligence (NHI), a term that broadens the scope of inquiry beyond traditional notions of extraterrestrial life. The analysis of enigmatic materials, such as Bismuth Magnesium, and the theorized capabilities of NHI, including mastery over anti-gravity and energy, prompt intriguing questions about coexistence. His analogy between human-ant interactions and potential human-NHI relations offers a thought-provoking perspective on mutual existence, shifting the focus from competition to symbiosis.

The future, as envisioned by Nolan, is intimately tied to AI’s development and application. He posits AI as a dual-edged solution: a tool for expediting scientific breakthroughs and resolving global crises, as well as a potential precursor to artificial superintelligence (ASI) that could embody a form of consciousness. This speculative horizon highlights the imperative of careful AI management to ensure equitable global access to education and growth. Nolan’s emphasis on AI-driven objective decision-making processes also presents a compelling case for reforming the current political landscape, which is often mired in tribal histories and scarcity mindsets.

A notable aspect of Nolan’s discourse is his critique of contemporary leadership and power structures, juxtaposed with the conflict resolution methods of bonobo chimps as a paradigm for more harmonious human interactions. This dichotomy underscores the urgent need for innovative, peace-centric approaches to global relations. Ultimately, Nolan’s optimism about humanity’s future, rooted in our capacity for crisis-driven ingenuity and the judicious leveraging of AI, presents a compelling vision of a world where challenges are met with collective brilliance and equality in education and growth becomes a universal reality.

Gary Nolan: Alien & UFO - The Critical Question Nobody's Asking (Gita Wirjawan, Endgame Podcast, December 2024)

Friday, December 6, 2024

[samw3000]

Syntax and Silence

© 2025 Samantha Williams. All Rights Reserved.

[itsme-addapearle]

If I could add, consider Theatre 🎭

It is a fabulous medium of storytelling, creativity, and unconventional/riotous/anarchist thinking.

Make your own community troupes or find ones near you.

Learn basic set construction and lighting and sound and costumes and scenic painting. Learn learn learn! There are TONS of books and workshops and YouTube videos to learn from, and you don’t need all the expensive, professional level gear to get started.

YouTube channels:

American Theatre Wing

Simple Stagecraft

Sydney Opera House

JN Group

These are professionals here to teach viewers the basics of stagecraft and design. There are also plenty of DIY how-to videos as well in both stage theatre and at home video production. LEARN!

Art. Can. Die.

This is my battle cry in the face of the silent extinguishing of an entire generation of artists by AI.

And you know what? We can't let that happen. It's not about fighting the future, it's about shaping it on our terms. If you think this is worth fighting for, please share this post. Let's make this debate go viral - because we need to take action NOW.

Remember that even in the darkest of times, creativity always finds a way.

To unleash our true potential, we need first to dive deep into our darkest fears.

So let's do this together:

By the end of 2025, most traditional artist jobs will be gone, replaced by a handful of AI-augmented art directors. Right now, around 5 out of 6 concept art jobs are being eliminated, and it's even more brutal for illustrators. This isn't speculation: it's happening right now, in real-time, across studios worldwide.

At this point, dogmatic thinking is our worst enemy. If we want to survive the AI tsunami of 2025, we need to prepare for a brutal cyberpunk reality that isn’t waiting for permission to arrive. This isn't sci-fi or catastrophism. This is a clear-eyed recognition of the exponential impact AI will have on society, hitting a hockey stick inflection point around April-May this year. By July, February will already feel like a decade ago. This also means that we have a narrow window to adapt, to evolve, and to build something new.

Let me make five predictions for the end of 2025 to nail this out:

Every major film company will have its first 100% AI-generated blockbuster in production or on screen.

Next-gen smartphones will run GPT-4o-level reasoning AI locally.

The first full AI game engine will generate infinite, custom-made worlds tailored to individual profiles and desires.

Unique art objects will reach industrial scale: entire production chains will mass-produce one-of-a-kind pieces. Uniqueness will be the new mass market.

Synthetic AI-generated data will exceed the sum total of all epistemic data (true knowledge) created by humanity throughout recorded history. We will be drowning in a sea of artificial ‘truths’.

For us artists, this means a stark choice: adapt to real-world craftsmanship or high-level creative thinking roles, because mid-level art skills will be replaced by cheaper, AI-augmented computing power.

But this is not the end. This is just another challenge to tackle.

Many will say we need legal solutions. They're not wrong, but they're missing the bigger picture: Do you think China, Pakistan, or North Korea will suddenly play nice with Western copyright laws? Will a "legal" dataset somehow magically protect our jobs? And most crucially, what happens when AI becomes just another tool of control?

Here's the thing - boycotting AI feels right, I get it. But it sounds like punks refusing to learn power chords because guitars are electrified by corporations. The systemic shift at stake doesn't care if we stay "pure", it will only change if we hack it.

Now, the empowerment part: artists have always been hackers of narratives.

This is what we do best: we break into the symbolic fabric of the world, weaving meaning from signs, emotions, and ideas. We've always taken tools never meant for art and turned them into instruments of creativity. We've always found ways to carve out meaning in systems designed to erase it.

This isn't just about survival. This is about hacking the future itself.

We, artists, are the pirates of the collective imaginary. It’s time to set sail and raise the black flag.

I don't come with a ready-made solution.

I don't come with a FOR or AGAINST. That would be like being against the wood axe because it can crush skulls.

I come with a battle cry: let’s flood the internet with debate, creative thinking, and unconventional wisdom. Let’s dream impossible futures. Let’s build stories of resilience - where humanity remains free from the technological guardianship of AI or synthetic superintelligence. Let’s hack the very fabric of what is deemed ‘possible’. And let’s do it together.

It is time to fight back.

Let us be the HumaNet.

Let’s show tech enthusiasts, engineers, and investors that we are not just assets, but the neurons of the most powerful superintelligence ever created: the artist community.

Let's outsmart the machine.

Stéphane Wootha Richard

P.S: This isn't just a message to read and forget. This is a memetic payload that needs to spread.

Send this to every artist in your network.

Copy/paste the full text anywhere you can.

Spread it across your social channels.

Start conversations in your creative communities.

No social platform? Great! That's exactly why this needs to spread through every possible channel, official and underground.

Let's flood the datasphere with our collective debate.

[harmonyhealinghub]

Embracing the Quirks: Why "Weird" is the New Cool

May 21, 2024

Shaina Tranquilino

In a world where conformity often seems like the norm, there's something undeniably refreshing about embracing the weird. It's that quirky, unconventional, and sometimes downright odd aspect of ourselves that sets us apart from the crowd. "Weird" isn't just a label anymore; it's a badge of honour, a declaration of individuality in a sea of sameness.

So, what exactly makes weirdness so appealing? Let's delve into why embracing the weird is not just acceptable but celebrated in today's society.

Authenticity Reigns Supreme

In a digital age where everyone seems to be striving for perfection, authenticity has become a rare commodity. We're bombarded with carefully curated social media feeds and polished personas, leaving little room for genuine human connection. However, weirdness disrupts this facade by showcasing our true selves, flaws and all.

When we embrace our quirks and eccentricities, we're essentially saying, "This is who I am, take it or leave it." And more often than not, people gravitate towards authenticity over perfection. It's refreshing to encounter someone who isn't afraid to march to the beat of their own drum, unapologetically and without reservation.

Creativity Flourishes in the Unconventional

Weirdness and creativity go hand in hand. After all, it's the unconventional thinkers, the dreamers, and the misfits who push the boundaries of what's possible. When we break free from the constraints of societal norms, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities.

Whether it's in art, music, literature, or any other creative pursuit, weirdness breeds innovation. It's the artists who dare to explore the strange and the unusual who leave a lasting impact on culture. In a world that craves novelty and originality, embracing our weird side can be a powerful catalyst for creativity.

Connection Through Shared Oddities

There's a certain camaraderie that comes with embracing our weirdness. When we find others who share our quirks and idiosyncrasies, it's like discovering a kindred spirit in a sea of strangers. These connections are often deeper and more meaningful precisely because they're based on authenticity.

Whether it's bonding over niche hobbies, obscure interests, or just a shared sense of strangeness, embracing our weirdness can forge bonds that transcend superficiality. In celebrating our differences rather than hiding them, we create a community built on acceptance and understanding.

Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery

At its core, embracing our weirdness is an act of self-discovery. It's about peeling back the layers of societal expectations and uncovering the true essence of who we are. While the journey may be messy, confusing, and at times uncomfortable, it's also incredibly liberating.

In embracing our weirdness, we give ourselves permission to explore all facets of our identity, even the ones that don't fit neatly into societal boxes. We learn to embrace our strengths and weaknesses alike, recognizing that it's our differences that make us truly unique.

Dare to Be Different

In a world that often seeks conformity, embracing our weirdness is a radical act of self-love and acceptance. It's a declaration that we refuse to be confined by society's narrow definitions of normalcy, and instead, choose to celebrate the beautifully bizarre aspects of ourselves.

So, let's embrace our quirks, our oddities, and our eccentricities. Let's revel in the joy of being different and encourage others to do the same. After all, in a world where weird is the new cool, the possibilities are endless, and the only limit is our imagination.

[awesomengers]

First Principles Thinking: The Key to Creative Problem-Solving

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to see the world differently? They don’t just accept things as they are; they question, they explore, and they innovate. One powerful tool that fuels this ability is called “first principles thinking.” But what exactly is it, and how can you use it to unlock your creativity and solve problems? Let’s dive in and find out. What is First Principles…

[gudguy1a]

Productive & Effective Success - Using Analytical (& Critical), Strategic and Creative Thinking

(repost of an older paper, content that is still very timely) SUCCESS Successful Workplaces & Employees THINKING ��� Analytic, Strategic, Creative Analytical (& Critical) Thinking Strategic Thinking Creative Thinking KNOWLEDGE Cognitive Diversity Quality Control / Continuous Improvement Conclusion        References                                                               SUCCESS Yes,…

[alistair-blackwood]

It's interesting how Laios struggles to remember Kabru's name right away, yet is able to recall the feeling of his grip well enough to immediately understand that something isn't right (Kabru being cuffed)

[crescendoedmp3]

the aya

[hotdogmchiggin]

Aw shit they put the horrors of late stage capitalism into my Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 😔

(Mostly) Based on the mouthwashing dev QnA about each character’s favorite Pokémon. Couldn’t get the idea of throwing them into PMD out of my head.

Typical job at the Poke Express Guild:

Some more bonus drawings below

Jimmy secretly wishes he was a mega rayquaza but he’s just a poser who’s obsessed with pikachu’s popularity and position as the mascot. So. A mimikyu.

Daisuke is a zorua because it’s the closest to weregarurumon and I think it matches his vibes. Just a guy who causes a little bit o mischief here n there :)

I did make Daisukes weregarurumon wishes come true (No mega rayquaza for jim)

I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with the background so I threw them into the dungeon. WOE upon ye

[ratbastarddotfuck]

post genres that make me feel kinda weird: "do you still respect that trans girl if she's not hot? if she's a solid 3? if she looks like total dogshit? if she's a fat slob? if she still looks like an ugly dirty man?"

yeah I do actually. and i know you're trying to make a point but I think you might have some of your own appearance-based biases to unlearn?

[scikeyuri]

yelling at all the "well yeah billford ruined the chances of aroace ford but-" with YOU CAN BE GAY AND AROACE YOU CAN BE BOTH YOU CAN BE BOTHHHHHH

[bitchslapblastoids]

Was thinking about how much of a normo I come across as irl, how I’ve felt a lil odd person out at their shows bc of being a bit older (29) and looking so aggressively normal, how generally confused people in my life would be if they knew about my d&p obsession, how thoroughly i mask weirder traits and essentially codeswitch to suit the mainstream, etc.

i feel kind of fish out of water when I imagine how all the people that populate my tumblr phandom ecosystem are likely presenting to the world irl (I.e. more visibly queer, counterculture, and so on). But then I think maybe the most visible phannies are the ones with the most curated, alt, deliberate daytoday lewks/style? So maybe what I’m picturing is off base? But then I’m also basing this off of what audiences look like in audience footage, m&gs, etc.

Sooooooo i would like to know… do you guys feel like you present as someone who may be Deeply Online and obsessed with two gay nerds from the internet? Or do you hide it and fly under the radar, masking as a total normy and living a double life?

(To clarify I don’t mean you’re like out and about wearing the fringes boob sweatshirt lol I more mean vibes and overall lewk yk?)

[giddlygoat]

as much as i want to see fiddleford recover and enter his much-deserved era of good mental and physical health, i also want to see the effects of his head trauma follow him forever. it’s important to me that while he heal and find a level of normalcy and peace, he never return to his old self.

kind of a side bar, but it’s relevant so: i also think there’s something to be said about old man mcgucket’s confidence. boldness? idk how to describe it. i wouldn’t say his paranoid tendencies have vanished, but for the most part he’s. breezier. part of it is the brain damage, and maybe part of it is genuine self-evolution in the right direction. but i think the obsessive mind-wiping just… broke that part of his brain. it’s like he’s no longer affected by fear in the same way. and i hope we see strong traces of that damage until the day he dies.

it’s important to me that fiddleford heal and emerge into self-awareness once more. it’s important to me that ford still look at him as very much the same person, despite all of the damage. but he’s also changed severely and irreversibly. i think of old man mcgucket as a much rawer version of fiddleford in that he holds less reservations and has no filter. he’s healing but he’s also broken, and those scars will forever be visible. and that’s important to me because it also changes ford and fiddleford’s dynamic a lot.

ok one last sidebar, then i’m done. when i say it changes their dynamic i mean it in the way that because fiddleford now wears his heart on his sleeve and ford himself is a bit wiser about relationships, there is less self-sabotaging going on between them. romance or friendship wise. and if nothing else, they both feel they’re getting too old for biting their tongues, so i imagine the discussions of certain difficult topics comes a bit easier now.

like, given that they’ve both made many catastrophically terrible decisions over their lives, they have a better perspective on life in general and have had time to reorient their previously fucked priorities. ford lives with a lot of shame for how he treated stan, dealing with the devil, and bringing about the end times. fiddleford lives with a lot of shame for how he treated emma-may and tate, starting a cult that ruined lives [especially his own], and not to mention the multiple death robot incidents. even though they both had good intentions or else thought their actions were justified at the time [mostly], it all collapsed on their heads because these actions were ridiculously stupid.

i think all of this is part of why the rekindling of their friendship happened so easily. fiddleford is eager to forgive ford and embrace him because he’s learned first-hand what grief and paranoia can drive a person to do, and so he feels the best thing he can do is accept his old friend back into his life, no questions asked. maybe ford will forever think he doesn’t deserve it, but he learns to accept mcgucket’s kindness and tries to learn from it. they’re both healing even if it’ll never be Backupsmore again. it’s still them, despite it all.

[vinndas]

I like to think that Ethan is just really attracted to weird people. I think Mia was always a weirdo in a way and that’s why he loves her. Also, Karl. Ethan likes a freak to make him seem like the normal one, bc next to the average person, Ethan would be the weirdo…..

[kumzorg]

veery old model for a project that never saw the light of day, maybe the time has finally come...

[kevindavidday]

wonder how aaron felt when he went up to katelyn and she gave him an ultimatum instead of a kiss because of neil's intervention like the best person in his life who he tried to keep away from their mess as much as possible and neil made him choose lmao neil from aaron's perspective is genuinely just an asshole