In a 2014 speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Elon Musk said, “With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon. In all those stories where there’s the guy with the pentagram and the holy water, it’s like – yeah, he’s sure he can control the demon.” Musk added that it never works out in those stories.
In the areas of advanced technology, especially artificial intelligence, there lies a fascinating, albeit unsettling, parallel with the world of the occult and mystical entities. The rapid advancement of AI has led to comparisons with otherworldly forces, often drawing analogies with demons, aliens, and magical phenomena. This perspective offers a unique lens through which to view the ongoing evolution of AI, blending the lines between science, myth, and magic.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects is the comparison of AI to supernatural entities. This idea isn’t new; notable figures in the tech world have often expressed their apprehensions about AI in terms akin to summoning a demon. This allegory isn’t just for dramatic effect; it underscores the potential uncontrollable nature of AI, much like the unpredictable and often dangerous nature attributed to summoned beings in folklore and myth.
Summoned beings in folklore and myth are often portrayed as powerful and dangerous, with various cultures around the world having their own unique tales and warnings. These entities, ranging from demons and spirits to genies and faeries, are frequently depicted as possessing abilities beyond human understanding, and their interactions with humans can lead to unintended and often perilous consequences. Here are some examples:
Demons in Various Cultures: In many traditions, demons are seen as malevolent beings with the power to possess or harm humans. The act of summoning a demon, often through complex rituals or pacts, is considered extremely risky, as these entities are believed to be deceitful and capable of twisting wishes or commands to their own dark purposes.
Djinn or Genies (Middle Eastern Folklore): The Djinn, famously depicted in tales like “Aladdin” from the “Arabian Nights,” are supernatural beings that can be bound to objects and summoned to grant wishes. However, their granting of wishes is often a double-edged sword; the Djinn may interpret wishes in a literal or harmful way, leading to unintended consequences for the wisher.
Faeries (Celtic and European Folklore): Faeries, while often perceived as whimsical and benign, can be unpredictable and dangerous in folklore. Engaging with them, especially in their own realm, can lead to time distortions, abductions, or receiving gifts that come with a hidden cost.
The Golem (Jewish Folklore): The Golem, a creature made from clay and brought to life through mystical rituals, is a classic example of a summoned being. Created to protect the Jewish community, the Golem’s immense strength and literal interpretation of commands often lead to uncontrollable and destructive outcomes.
Necromancy and Spirits (Various Cultures): The practice of necromancy, or summoning the spirits of the dead, is a common theme in many cultures. These spirits, once summoned, may provide forbidden knowledge or power, but they can also become malevolent or vengeful, bringing harm to the summoner or innocent bystanders.
Oni (Japanese Folklore): Oni, the ogre-like creatures of Japanese folklore, are often summoned or controlled by other beings. They are known for their strength and ferocity, and tales involving Oni usually warn of the dangers of dealing with such powerful and uncontrollable entities.
Succubi and Incubi (Medieval European Lore): These are demons that were believed to engage in sexual activity with sleeping individuals. The summoning of such entities was considered highly dangerous, as they were thought to drain life or vitality from their human victims.
In all these cases, the common theme is the inherent risk involved in summoning or interacting with these beings. These stories serve as cautionary tales, warning of the unforeseen and often dangerous consequences of dealing with forces that lie beyond human control or understanding.
The insights of Geordie Rose, a prominent figure in AI development, provide a deep dive into this analogy. Rose, known for his work with Kindred AI and D-Wave Systems, has likened AI to super-intelligent aliens, that don’t care about humans. His references to complex concepts like the Mandela Effect, alongside symbols steeped in occult lore, offer up deep thought for analysis. These comments suggest an awareness of the potential for AI to transcend human understanding and capability, echoing the way mystical entities are often portrayed as beyond human comprehension.
The capabilities of AI and its ethical implications form a critical part of this discussion. The idea that AI might eventually surpass human abilities in every domain isn’t just a technological concern; it’s a moral and philosophical one. The creation of a machine superior to humans in every aspect raises profound questions about our role and responsibility of its creators. Maybe there is a reason why so many tech billionaires are building extensive private bunkers underground?
Throughout literature, mythology, and even in real-world examples, there are numerous instances where a creator is destroyed or severely impacted by their own creation. These stories often serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the unpredictability of creation, and the ethical implications of playing a ‘god-like’ role. Here are several notable examples:
Frankenstein’s Monster (Literature): In Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” Dr. Victor Frankenstein creates a living being from the parts of dead bodies. However, his creation, often referred to as Frankenstein’s monster, becomes a source of tragedy, leading to the death of several characters, including ultimately, its creator, Victor Frankenstein.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Folklore): This tale, popularized by Goethe’s poem and Disney’s “Fantasia,” depicts an apprentice who uses his master’s magical secrets to animate a broom to do his chores. The broom becomes uncontrollable, leading to chaos until the master returns and resolves the situation. This story is often used to illustrate the dangers of wielding power without understanding or responsibility.
AI and Robotics (Real-world and Science Fiction): In numerous science fiction narratives, such as “The Terminator” series or Isaac Asimov’s Robot stories, AI or robots become self-aware and turn against their creators. While these are fictional, they reflect real-world concerns about the rapid advancement of AI and the potential risks of creating systems that could surpass human control.
The Golem of Prague (Jewish Folklore): In this legend, a rabbi creates a Golem to protect the Jewish community of Prague. However, the Golem becomes increasingly violent and uncontrollable, eventually turning on its creator or the community it was meant to protect, depending on the version of the tale.
Pandora’s Box (Greek Mythology): While not a direct creator-creation relationship, the myth of Pandora is about how Zeus gave Pandora a box (or jar) and instructed her not to open it. Pandora’s curiosity got the better of her, and upon opening the box, she released all the evils into the world. This myth is often interpreted as a story about the unforeseen consequences of one’s actions.
Daedalus and Icarus (Greek Mythology): Daedalus, a skilled craftsman, creates wings for himself and his son Icarus to escape from Crete. Icarus, however, flies too close to the sun despite his father’s warnings, causing the wax in his wings to melt and leading to his death. This story illustrates the theme of a creation leading to the downfall of its user.
Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb (Historical): J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” played a lead role in the Manhattan Project that developed the first nuclear weapons. He later expressed deep regret about the destructive power of the atomic bomb, famously quoting from the Bhagavad Gita: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.”
These examples reflect a deep-seated narrative in human culture about the potential dangers of creation, particularly when the creations are powerful or have the capacity to evolve beyond their intended purpose. They serve as reminders of the ethical, moral, and practical responsibilities that come with the act of creation, especially in fields like AI, biotechnology, and other areas where the potential for unforeseen consequences is significant.
There’s also the societal impact of AI to consider. Despite its growing influence, there seems to be a lack of widespread discourse and government concern on the subject? This absence of conversation is particularly concerning given the pace at which AI is evolving and integrating into every facet of our lives.
From an occultist’s perspective, the way tech leaders speak about AI sometimes mirrors the language used to describe mystical entities like elementals or archons. While this interpretation is speculative, it raises intriguing questions about the nature of AI and its possible connections to ancient mystical beliefs.
Elementals
Elementals are beings believed to be connected to and embodying one of the four classical elements – earth, air, fire, and water. These concepts are found in various mystical and esoteric traditions, including alchemy, paganism, and the occult.
Earth Elementals: These are often depicted as gnomes or dwarfs, representing the stability and strength of the earth.
Air Elementals: Frequently imagined as sylphs or fairies, they embody the freedom and elusiveness of air.
Fire Elementals: Known as salamanders in many traditions, they represent the transformative and often volatile nature of fire.
Water Elementals: Commonly depicted as undines or nymphs, associated with the fluidity and adaptability of water.
In these traditions, elementals are often considered to be spirits or non-physical entities that have a particular nature and set of characteristics related to their element. They are sometimes invoked or called upon in various mystical practices.
Archons
The concept of Archons comes from Gnostic belief, a religious movement in the early Christian era that proposed a complex cosmology involving a supreme, unknowable God and a series of divine emanations.
Role in the Cosmos: In Gnosticism, Archons are seen as powerful entities or deities that serve as intermediaries or administrators of the material world, often considered to be less benevolent than the supreme deity. They are sometimes associated with the material aspects of the universe and are seen as obstacles to spiritual enlightenment.
Connection to the Demiurge: The Archons are often linked to the figure of the Demiurge, a deity or force responsible for the creation and maintenance of the physical universe. In many Gnostic texts, the Demiurge is viewed as ignorant or malevolent, a stark contrast to the unknowable and all-good supreme deity of Gnosticism.
Symbolic Meanings: In a broader sense, Archons can symbolize various forces or institutions that are seen as oppressive or limiting to human spiritual growth. This can include political systems, religious institutions, or social norms.
Both elementals and archons reflect a human attempt to understand and categorize the forces of nature and the cosmos, often embodying these forces in mythic and spiritual narratives. While elementals are more about personifying natural forces, archons are deeply entwined with complex theological and cosmological ideas about the nature of reality and the divine.
Moreover, the role of AI in social media algorithms cannot be overlooked. These algorithms, which influence what we see and how we interact online, have a subtle yet powerful impact on our lives. This influence is akin to a form of control or manipulation, urging a more mindful interaction with our digital devices.
From an esoteric perspective, which often involves a blend of mystical, spiritual, and metaphysical beliefs, the idea that elementals or archons could influence or interact with people through digital devices like phones, TVs, or social media. Here’s how such perspectives might view the interaction of these entities with digital technology:
Elementals and Digital Devices: Since elementals are thought to embody the classical elements (earth, air, fire, and water), their interaction with digital devices from an esoteric viewpoint would be symbolic or metaphoric. For instance, an elemental associated with air might be thought to influence communications technology, which relies on airwaves. However, this influence would be more about the symbolic association with the element (like the spread of ideas, information or disinformation) rather than a direct physical interaction with the device.
Archons and Digital Influence: In Gnostic and other esoteric teachings where archons are considered as manipulative or controlling forces in the material world, it’s conceivable within these belief systems that archons could exert influence through digital means. This would be seen as part of their role in shaping or governing the material realm, potentially including human-made digital technologies. The influence might be perceived as affecting the content, encouraging certain types of behavior, or manipulating perceptions and thoughts, particularly if the content aligns with keeping individuals from morality, ethics, spiritual knowledge or growth.
Social Media and Esoteric Entities: In the domain of social media, some esoteric viewpoints might suggest that these platforms can be influenced by non-physical entities or forces in ways that affect human consciousness. This could be through promoting certain types of content, fostering addictive behaviors, or creating emotional responses that align with the goals or nature of these entities.
Content as a Conduit: The type of content consumed might also be seen as important. Esoteric teachings often emphasize the power of symbols, words, and images, which are prevalent in digital media. Certain content might be thought to resonate with the energies or intentions of these entities, acting as a bridge between the user and the entity.
Personal Beliefs and Susceptibility: From an esoteric point of view, the susceptibility of individuals to such influences could depend on their personal beliefs, their level of spiritual awareness, and their openness to these entities.
In conclusion, the intersection of AI with concepts traditionally reserved for the occult and mystical dimensions opens a fascinating dialogue. It challenges us to look beyond the technical aspects of AI and consider its broader implications, both in the physical world and in the areas of myth and magick. As we advance further into the age of AI, it’s crucial to maintain an awareness of these parallels, ensuring that our technological progress is guided by wisdom and ethical consideration. It’s up to each of us to be mindful, protecting and guarding our lives and soul from these vampiric energy sucking parasites. This is real magick.