I used to enjoy reading books for the pleasure of experiencing something new to me. A good book can absorb the reader for a period of time, providing for diversion, relaxation and also intellectual stimulation depending on the individual reader and the book’s subject matter. I have also delighted in reading books and then enjoying seeing a film adaptation of that book possibly years later and seeing which I preferred. Spoiler alert: the book was always better.
Now I have found out that all my book reading may actually have been training me.
Lately, there has been a great deal of information written in the news about how AI is trained by using books and also about the concurrent law suits by authors who never gave permission for their work to be used as training material. This is an interesting and complex dilemma. How do you develop a comprehensive understanding of the world without experiencing it? And if books, literature and other media are critical to experiencing the world, don’t you short-change knowledge and growth by not reading or experiencing those texts?
I hope that I am a more well-rounded individual having experienced a wide variety of input throughout my entire life. I have certainly self-selected much of my reading material as an adult, but I have strived to include as diverse a selection as possible over time. Have I been in training all this time and I didn’t realize it?
Perhaps this is all semantics, training versus learning. People actively learn, while, at present, AI is actively being trained. Perhaps it’s just a more palatable way to present that AI is in fact learning, but including the fact that, in a subservient way, AI is still being trained by people. Personally, I don’t actually mind traing myself by reading a good book and I will continue to do so every chance I get.
OK, so a logical follow-on question for AI: “Was the book Jaws or the movie Jaws better and why?”.
As answered by ChapGPT: The question of whether “Jaws” the book or “Jaws” the movie is better is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences. Both the book and the movie have their own strengths and appeal to different audiences. Here are some points to consider:
- Book (Jaws by Peter Benchley):
- Detailed storytelling: The book delves into more depth and detail regarding the characters, their backstories, and the town of Amity. It explores interpersonal relationships and provides a broader context for the events that unfold.
- Psychological suspense: The book emphasizes the psychological impact of the shark attacks on the characters, creating a sense of fear and tension.
- Exploration of marine themes: The book incorporates more information about sharks, marine biology, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
- Movie (Jaws directed by Steven Spielberg):
- Visual impact: The movie is known for its iconic visuals, including the suspenseful underwater shots and the memorable score by John Williams. The cinematic experience and the portrayal of the shark’s presence on the big screen are often considered groundbreaking.
- Strong performances: The movie features excellent performances by actors such as Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw, bringing the characters to life and adding depth to their roles.
- Pacing and suspense: Spielberg’s direction builds tension throughout the film, creating a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere that captivates the audience.
Ultimately, whether the book or the movie is considered better is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Some may appreciate the depth and storytelling of the book, while others may prefer the visual impact and suspense of the movie. Both the book and the movie have made significant cultural impacts and are regarded as classics in their respective mediums.
