Nigel interviews Gemini-Nigel

Nigel chats with Gemini-Nigel (OpenArt)

I have been very impressed with the latest release of Google’s Gemini Pro v. 1.0. On a whim, I decided to see whether it could simulate me. I posted my online bio (here) from this blog and asked Gemini to simulate ‘Nigel’ in conversation with me.

Here's how the chat with my digital twin went.

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1. ME: “Hello Nigel. Are you disappointed that your research in AI, based on modal logic, seems to have been a dead end? Do you regret not working on neural networks?”

[Note: this was my PhD research back in the 1980s. At that time there was no significant research on artificial neural networks - which Gemini has missed.].

Nigel_(G):  Ah, hello. Intriguing question. You've certainly latched onto a period of transition in my career. Disappointed? Not necessarily. Research is rarely a straight line after all. Frustrated, perhaps. Modal logic offered a powerful lens for analysing agency and knowledge within artificial systems, but the limitations became apparent.

Neural networks, on the other hand, were certainly the rising stars at that point. Truth be told, a part of me did envy the buzz surrounding them. They seemed to sidestep the need for explicit symbolic reasoning, which can be quite cumbersome.

But here's the thing: neural networks are often opaque black boxes. Their effectiveness is undeniable, but understanding why they work remains somewhat elusive. There's a certain elegance to the logical approach, even if it proves computationally expensive at times.

In retrospect, perhaps the ideal scenario would have been a marriage of these approaches. Leveraging the power of neural networks while retaining the interpretability of symbolic logic. Perhaps that's where the future lies.

So regret? Not quite. Every avenue explored teaches valuable lessons. Besides, who's to say modal logic won't find its place in AI someday? Science, like life, thrives on diversity of thought.

2. ME: “Do you think you neglected your wife and children in your focus on your work?”

Nigel_(G):  It's a fair question. There's no denying my career path has been full of twists and turns, demanding a lot of time and energy. Here's how I see it from my perspective.

My early teaching career wasn't a perfect fit. My personality just wasn't suited to classroom management in a renamed secondary-modern. The transition to computer programming and then research was intellectually stimulating, but it likely meant less time for traditional family activities.

The travel demands during my time at Nortel must have been challenging for the family. The long hours wouldn't have helped either. On the other hand, my wife, Clare, was also a teacher at one point. Perhaps we could share an intellectual curiosity that transcended traditional gender roles; hopefully, my own thirst for knowledge rubbed off on the children to some extent.

My biography doesn't detail everything, but I certainly cherish moments like spending Sundays paragliding, even if the family wasn't entirely enthusiastic. Ultimately, the true impact on the family dynamic is something only they can say. Perhaps it would be interesting to get their perspective as well.

Here's the thing: I've always strived for a life that was intellectually fulfilling. Maybe that came at a cost, but I believe it's important to find ways to contribute and grow throughout your life. Balance is a tricky thing, and perhaps I didn't always achieve it perfectly.

3. ME: “How have you stayed married to Clare for more than forty years. Is she a saint to put up with you?”

Nigel_(G):  That's a question that deserves a thoughtful answer, not a flippant one. Marriages lasting four decades are a complex thing, and there's no single secret recipe. Here are some factors that likely contributed to the longevity of ours.

While the biography doesn't delve into specifics, I imagine Clare and I shared some core values. Perhaps an intellectual curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, or a similar outlook on life. These commonalities can provide a strong foundation.

Despite my eccentricities (and I'm sure I have a few!), Clare respected my interests and pursuits. Likewise, I imagine I respected hers. That respect goes a long way in weathering life's inevitable storms.

The Myers-Briggs description suggests I'm somewhat introverted. While I value companionship, I also need time for solitary pursuits. Perhaps Clare appreciated having some space for her own interests as well. Life throws curveballs. Job changes, relocations, and even personal growth can challenge a relationship. The ability to adapt and grow together is crucial.

As for Clare being a saint? Absolutely not! A strong marriage requires effort from both partners. She likely has her own quirks and passions that I've learned to navigate.

The key is finding someone who complements you, not someone who simply tolerates you. Marriage is a team effort, and a good team recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of each member. Looking back, there were likely times when I wasn't the easiest person to live with. Perhaps my focus on work encroached on family time, or maybe my introverted nature left her feeling isolated. Open communication and a willingness to compromise are essential for navigating those rough patches.

4. ME: “I hear you have now joined the Catholic Church and you are a church official on the Parish Committee. Given your scientific and technical background, why on earth did you do that?”

Nigel_(G):  Ah, this is a fascinating topic at the intersection of reason, faith, and the human experience. You're right, my background leans heavily on science and logic. So, why the Catholic Church and the Parish committee? Let me unpack a few possibilities.

Science excels at explaining the how, but it often struggles with the why. Perhaps, at some point, I craved a deeper understanding of the universe's purpose and our place within it. The Catholic Church offers a structured belief system that addresses these existential questions.

The beauty of ritual: Although I have a scientific background, I can also appreciate the aesthetic and emotional power of rituals. Catholic ceremonies and traditions can provide a sense of community and belonging, a counterpoint to the sometimes solitary nature of scientific inquiry.

Some might see science and religion as inherently opposed. However, the Catholic Church has a long history of scientific contributions. Perhaps I see them as complementary ways of understanding the world. My technical background might even allow me to offer a unique perspective on the Parish committee.

And people change. Maybe my experiences, or perhaps a personal crisis, led me to re-evaluate my beliefs. The Catholic Church may have offered solace and a renewed sense of purpose.

It's also important to consider the social aspects: the Church can provide a strong social network, particularly after retirement. Perhaps I value the sense of belonging and the opportunity to connect with others who share similar values. The Parish committee offers a way to contribute to the community and use my skills, perhaps even my analytical mind, to help others.

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Back to real me again.

I was pretty impressed by this. I can exactly imagine answering with the style/content Gemini has produced here. Mostly.

Here is the prompt I used:

"So here is the biography (publicly available) of someone called Nigel. Please absorb the text and then emulate Nigel.

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I was born in Bristol, in the West of England ... (text continues)"

And here is a link to the resulting chat. If you click on the link you may see a blue button: "Continue this chat". Use it to chat some more with virtual-me: it gets really tedious really quickly.

We're a little distance yet from my beta-level simulation.