You don’t live to be almost 94 without hearing a lot of stupidity. Oops, sorry, I understand I am not allowed to use that word because of ‘’potential political implications”. So I’ll just have to use a rather rude word I personally dislike but which I understand is practically de rigeur today.
Crap. There, I’ve said it! Which proves that even the old and senile can still be educated. Forgive me (if you can) if I don’t use some words I think are disgusting. I will indicate them with their first letter followed by some ***. Then you can decide to come clean or not. I’ve also been warned that I mustn’t refer to anyone living by name, not even my own great grandchildren. Heigh Ho. Never mind, I can use a capital letter for their names instead.
My request for a picture of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain waving the piece of paper with ‘Peace in our Time’ on it in 1939 was rejected by ChatGPT on the grounds that “generating depictions of real political figures is restricted”. Even of events 87 years ago? I’m glad I don’t want to comment on President T**** or President P****. Could extinguish the world.
I give thanks daily that I grew up in an age when the term “common sense” was not only permitted but actually encouraged. Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines it as “The ability to think about things in a practical way and make sensible decisions.” And the Cambridge University Dictionary calls it “The basic level of practical knowledge and judgment that we all need to live in a reasonable and safe way.” Encouraging from two points of view, I think. No algorithmic dictat of command in either of those plus plenty of scope for a human being to think.
Provided thinking is still permitted, of course.
Secretly I pray that one or more of my beautiful great grandchildren will retain the urge to think not only outside the box but also outside the AI Regulator’s greasy grasp. So R, A, G, B, J, D, F, P and A go for your lives to think about what matters to make the world a better place.
And don’t worry about the crap. There! I already said it once but I’ll not say it again.
I hope you won’t either.
Love
John Bittleston
We’re enthusiastic AI learners. We’d just like people to think for themselves, too.
Would you? Please tell us at [email protected]. Thank you.
10 April 2026
