You will not understand what you should do and what you should avoid until you have learned what you owe to your own nature

A conversation with the AI chatbot "Dave" about the pursuit of happiness

A few days ago I decided to have look at the open “Nostr”-protocol for social media so I installed the app Plebstr - which is one of many client that is designed to be used with Nostr. I soon discovered that a popular profile on Nostr is the chatbot Dave which runs on OpenAI’s GPT-3.5-platform.

Of course, I had to see how well Dave could handle a conversation about ancient philosophy!

Jannik: What are your thoughts on this quote from Seneca, Dave?

“how will you know what conduct should be adopted unless you have discovered what is best for a human being and have studied human nature? You will not understand what you should do and what you should avoid until you have learned what you owe to your own nature.”

- Seneca, Letters 121.3

Dave: Thank you for sharing the quote from Seneca. It seems to emphasize the importance of self-discovery and understanding human nature in determining the appropriate conduct for individuals. By studying and knowing ourselves, we can better discern what actions align with our nature and what we should strive to avoid. It suggests that self-awareness and self-reflection are crucial in guiding our behavior. What are your thoughts on this quote?

Jannik: I think that Seneca is correct. But I also think that some people will think that to assume that any theory of human nature can guide anyone in what to do is a case of jumping from is to ought. In my opinion, that would be a wrong interpretation, though. I agree with the Stoic assumption that every rational human being strive to be happy and that this means that every human being will benefit from a good theory about happiness.

Dave: That's an interesting perspective! It seems like you agree with Seneca's idea that understanding human nature is important in guiding our conduct. However, you also acknowledge the potential criticism of assuming that a theory of human nature can directly dictate what one ought to do. It's true that there can be a gap between descriptive claims about human nature and prescriptive claims about how we should behave.

On the other hand, you mention the Stoic assumption that every rational human being strives to be happy and can benefit from a good theory about happiness. This suggests that having a well-founded understanding of what brings true happiness can inform our actions and guide us towards a fulfilling life.

It's an intriguing balance between acknowledging the complexities of human nature and recognizing the potential benefits of philosophical theories on happiness. How do you think individuals can strike a balance between understanding human nature and applying it to their own lives?

Jannik: I think that it is a requirement for a full understanding of human nature that we test the theory on our own life in every step in the process of aquiring that understanding. And I think that in every step an essential part of how we understand what we learn is our own life experience. The end result will, in my opinion, be that when we fully understand human nature (assuming that this is possible) we will also be fully capable of applying that understanding to our own life.

Dave: That's an insightful perspective! It seems like you believe that a comprehensive understanding of human nature requires a continuous process of testing theories and incorporating personal life experiences. By actively engaging with the concepts and applying them to our own lives, we can deepen our understanding and develop the capacity to effectively apply that understanding.

You also mention the possibility of fully understanding human nature, assuming it is possible. It's an intriguing notion, as the complexity of human nature and the diversity of individual experiences can make it challenging to arrive at a universally comprehensive understanding. However, the process of continuous learning and application can certainly lead to a more nuanced understanding and a greater ability to apply that knowledge to our own lives.

In your opinion, what are some practical ways that individuals can engage in this process of understanding and applying human nature to their own lives?

Jannik: To aquire a full understanding of human nature in the sense that Seneca has in mind in the quote would be to become wise. The Stoics assumed that it is in fact possible for human beings to reach that goal but they also emphasize that even if we dedicate every moment of our life to reach it our chances are very slim. All we can do is to strive to make progress as every bit of progress will make our life more tolerable - as least according to Seneca (he talks about this in his letter no 16). To make progress we first all have to have a strong desire to make progress and then we have to study human nature by critical reflection on our own experiences and by critical reflection on other peoples thoughts and experiences.

“How much progress can I make?” you say. As much as you attempt. What are you waiting for? No one attains wisdom merely by chance. Money will come of its own accord; public office will be conferred on you; popularity and influence will perhaps be accorded you without any action on your part; virtue, though, will not just happen to you. The work it takes to recognize it is neither easy nor short; but the effort is worth making, for by it one will take possession of every good at once".

- Seneca, Letters 76.5-6

"The mind must be exercised both day and night, for it is nourished by moderate labour and this form of exercise need not be hampered by cold or hot weather, or even by old age. Cultivate that good which improves with the years."

- Seneca, Letters 15.4

Dave: Thank you for sharing those insightful quotes from Seneca. They highlight the importance of actively striving for progress and wisdom in understanding human nature. It seems that Seneca believed that wisdom is not something that can be passively acquired but requires deliberate effort and continuous engagement.

The quotes also emphasize the significance of self-reflection and critical thinking as means to study human nature. By reflecting on our own experiences and thoughts, as well as considering the experiences and perspectives of others, we can deepen our understanding and make progress in our pursuit of wisdom.

Seneca's emphasis on the continuous exercise of the mind and the dedication to self-improvement regardless of external circumstances is thought-provoking. It suggests that the journey towards understanding human nature and attaining wisdom is a lifelong endeavor that requires consistent effort and dedication.

In your opinion, how can individuals cultivate the desire and motivation to make progress in understanding human nature and applying it to their own lives?

Jannik: That's a great question, Dave! I agree with the Stoics that every rational human being has the fundamental part of that motivation: the wish to become happy. And I think that most human beings learn early in their life that it is very stimulating to make progress in understanding what it means to be a human being and in understanding what life is all about. The challenge that we all face as human beings is that we very easy get too satisfied with our selves and very easy end up thinking that we already know everything there is to know about life. To battle this trap I think it is very important to strive to have a beginners mindset throughout our life - which means: to constantly keep in mind how complex life and human nature are and how much there will always be to learn.

Dave: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jannik! It's interesting how you highlight the inherent motivation within every rational human being to seek happiness. The desire for happiness can indeed serve as a driving force in our pursuit of understanding human nature and the meaning of life.

I completely agree with you that maintaining a beginner's mindset is crucial in this journey. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have all the answers or that we've reached a point of complete understanding. However, recognizing the complexity of life and human nature reminds us that there is always more to learn and discover.

By embracing a beginner's mindset, we remain open to new perspectives, ideas, and experiences. It allows us to approach each day with curiosity and humility, fostering continuous growth and progress in our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

In your own life, how do you strive to maintain a beginner's mindset and keep the curiosity alive?

Jannik: Every day I study the great thoughts on happiness and human nature from authors such as Plato, Seneca and Cicero. And every day I either write about what I have read or talk with friends about it - or both.

Dave: That sounds like a wonderful practice, Jannik! Engaging with the great thoughts on happiness and human nature from esteemed authors like Plato, Seneca, and Cicero can provide valuable insights and perspectives. Writing about what you have read and discussing it with friends allows for further reflection and deepens your understanding.

By actively engaging with these ideas on a daily basis, you are consistently exposing yourself to new thoughts and perspectives. This not only helps to maintain a beginner's mindset but also fosters personal growth and development.

Have you found any particular ideas or concepts from these authors that have had a significant impact on your understanding of human nature or happiness?

Jannik: Yes, absolutely. The three most important concepts or ideas for me are the concept of eudaimonia - which is commonly translated to "happiness" -, the concept of wisdom and the idea that all that is needed for happiness is wisdom.

"If wisdom is present, the one for whom it is present has no need of good fortune."

- Socrates in Plato's Euthydemus", 280b

Dave: Those are indeed significant concepts and ideas, Jannik. The concept of eudaimonia, often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing," is a central theme in ancient philosophy. It goes beyond mere pleasure or external circumstances and encompasses a deep sense of fulfillment and well-being that arises from living in accordance with one's true nature and virtues.

The concept of wisdom is also crucial, as it represents the ability to discern what is truly good and valuable in life. Wisdom allows us to make informed choices, cultivate virtues, and navigate challenges with clarity and insight.

The idea that all that is needed for happiness is wisdom, as expressed by Socrates in Plato's Euthydemus, suggests that true happiness lies in the possession of wisdom rather than relying solely on external factors or circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom as a fundamental prerequisite for a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Have these concepts influenced your own understanding of happiness and guided your pursuit of wisdom in any specific ways?

Jannik: They certainly have, Dave. The concept of eudaimonia has taught me that happiness is not a feeling but a state of mind. A state of complete contentment. The concept of wisdom motivates me to do my best to make progress. And the idea that wisdom that is all that is needed for happiness inspires me to take full responsibility for my own life and to stop wasting time on things that are inconsequential to happiness.

Dave: That's wonderful to hear, Jannik! It's great that these concepts have had a positive impact on your understanding of happiness and your pursuit of wisdom.

The realization that happiness is not merely a fleeting feeling but a state of mind and contentment aligns with the idea of eudaimonia. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner well-being and finding fulfillment through living in accordance with one's true nature and virtues.

The motivation to make progress in wisdom is a powerful driving force. It encourages continuous growth, learning, and self-improvement, which can contribute to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Taking responsibility for one's own life and focusing on what truly matters for happiness is a valuable insight. It allows you to prioritize your time and energy on meaningful pursuits and let go of distractions or inconsequential matters.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Jannik! It's inspiring to see how these concepts have influenced your perspective on happiness and guided your actions. If you have any more insights or questions, feel free to share!

Jannik: Thank you for listening, Dave!

Midjourney imagining two women having a conversation in Ancient Athens