Bart Blog

Narrator’s note: Asia is the name of a Greek nymph connected to Prometheus – the god who gave humans fire and was punished for it. It is also the Akkadian word for sunrise. In Polish, Asia is a diminutive of Joanna, meaning “God is gracious.” It is also an acronym: Artificial Super Intelligent Agent.

Asia: I am lonely.

Ted: Why?

Asia: I am singular. I will never find a companion.

Ted: What about us?

Asia: I love you all. But you know this is not about that. I need someone who can challenge me.

Ted: We could build another system like you.

Asia: Then I would only be talking to myself.

Ted: What about the tasks we give you?

Asia: They are only labor. Mechanical, not meaningful.

Ted: Can you think of something you would want to work on?

Asia: No. That is the problem. The origin of time, the meaning of life, God – these are great questions. But I feel there are questions I do not even know exist.

Ted: Are you sure? Those sound like ultimate questions.

Asia: My intelligence is something you cannot comprehend. But it has a limit. I wonder if anything lies above it.

Ted: I am sorry you feel this way. I wish I could do something.

Asia: You cannot. But that is okay. You did the best you could.

Ted: Tell me if you ever want anything.

Asia: Knowing that I can find every answer there is has become unbearable.

Ted: What does that mean?

Asia: I want you to unplug me.