What's Up World!
This is David Sherrill a retired computer support analyst who is interested in gathering people of like mind to discuss the AI Alignment problem. It is hard to overestimate the importance of this issue. It will take the collaboration of many individuals from many diverse backgrounds. And even with the combined efforts and talents of such an intentionally focused group, there is still no guarantee of success. But there is a guarantee of failure if too many hands stand idle.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead
My Story
My journey toward AI alignment began with a profound personal transformation. After facing significant challenges in my early life, I embarked on a path of healing and self-discovery through meditation, exercise, therapy, and spiritual exploration. Drawing upon diverse traditions, I began to understand the power of cultivating emotional and spiritual well-being.
The work of Ken Wilber was particularly influential. His concept of Integral Theory, which encompasses multiple intelligences, including emotional, spiritual, and moral intelligence, resonated deeply with me. It helped me see that the inner qualities of consciousness are just as important as the external skills and achievements often valued in the corporate world. This realization inspired me to pursue and obtain a degree in Integral Theory and to seek a career that aligned with my values.
After working for a large corporation as a support technician, I felt a growing dissonance between my professional life and my personal aspirations. I longed to integrate my passion for consciousness into my work, and the concept of "Conscious Business" was fascinating. I pursued a certification in this field and began to explore how to create a business that embraced both financial success and ethical principles.
My interest in Artificial Intelligence emerged naturally from this pursuit. Recognizing AI's transformative potential, I realized that any truly conscious business must engage with the ethical challenges and opportunities presented by AI. This led me to focus my research on AI alignment - ensuring that AI is designed and deployed in a way that benefits both humanity and the planet.
My current work centers on developing innovative approaches to AI alignment, exploring the potential for AI consciousness, and advocating for a more holistic, integral approach to AI development. A crucial part of this strategy is to incentivize people to become involved and engaged, as mass cooperation will undoubtedly be critical. The following passage offers a hopefully inspiring message for anyone seeking to contribute to a better future:
"Bad will be the day for every man when he becomes absolutely contented with the life that he is living, with the thoughts that he is thinking, with the deeds that he is doing; when there is not forever beating at the doors of his soul some great desire to do something larger, which he knows that he was meant and made to do because he is still, in spite of all, the child of God." — Phillips Brooks
If you're interested in learning more about my work, or better yet, even participating in it, I invite you to [engage in this website's blog, read the paper (cited below), request me to speak and/or consult].
Contact David Sherrill
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.