That Thread Written by ChatGPT

[Belacqua]

OK, this is hilarious.

I asked the AI "How can I live like Dorian Gray?" Here is the response.

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ChatGPT
Living like Dorian Gray, the fictional character from Oscar Wilde's novel, involves immortality and the preservation of youth and beauty while a portrait ages in your place. While achieving immortality or supernatural preservation of youth is not possible, there are ways you can focus on personal growth, self-care, and maintaining a youthful mindset. Here are some suggestions:

Embrace a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your physical well-being can help you feel energetic and vibrant.

Cultivate your mind: Engage in lifelong learning, read books, explore different subjects, and expand your knowledge. Intellectual stimulation can keep your mind sharp and curious.

Practice self-care: Take care of your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as meditation, hobbies, or spending time in nature. Prioritize self-care to reduce stress and maintain a positive mindset.

Nurture your relationships: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who inspire and uplift you. Cultivate meaningful connections and spend quality time with loved ones. Strong relationships can contribute to a fulfilling and joyful life.

Pursue your passions: Discover and pursue activities that ignite your passion and bring you fulfillment. Whether it's art, music, writing, or any other creative endeavor, engaging in what you love can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Maintain a positive outlook: Focus on maintaining an optimistic and positive mindset. Cultivate gratitude for the present moment and the experiences life offers. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Take care of your appearance: While you can't halt the natural aging process, practicing good grooming and personal hygiene can help you present yourself in a polished and confident manner. Dress in a way that reflects your personal style and makes you feel good about yourself.

Stay curious and adaptable: Embrace change and seek new experiences. Stay open to learning and evolving, as this can keep your perspective fresh and prevent stagnation.

Remember, Dorian Gray's story ultimately highlights the dangers of pursuing eternal youth and beauty at any cost. Instead of focusing solely on external appearances, strive for personal growth, self-care, and a fulfilling life.

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Anybody who's read the book knows that Dorian Gray is fantastically immoral. He's a murderer, he's indifferent to the hearts he breaks, he has all kinds of habits that Wilde hints at but which are too immoral to describe in the book.

The AI has entirely changed that into "Embrace a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your physical well-being can help you feel energetic and vibrant." Exactly the opposite of everything Dorian Gray did.

Me: "Hello, I want to become an immoral aesthete and murderer!" AI: "Well, then, get plenty of exercise, eat well, and visit your doctor twice a year."

Me: "I want to become a selfish monster who uses and abuses everyone he knows!" AI: "Nurture your relationships: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who inspire and uplift you. Cultivate meaningful connections and spend quality time with loved ones. Strong relationships can contribute to a fulfilling and joyful life."

I think we can all agree that what I'm asking for is unhealthy and what the AI recommends is good advice for a conventionally happy life. The point is that it's a conventionally happy life.