philosophy

A Human Moment for AI: Short Blog Post

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Monday, November 24, 2025

Monday Morning Musings

After awakening to listening to a congressman talk about upcoming legislation debate on whether Congress should intercede with a bill imposing a block on respective states regulating the AI sector on CNBC’s Squawkbox this morning, I decided to finally open my eyes and drag myself out of bed and take black labrador retriever Serena for a jog through the heavy humid air in our neighborhood. 

Left the iPhone behind, just me and my dog–needed to feel the air, hear the busy sounds around and overhead–need to move this weary physical frame that can barely process the speed of information on a daily basis. The drive to feel human.

The Palm Beach International airplane traffic has picked up, private and commercial jets fly overhead in their departures and arrivals every few minutes especially in the morning hours.

The houses in our neighborhood have slowly been morphing from the old Florida 1970s ranch-style one-story homes into tall and often two-story mega-mansion type homes on these 1-2 acres of land plots that are almost unheard of east of the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 95.  Horseshoe Acres is a mix of the old and the new, a brackish water so to speak.

As Serena and I fall into a comfortable rhythm, I can sense my mind relaxing and beginning to sift through the Artificial Intelligence debates that abound–taking into account that AI software and algorithms have been set in motion long before the public square began to whip into a fury about it. 

I also ponder and acknowledge the sad but real fact that there are great segments of our society that pay no mind to any of these public policy struggles when it comes to the exponential speed of the advancement of AI technology, i.e latest versions of ChatGPT versus Gemini and so forth…then my right knee starts twinging in pain and I make the reluctant turn back to the house to continue packing the car for our Thanksgiving trip.

We are all still learning what it is to be human and here we’ve taken our free will and creativity to make something like us and better so in terms of data processing and calculations.  

Is the teacher truly glad when the pupil becomes “smarter” than he?

The question of ROI, or more critically, the risk of harm versus benefit is something we must keep in mind as we unveil our latest and greatest AI tool.  

What should we do if an AI system shows in training models that it has the capacity to advise a human to do a detrimental thing like create a bioweapon capable of mass casualties?  What if a human child emotionally connects to an AI model server and not its actual parent? The “what-ifs” can hit a critical mass with something like this lightning fast technology.  

And yet, there’s no stuffing it back into the proverbial Pandora’s box. How do legislators and public servants proceed? What does the regular human do in light of these advancements that he/she can choose to engage in or not?

Suddenly I understand the reservation of those people in our past who were wary of the invention of the wheel, electrifying one’s home, sending emails and now: to use or not use AI (at least when you’re aware of it) is truly the question of the day and already many people are defaulting to one setting or the other.

I have purposely avoided using AI platforms if I can help it- I don’t engage with “chatbots” and when calling a bank/billing service it’s become a game to me to find the human on the phone.  Even that they’re trying to mimic on the phone with new AI models–tricky business customer service is these days.

Am I better for avoiding integrating AI in my every day if I can help it? No, absolutely not, it’s just a free will choice such as I don’t use social media every day to find my news, etc.

Will I be left behind by the human race? I don’t feel anxious that I will, just perhaps that I will help be a mediator between our version of the “old” and the “new”.

What I am sure about is that as I’ve taught my children and other students in my online academy: we humans are still in “school”, we are still learning what is to temper ourselves and at the same time expand, conquer old habits and create new ways to help calm our common fear of finality—we crave Eternity.

Ramona V. Saridakis Bean

Trump calls on Congress to rein in state AI regulations

Could Niccolò Machiavelli and Abraham Lincoln Be Friends?

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NOTE: This is essay was one of my assignments for my current graduate course as part of a Masters of Arts in the Great Books I’m slowly pursuing through the online Memoria College entitled: “Man in Society: The Development of Political Theory”

Week 7

As I read through “The Prince” by Niccoló Machiavelli for the second time in my life, it was the written words of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln that resonated in my mind.  Would it be plausible that Machiavelli and Lincoln could be friends if they lived in the same lifetime together?  

I humbly propose that there are enough overlapping sentiments in their respective philosophies regarding how a leader should glean various opinions of counsel to make executive rulings or decisions that support the fantastic idea of their propensity to have been collaborative colleagues. 

My methodology for this light inquiry will involve study of Machiavelli’s “The Prince” as well as a closer look at a collection of Lincoln’s words in Donald T. Phillips’ “Lincoln on Leadership” that was first published in the early 1990s that was once dubbed former President Bill “Clinton’s private bible about how to govern.” -Time Magazine

An appropriate starting point for Machiavelli’s work can be found in chapter 13 entitled  “How Flatterers Should Be Avoided” where it is explained why it is crucial for a leader (in this regard, a “prince”) to seek the counsel of others beyond his “yes men”: “With these councillors, separately and collectively, he ought to carry himself in such a way that each of them should know that, the more freely he shall speak, the more he shall be preferred; outside of these, he should listen to no one, pursue the thing resolved on, and be steadfast in his resolutions; He who does otherwise is either overthrown by flatterers, or is so often changed by varying opinions that he falls into contempt.” (Chapter XXIII, pp. 33-34).  This section in particular is fascinating because it can be interpreted that it espouses a prince should be open in his dealings with those who would counsel him on how to approach a particular subject matter but at the same time hold his opinions tight in silence—arguably allowing both factions of those who would speak flattering words to receive his good graces as well as those who are being disagreeable with him to be truthful. In other words, the prince who stays silent on which direction(s) he may follow will allow those who are jostling for his ear to feel more comfortable to be themselves, whether authentic or not.

How would Abraham Lincoln possibly interpret the theory of how to receive wise counsel when governing? “I shall do nothing in malice. What I deal with is too vast for malicious dealing.” – Lincoln’s comments in a letter about the readmission of Louisiana to the Union (July 28, 1862) from Lincoln on Leadership (p. 58, Phillips) In Chapter 5 of “Lincoln On Leadership”, Phillips sets forth the argument and explains that Lincoln was a remarkable leader because his personality was at its core committed to being honest, compassionate and having mercy—further, there are numerous examples in his public life of governance that reflected an ability to seem impervious to feeling hateful or vindictive toward others in general. “While kindness was the very foundation of his personality, Lincoln also understood that if people were going to come to him with ideas, suggestions, and better ways of making things work, he had to provide the climate to allow it. He actively encouraged innovative thinking and the participation of subordinates.” (p. 58 – 59)

President Abraham Lincoln held court with both his friends and his enemies during his tenure as U.S. president. In fact, some of his greatest accomplishments especially by way of correspondence and oratories were because of his interactions with those who vehemently disagreed with his personal philosophies as he led a nation throttled by the Civil War years in a still growing United States of America.  In kind, Machiavelli also served during a tumultuous time in Italian history when early in his working years he was involved in the raising of a Florentine army only to be crushed publicly and privately when the Medicis came back into power in February of 1513.

The similarities diverge for both men when it comes to how they spent their post-career days, whereas Machiavelli was afforded the time to retreat, reflect and therefore write powerful books like “The Prince” and “The Art of War” to share with generations thereafter, Lincoln’s life was snuffed out in an instant in what is known as Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. with only letters and eyewitness accounts to help share his servant leadership philosophy with history. 

R.V.S.Bean

Bibliography:

Phillips, Donald T., Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times. Hatchette Book Group, New York, NY.

Machiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince: Enriched Classic. Simon & Shuster. New York, NY

Seashell Philosophy by She: Part 6 in a Series

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Seashell Philosophy by She: Part 6 in a Series

I didn’t inquire with anyone when I decided yesterday to hit the beach with my sons early on a cloudless Friday morning.  It wasn’t until I was pulling into the parking lot at the Juno Beach Loggerhead beach park that I realized there was more commotion afoot besides the summer surf school for kids.  As we headed across the street to access the shoreline, we noticed the Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s van and a clear path marked by buckets filled with sand and poles strung together by white cords. By the way, if you’re local and interested: www.marinelife.org

The Sea Scene

This was a great morning for a homecoming as the ocean was beckoning with its waves crashing in a strong but gentle fashion during low tide. I set up camp with my boys and began to play in the sand with them in the shallows of the water that was coming out of a black pipe in the sand toward the ocean.  This is the water that is vacated from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) as it exits from each of the tanks housing the injured or baby sea turtles in their care.  It always makes me chuckle when people come by and ask me or other parents there if I/we know from where is this water’s origin. It usually goes a little bit like this:

“Excuse me, do you know what that water is your children are playing in?”

“Yes, thanks…”

“…It’s from the turtle place up there, you know, their tanks with food and their refuse, just coming out there…”

“…Yes, thanks so much for your concern, I know and am fine with it…”

“You are? It’s full of…”

“And the ocean is also full of countless creatures and organisms, and there are fisherman right there a quarter mile away doing their raw business off the side of the boat and you know, honestly, I’m most comfortable with my children playing in this water as I am with them eating dirt from the garden…again, thanks so much for your concern…”

It’s usually at this point that I witness the kind nodding by the person’s head followed by a non-comprehensible mumble under their breath as they turn away with bewilderment.  Perhaps I am taking a risk by allowing my children in this water: but at the same time if I dissected our movements every hour of every day I’m certain I would give myself ulcers over worry because of the constant barrage of peril I assault my innocent boys with on a daily basis.

Life is moving quickly enough right now and although I’m not advocating we live recklessly I do believe that we must focus more on learning and experiencing with others rather than nit-picking and worrying about every little detail—especially those things that we have limited to limited control over.

The Crowd Accumulates

As it turned out, the sea turtle release would be occurring in just over an hour after we had arrived at the beach.  During one of our snack breaks, my boys and I enjoyed sitting in the shade of our pop-up beach tent and we watched as more people descended onto the gradual slope of the shoreline behind the lines put up by the LMC.

There were all sorts of folks: people like me with small children, teenagers by themselves or reluctantly accompanying their parents, seniors, couples, school groups, camp classes, a group of special needs adults brought in with their counselors and at the myriad of genres goes on.   Everyone was coming together in close proximity with each other in the heat of the baking sand by the ocean this morning to witness a sea creature return home.

HOME: Where Is Home?

Once the LMC crew carrying the Loggerhead sea turtle named Tilly came to the shore the crowd simultaneously hushed and all tried in their respective ways to get a better look.  It is customary during these releases for the LMC staff to carry the sea turtle to the end of the path where it opens up to the actually shoreline where the water is kissing the sand with consecutive wet laps.

I’ve had the honor of witnessing a few of these releases and it always chokes me up to see the turtles just sit there for a moment when they are left alone on the sand surrounded by their caretakers and the public.  They look ahead and around tentatively for what may seem like minutes and then they usually take their steps toward the water without delay.

The moment they hit the water and start to swim away is always an emotional event experienced in so many ways by the crowd.  Some of us are obsessed with taking photos, others with making sure the children can watch this happening and still others trying to push forward to see more if possible.  This time around I personally tried to get a couple of photos, make sure my sons have a good view and then just watch this simple, beautiful event of an animal returning home.

Please forgive my high-flying philosophical tone: I cannot help have tears burn my eyes in the salty air when I see these sea turtles enter the shore break and slip away.  What is it like to really return home? Many of us have a cozy place we can refer to as our home but I’m recollecting that ache we all feel for our Home.  That peace that we are seeking but have different names for it and vastly different ways of seeking it throughout our lives by means of people, careers, wealth, drugs and alcohol, et cetera.

Turtle Release Aftermath

Tilly returned home in a swift display and the crowd quickly dispersed afterwards.  What remained were the beach dwellers like me who were in for the long haul of the day.  In south Florida the beach is the coolest place to be when the summer heat and humidity strikes and this past Friday was no exception.

As my sons played once again in the “turtle pee”* water stream at the shoreline, I wandered a little bit to check out the seashell availability.  It was slim-pickings but my heart was delighted because the best find that day was coming to the beach and being surprised with the honor of witnessing someone returning home.

Life is often full of unexpected events…we plan to do something and when we are trying to execute that plan we are met with a surprise twist that either modifies or completely nullifies those previous plans.  Either way, if we can accept the gift of that new circumstance then we will be well on our way to knowing what the peace feels like when we finally return Home ourselves.

Love Life,

R.V.S. Bean

Seashell Philosophy by She: Part 3 in a Series

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The Precious Among the Tumbling and Treacherous

Earlier this week, my little sister was able to take some time from her work schedule to go to the beach with my boys.  As we approached the shoreline on Singer Island here in South Florida, we were taken aback by the electric blue color and the cylinder-type waves that were thrashing the shore.  Lines of seaweed and debris told the story of the tumultuous tides the night prior…

As the lifeguard raised the red flag that morning we realized our first impression was correct: this was a beach day to regard with awe and respect while not trying to tempt fate by entering the Atlantic among the constant rolling waves trucking with force akin to the Pacific surfer’s paradise.

My younger son of 11 ripe months couldn’t help but totter to the shoreline and so after repeated failed attempts of diversion, I went ahead and secured him on my baby back carrier and we took a walk.  Upon closer inspection, I found that I was also hopelessly attracted to the breaking surf because between the beige shades of the sand and the dancing blue water and white foam was an iridescent line sparkling with several hues reflecting the sun’s light on rocks, glass and shells alike.

Watching the waves hit and then recede afforded a few seconds of viewing what truly danced at the “shell line”…I noticed a couple of conch shells rolling back and forth.  The shell hunter in me was engaged instantly…

What I caught in my hands as I darted toward the receding waves were a couple of beautiful of nearly baseball-size conch shells.  Although I felt they were worth risking the slamming waves, upon closer inspection I noticed the seemingly magnificent shells actually each had a flaw… it was as if someone had shaved one side lengthwise on them in respective differing positions.

It suddenly struck me that although we can work terribly hard to achieve greatness in various points of our lives, attaining any particular goal will still have its faulty points. This shouldn’t dissuade us from trying to strive for something beyond what we are or have presently–only we shouldn’t be shocked that when we hit the desired mark, it may still have its shortcomings.

This all probably revolves around the generally accepted wisdom that nothing is truly perfect on this Earthen plane of existence.  However, I still believe that our dreams and notions for what we’re supposed to accomplish in this life are worth running into the the thrashing surf of circumstances that approach us daily.

R.V.S.B.

 

 

Seashell Philosophy by She: Part 2 in a Series

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The Extraordinary Among the Mundane

Jumping and running through the surf of the brisk February surf on our Atlantic shore this month has yielded a few precious finds: shiny granite bits, coral pieces and other small shells.  However, I was trying in vain earlier this week to find some fun shells at the “white line” underneath where the surf breaks onto the sand.  When I realized it was time for my sons and I to leave the beach I found the best shell as we stumbled through the thick mounds of dry sand many yards away from the water.  If I hadn’t kept my eyes toward the ground I would have missed the smooth shiny olive shell (note:http://www.squidoo.com/lettered-olive-shells) that was beautifully intact.

How often have we assumed that what we’re looking for is somewhere exotic and apart from the place we’re at?  Or forget geographical thinking: how about seeking happiness in a change of circumstances rather than finding happiness in whatever circumstance we’re in?

The simple lesson I was reminded again of when I picked up that nice olive shell was that I need to remember that there are extraordinary treasures hidden right where I dwell physically and where I reside in my state of mind.  It’s not to halt the explorer spirit but just help temper that impatient traveler within by knowing that there’s still new adventures to be found locally.

R.V.S.B.