With the (united) States on the verge of another divisive and generally toxic election, thanks in no small part to the exhaustive presence of Donald Trump, I found myself wondering what qualities the “founding fathers” believed a future President should embody.

George Washington, believed that a President should be a person of strong moral character and integrity. In his farewell address, Washington emphasized the importance of virtue and morality for leaders, warning that a loss of these values could lead to the erosion of the nation’s stability.

John Adams, for instance, emphasized the need for a President to be educated and familiar with the complexities of governance, as this understanding would help them act decisively and fairly. In ‘The Federalist Papers,’ a series of essays written to support the Constitution’s ratification and discuss its principles, James Madison wrote of the need to rise above partisan interests and warned against the dangers of factions and excessive populism, urging that a President should serve as a stabilizing force and a unifying figure.

In his letters and speeches, Andrew Jackson, the seventh President, emphasized that a President should be a true representative of the people’s will, not an elite figure removed from the public. He opposed policies that seemed to favor the wealthy and powerful, framing his presidency as a counter to the influence of “aristocratic” elites. He wrote passionately about the importance of majority rule and saw the presidency as a conduit for the popular voice.

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States and a much-beloved figure in the Republican party, believed that personal integrity and honesty were crucial presidential qualities and that a President should always remember their duty to serve all Americans, not just their supporters. His approach to issues like immigration and his respect for political opponents reflected his belief that a leader should be empathetic and humble.

Indeed with immigration yet again being used as a political pawn it is perhaps easy to forget that Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) in 1986, which granted amnesty to nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants who had been living in the U.S. continuously since before 1982. Reagan believed immigrants should be welcomed and allowed to assimilate because he saw immigration as central to the American story. In his view, immigrants brought new energy and ideas, which enriched American culture and strengthened the economy.

It’s strange to look back on these Presidents and read about their beliefs given the toxicity of politics today in America. I know, of course, that there were challenges and divisions throughout history too, but was it ever as unworkable as it seems today?

When he was President Reagan said, “If we agree on 80 percent, that’s a lot better than if we are fighting on the 20 percent where we disagree.” He also said, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Such notions seem far from today’s political reality in the USA.

But as Americans head to the polls this Tuesday we could all be in for four more years of Donald Trump, America’s first-ever orange President, and while everyone agreed Joe Biden was too old to be President it seems that electing 78-year-old Trump is something a lot of people are enthusiastic about.

I don’t know what the Founding Fathers were like. Their lofty ideas might have been very different from their personalities and how they governed. But I wonder what they would make of things today? Of course, the world we live in today is nothing like it was back when they were writing the Constitution and ‘The Federalist Papers.’ But does Trump embody any of the traits those founding fathers looked for in the nation’s future Presidents?

If Trump were to speak to those founding fathers about why he should be President again, maybe he would call upon some of the qualities he has spoken about over the years, and just for fun, I’ve listed 100 of them, in his own words, below.

1. Technology: “Nobody knows more about technology than me. I know more about technology than anybody.”
2. Taxes: “Nobody knows more about taxes than me, maybe in the history of the world.”
3. The Economy: “I think nobody knows more about the economy than I do.”
4. The Judiciary: “Nobody knows more about the legal system than I do.”
5. Border Security: “Nobody knows more about the border than me.”
6. Cybersecurity: “Nobody knows more about cybersecurity than me.”
7. Toys: “Nobody has better toys than me.”
8. The Bible: “No one reads the Bible more than me.”
9. Construction: “Nobody knows more about construction than I do.”
10. The Environment: “I think I know more about the environment than most people.”
11. Racism: “I am the least racist person you’ll ever meet.”
12. African Americans: “I have a great relationship with the blacks. I’ve always had a great relationship with the blacks.” “If I were starting off today, I would love to be a well-educated black, because I believe they do have an actual advantage.”
13. Campaign Finance: “Nobody knows more about campaign finance than I do.”
14. Renewable Energy: “Nobody knows more about renewables than me.”
15. Social Media: “I think nobody knows more about social media than I do.”
16. Healthcare: “Nobody knows more about health care than Donald Trump.”
17. The System of Government: “Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.”
18. Infrastructure: “Nobody in the history of this country has ever known so much about infrastructure as Donald Trump.”
19. Banking: “Nobody knows banking better than I do. I understand money better than anybody.”
20. Politics: “Nobody knows more about politics than Donald Trump.”
21. Russia: “Nobody’s been tougher on Russia than I have.”
22. NATO: “I know more about NATO than General [James] Mattis.”
23. Afghanistan: “I know more about Afghanistan than anybody.”
24. Judges and the Law: “Nobody knows judges better than I do.”
25. The Military: “Nobody’s bigger or better at the military I am.”
26. ISIS: “I know more about ISIS than the generals do. Believe me.”
27. Trade and Tariffs: “Nobody knows more about trade than me.”
28. China: “Nobody knows more about China than I do.”
29. The Middle East: “I know more about the Middle East than anybody.”
30. Drones: “Nobody knows more about drones than I do.”
31. Television Ratings: “I know more about ratings than anyone.”
32. Walls: “Nobody builds better walls than me.”
33. Intelligence: “I’m intelligent. Some people would say I’m very, very, very intelligent.”
34. Sen. Cory Booker: “I know more about Cory than he knows about himself.”
35. News Media: “Nobody knows more about the media than me.”
36. Polling: “Nobody knows more about polls than me.”
37. Obamacare: “Nobody knows more about Obamacare than me.”
38. The Stock Market: “Nobody knows more about the stock market than me.”
39. Real Estate: “Nobody in the history of the world knows more about real estate than me.”
40. Golf: “I know more about golf than anyone.”
41. Being Pro-Israel: “There’s nobody more pro-Israel than I am.”
42. The Hospitality Industry: “Nobody knows more about hospitality than me.”
43. Negotiating Deals: “I’m the best at making deals.”
44. Veterans Affairs: “Nobody knows more about the VA than me.”
45. Immigration Law: “Nobody knows more about immigration than Donald Trump.”
46. Tax Law: “Nobody knows the tax code better than I do.”
47. Law Enforcement: “Nobody knows more about law enforcement than I do.”
48. The U.S. Debt: “Nobody knows more about debt. I’m the king of debt. I’m great with debt. Nobody knows debt better than me.”
49. Military Strategy: “I know more about military strategy than anybody.”
50. Healthcare Insurance: “Nobody knows more about insurance than I do.”
51. Politicians: “Nobody knows politicians better than me.”
52. Criminal Justice System: “Nobody knows more about the criminal justice system than I do.”
53. Public Opinion: “Nobody understands public opinion better than I do.”
54. Agriculture: “Nobody knows more about farming than me.”
55. Nuclear Weapons: “I know more about nuclear weapons than any president that’s ever lived.”
56. Telecommunications: “Nobody knows more about telecommunications than I do.”
57. The Energy Sector: “Nobody knows more about energy than I do.”
58. Iran deal: “I have studied the Iran deal in great detail, greater by far than anyone else.”
59. Sales: “I know what sells and I know what people want.”
60. Global Warming: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.”
61. Chinese people: “I know the Chinese. I’ve made a lot of money with the Chinese. I understand the Chinese mind.”
62. The Judiciary System: “Nobody knows the system better than me.”
63. Wind Turbines: “I know more about wind than anybody.”
64. Gun Policy and the Second Amendment: “No one is stronger on the Second Amendment than me.”
65. Civil Rights Issues: “Nobody has done more for civil rights than I have.”
66. Success: “Nobody’s ever been more successful than me.”
67. Women: “Nobody has more respect for women than I do.” “You have to treat ’em like shit.”
68. Top Models: “Oftentimes when I was sleeping with one of the top women in the world I would say to myself, thinking about me as a boy from Queens, ‘Can you believe what I am getting?”
69. The Entertainment Industry: “Nobody knows the entertainment industry better than I do.”
70. Women’s Health Issues: “There’s nobody who feels more strongly about women’s health issues.”
71. Veteran Support: “Nobody’s done more for the veterans than I have.”
72. Conservative: “No one is more conservative than me.”
73. Renewables: “I know more about renewables than any human being on Earth.”
74. Income Inequality: “There’s nobody that’s done so much for equality as I have.”
75. Television and Media Ratings: “I know more about ratings than anyone.”
76. Devaluation: “Nobody even understands it but me.”
77. Criminal Justice: “Nobody has done more for criminal justice reform than I have.”
78. Business Negotiation: “Nobody knows more about negotiating than I do.”
79. Veteran’s Affairs and Support Systems: “Nobody’s done more for veterans than I have.”
80. Steel Workers: “I know more about steelworkers than anyone who has ever run for office.”
81. Courts: “I know more about courts than any human being on Earth.”
82. Consultants: “Nobody knows consultants better than me.”
83. Fair hair: “I was a fair-haired boy, nobody knows more about it than me.”
84. Democrats: “I think I know more about the other side than almost anybody.”
85. Hurricanes: “I got it. I got it. Why don’t we nuke them?”
86. Wind: “I know a lot about wind.”
87. Forgiveness: “For many years I’ve said that if someone screws you, screw them back. When somebody hurts you, just go after them as viciously and as violently as you can.”
88. IVF: “I’m the father of IVF.”
89. Windmills: “I know windmills very much. I’ve studied it better than anybody.”
90. Kindness: “I think if this country gets any kinder or gentler, it’s literally going to cease to exist.”
91. Jeffrey Epstein: “Terrific guy,” – “It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.”
92. Attention: “If I get my name in the paper, if people pay attention, that’s what matters.”
93. Bragging: “I’m not doing that to brag. Because you know what? I don’t have to brag. I don’t have to. Believe it or not.”
94. Winning: “In the end, I always win, whether it’s in golf, whether it’s in tennis, whether it’s in life, I just always win. And I tell people I always win, because I do.
95. Himself: “I am a really smart guy.”
96. His Own IQ: “Sorry losers and haters, but my I.Q. is one of the highest — and you all know it!”
97. His Own looks: “It’s very hard for them to attack me on looks, because I’m so good looking.”
98. His Second Wife: “I was bored when she was walking down the aisle. I kept thinking: What the hell am I doing here?”
99. His Own Genius: “I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star … to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius … and a very stable genius at that!”
100. Modesty: “The truth is I’m actually a modest person, very modest, it’s true.”

Those quotes are as worrying as they are hilarious, and while many people dismiss his bluster you have to wonder what’s happening in the head of someone who is so outrageously self-congratulatory. I found many similar quotes that I didn’t put in that list. But quite apart from these Trump also claims to know more than everyone on practically every subject.

Here’s a list of more than 400 subjects Trump has claimed expertise in.

1. Fake News: Claimed to understand “fake news” better than anyone else.
2. Bankruptcy Law: Claimed deep familiarity with bankruptcy laws.
3. Prison Reform: Claimed deep knowledge in prison reform.
4. Intelligence Community: Claimed to know more about the intelligence community.
5. The Pharmaceutical Industry: Claimed to know more than most.
6. Voter Fraud: Claimed expertise in understanding voter fraud.
7. School Choice: Claimed to have extensive knowledge on education policies.
8. Judicial Appointments: Claimed extensive expertise in choosing judges.
9. Election Law: Claimed to know more about election law than anyone else.
10. Climate Science: Claimed to understand climate science better than most scientists.
11. Hurricane and Disaster Relief: Claimed extensive knowledge on disaster management.
12. Space Exploration: Claimed to know more about space and NASA initiatives.
13. COVID-19 and Pandemics: Claimed to know more about COVID-19 than most.
14. Vaccines: Claimed superior knowledge on vaccines and vaccine development.
15. Science in General: Claimed an extensive understanding of science.
16. Water Management and Infrastructure: Claimed deep knowledge of water policy.
17. Education Policy: Claimed superior knowledge of educational issues.
18. Sanctions: Claimed to understand sanctions better than experts.
19. The Department of Defense: Claimed to know more about the DoD than most.
20. Renewable Energy Science: Claimed expertise in scientific aspects of renewables.
21. Historical Events: Claimed extensive knowledge on historical events and figures.
22. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Claimed to know more about environmental policy.
23. Intellectual Property: Claimed to understand IP better than others.
24. Natural Resources: Claimed expertise on natural resource management.
25. Counterterrorism: Claimed deep understanding of counterterrorism.
26. Technology Infrastructure: Claimed expertise in technology-related infrastructure.
27. Housing and Urban Development: Claimed extensive knowledge on housing policies.
28. Fire Safety and Management: Claimed to know more about fire management.
29. Crime and Policing: Claimed superior knowledge of law enforcement practices.
30. Constitutional Law: Claimed deep understanding of constitutional issues.
31. Foreign Countries: Claimed extensive knowledge about multiple foreign nations.
32. Public Health: Claimed expertise on public health issues.
33. Historical Military Campaigns: Claimed knowledge of military history.
34. The Space Force: Claimed deep knowledge about space military initiatives.
35. Television Production: Claimed expertise in TV production.
36. Legal Procedures: Claimed to know more about legal processes.
37. Marketing and Branding: Claimed expertise in marketing strategies.
38. The Stock Market and Economy: Claimed extensive insight into market trends.
39. Agricultural Science: Claimed to know more about farming techniques and science.
40. Understanding Women’s Issues: Implied a strong understanding of issues affecting women.
41. The LGBTQ+ Community: Claimed he would be the best advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
42. Marriage: Implied he has an insightful perspective on marriage dynamics.
43. Fitness and Health: Claimed an understanding of physical fitness and health.
44. Family Values: Implied he understands family values better than most.
45. Religious Freedom: Claimed to be a protector of religious liberties.
46. Religion and Evangelicals: Claimed to have great respect and understanding for evangelical Christians.
47. Drug Policy: Implied strong knowledge of drug policies.
48. Workplace Productivity: Claimed to know how to make people more productive.
49. The Pharmaceutical Industry: Claimed insight into drug pricing and pharmaceutical practices.
50. Tax Avoidance: Claimed to be an expert in understanding the tax code, especially in minimizing taxes.
51. Geopolitical Strategies: Claimed extensive understanding of global politics.
52. The Hispanic Community: Claimed extensive knowledge on issues affecting Hispanic Americans.
53. Educational Reform: Claimed he understands education better than most.
54. The History of the Republican Party: Claimed unique insight into the GOP’s principles and history.
55. Judicial Appointments and the Supreme Court: Claimed unmatched insight in choosing Supreme Court justices.
56. COVID-19: Claimed to know more about COVID-19 than public health experts initially did.
57. Financial Markets: Claimed extensive knowledge of the stock market and economy.
58. U.S. Cities: Claimed to know more about the problems facing major U.S. cities than local leaders.
59. Charity and Philanthropy: Claimed deep involvement and expertise in philanthropy.
60. Economic Stimulus: Claimed to know how to boost the economy better than any prior president.
61. College Sports: Claimed knowledge on NCAA sports, specifically football.
62. Prison Reform and Conditions: Claimed understanding of how to improve prison systems.
63. The Airline Industry: Claimed to know more about airline operations.
64. Hollywood: Claimed expertise and deep understanding of the film industry.
65. Agricultural Policy: Claimed to understand the challenges facing farmers better than most.
66. Supply Chain Logistics: Claimed superior knowledge in logistics and supply chain management.
67. Corporate Tax Reform: Claimed to know the best tax strategies for corporate America.
68. Bankruptcy: Implied expertise in navigating bankruptcy laws and systems.
69. Industrial Manufacturing: Claimed knowledge of manufacturing practices.
70. Labor Unions: Claimed insight into labor union dynamics and issues.
71. Parenting and Child Development: Claimed to understand parenting issues.
72. Mental Health and Psychology: Implied insight into psychological issues affecting Americans.
73. Aviation: Claimed to know more about airplanes and aviation than others, including expertise in the Boeing 737 Max issues.
74. Labor Markets and Employment: Claimed to understand employment trends and labor markets better than most.
75. Nuclear Power and Energy: Claimed understanding of nuclear power safety and development.
76. Intelligence Operations: Implied he knew better than intelligence agencies on various global threats and assessments.
77. Counterintelligence: Claimed to know more about intelligence and counterintelligence than most.
78. Law and Order: Frequently claimed expertise on crime reduction and policing strategies.
79. American Patriotism: Claimed to have unmatched love and respect for American values.
80. Opioid Crisis: Claimed to understand the opioid crisis deeply, including how to resolve it.
81. Monetary Policy: Implied he knew more about monetary policy and the Federal Reserve than experts.
82. Antitrust Law: Claimed insight into monopolistic practices and how to handle antitrust cases.
83. Telecommunications and 5G: Claimed to understand telecommunications policy, especially around 5G technology.
84. Suburban Development and Zoning: Claimed expertise in zoning and development affecting suburbs.
85. Animal Rights and Protection: Claimed to understand animal rights and protection policies better than others.
86. Public Speaking: Implied he’s one of the best public speakers and communicators.
87. Libel Law: Claimed to understand libel and defamation laws better than most.
88. Space Exploration and NASA: Claimed to know more about space than many in the industry, especially with regard to the Space Force.
89. Real Estate Law: Implied he has deep expertise in real estate and property law.
90. School Safety: Claimed to know how to make schools safer than current approaches.
91. Political Strategy: Implied he’s one of the best strategists in modern politics.
92. The Coal Industry: Claimed to understand coal mining and the coal industry better than others.
93. Farm Subsidies and Farming Policy: Claimed understanding of agricultural subsidies and policies.
94. COVID-19 Testing and Medical Equipment: Claimed to know more about medical equipment and testing than health experts.
95. The Postal Service: Claimed insight into fixing the issues in the U.S. Postal Service.
96. International Diplomacy: Claimed superior knowledge in negotiating with foreign leaders.
97. Hotel Industry Standards: Claimed to know hotel and hospitality standards better than anyone.
98. Transportation Infrastructure: Claimed deep knowledge of infrastructure beyond just U.S. highways, including rail systems.
99. The American Legal System: Implied he understands U.S. legal proceedings better than most.
100. Corporate Ethics and Practices: Claimed to know ethical business practices better than other executives.
101. Financial and Business Regulations: Claimed expertise in navigating and reducing business regulations.
102. Historic Monuments: Claimed to understand the importance of preserving American monuments and history.
103. Cryptocurrencies and Digital Markets: Claimed knowledge about digital currencies like Bitcoin.
104. Regulation of Social Media Companies: Claimed to understand social media policies better than those in the industry.
105. Veterans’ Mental Health: Claimed he knows what’s best for addressing mental health challenges faced by veterans.
106. Historical Significance of Monuments: Claimed to understand the cultural significance of monuments.
107. Agricultural Technology: Claimed expertise in technologies affecting farming and food production.
108. Charitable Giving and Philanthropy: Claimed to know more about charity and charitable foundations.
109. International Military Strategy: Claimed to have better strategies for international conflicts than military advisors.
110. American History and Patriotism: Claimed to know more about American history than most.
111. Fashion and Branding: Claimed expertise in fashion and brand building, particularly through his products.
112. Management of Public Land: Claimed to know more about public land management than environmental experts.
113. Postal Voting and Election Security: Claimed to understand voter security, specifically mail-in voting, better than election officials.
114. Military Veterans and Gold Star Families: Claimed to understand veteran issues better than past presidents.
115. Mortgage and Housing Market: Claimed to know more about housing and mortgage policies than others.
116. American Manufacturing: Claimed expertise in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.
117. Automobile Industry: Claimed insight into the challenges and policies affecting car manufacturers.
118. Prison Rehabilitation: Claimed to know more about rehabilitation programs than other leaders.
119. Online Privacy and Data Protection: Claimed to understand privacy issues better than tech companies.
120. Foreign Aid: Claimed to know more about how foreign aid is allocated and how it should be managed.
121. Mental Health Policy: Implied he has a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues and solutions.
122. Supply Chain Disruptions: Claimed to understand the causes and solutions to supply chain issues better than most.
123. Renewable Energy Policy: Claimed to have insights into the renewable energy sector’s growth and challenges.
124. Cultural Heritage Preservation: Claimed to know the importance of preserving cultural heritage better than other politicians.
125. Consumer Protection Laws: Claimed to understand consumer rights and protections more deeply than others.
126. The Gig Economy: Claimed to know the challenges and opportunities within the gig economy.
127. Public Safety: Claimed to have superior insights into policies affecting public safety.
128. Urban Development and Renewal: Claimed expertise in urban planning and revitalization.
129. Small Business Support: Claimed to understand the needs and challenges of small businesses.
130. Retail Industry: Claimed insight into retail management and operations.
131. The Art of the Deal: Frequently referred to his experience in negotiations as unparalleled.
132. Crisis Management: Claimed he knows how to effectively manage crises better than anyone.
133. Economic Forecasting: Claimed to have a better understanding of predicting economic trends.
134. Military Technology: Claimed to know more about advancements in military technology than defense experts.
135. Environmental Policy: Claimed to have deep insights into environmental regulation and policy-making.
136. Infrastructure Financing: Claimed expertise in financing large infrastructure projects.
137. Water Quality and Management: Claimed to know more about issues affecting water quality and management.
138. Media Relations: Claimed superior knowledge of how to handle relationships with the media.
139. Energy Independence: Claimed to understand energy independence better than previous administrations.
140. Highway and Transportation Policy: Claimed to know how to improve U.S. transportation systems.
141. Real Estate Investment: Claimed insights into real estate investment strategies.
142. Financial Literacy: Implied that he understands financial education better than others.
143. E-commerce: Claimed knowledge of trends and policies affecting online commerce.
144. Pharmaceutical Pricing: Claimed to know how to negotiate better drug prices.
145. Animal Welfare: Claimed to understand animal welfare issues more thoroughly than others.
146. Family Business Dynamics: Claimed to know the intricacies of running a family business.
147. Electoral Integrity: Claimed expertise in ensuring election integrity.
148. Divorce Law and Family Court Systems: Implied a good understanding of family law based on his experiences.
149. City Planning and Zoning Laws: Claimed to know more about urban planning regulations.
150. Civil Service Reform: Claimed insight into improving government efficiency.
151. Historical Figures and Events: Claimed to have superior knowledge of important historical figures and events.
152. Public Works Projects: Claimed expertise in managing public works.
153. Housing Affordability: Claimed to understand the challenges of affordable housing.
154. Bail Reform: Claimed insight into the issues surrounding bail reform.
155. Digital Privacy Laws: Implied he understands the implications of digital privacy regulations.
156. Social Security: Claimed to know more about Social Security reforms than most politicians.
157. Retirement Planning: Claimed expertise in retirement saving strategies.
158. American Values and Ideals: Claimed to have a deep understanding of what constitutes American values.
159. Consumer Goods and Marketing: Claimed knowledge about consumer trends and marketing strategies.
160. Terrorism and Security Policy: Claimed he knows how to effectively combat terrorism.
161. The Criminal Justice System’s Failures: Claimed insights into the failings of the criminal justice system.
162. Public Education Reform: Claimed to understand the needs of public education.
163. The Role of Faith in Politics: Claimed insights into the relationship between religion and governance.
164. Cyber Warfare: Claimed understanding of how to protect against cyber threats.
165. Homeownership Issues: Claimed to know the ins and outs of the challenges facing potential homeowners.
166. Economic Policy for Minority Communities: Claimed to have the best plans for improving economic conditions in minority communities.
167. Food Supply Chains: Claimed to understand food production and supply chains better than most.
168. Emergency Preparedness: Claimed expertise in managing emergency situations and disaster response.
169. Nuclear Proliferation: Claimed to know how to effectively handle nuclear arms negotiations and treaties.
170. Philanthropic Endeavors: Claimed knowledge about how to effectively run charitable foundations.
171. Public Health Policy: Implied a deep understanding of health policies affecting the American public.
172. Workforce Development: Claimed to know the best strategies for job training and workforce development.
173. Judicial Ethics: Claimed insight into the ethical standards governing judges.
174. Regulation of Financial Markets: Claimed to understand how to regulate financial markets effectively.
175. The Impact of Immigration on the Economy: Claimed to know how immigration affects economic growth and job availability.
176. Rural Development: Claimed insights into policies that benefit rural communities.
177. Disaster Recovery: Claimed to know how to manage disaster recovery more effectively.
178. Water Resources Management: Claimed expertise in managing water resources.
179. Workplace Diversity: Claimed to understand the complexities of diversity in the workplace.
180. Disability Rights: Claimed knowledge of disability rights and protections.
181. The Role of Technology in Education: Claimed to know how technology can improve education.
182. Digital Economy: Claimed to have insights into the future of the digital economy.
183. Brand Management: Claimed expertise in brand management and marketing strategies.
184. Corporate Accountability: Claimed to know the best practices for holding corporations accountable.
185. The Role of Nonprofits in Society: Claimed understanding of how nonprofits operate and their impact.
186. Crisis Communication: Claimed to know how to effectively communicate during a crisis.
187. Mental Health in Schools: Claimed to understand the importance of mental health programs in educational settings.
188. Environmental Conservation: Claimed to have insights into effective conservation strategies.
189. The Role of Government in Business: Claimed to know the balance between government oversight and business freedom.
190. High-Tech Manufacturing: Claimed expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies.
191. Cybersecurity Legislation: Claimed to understand the nuances of cybersecurity laws.
192. The Art Market: Claimed knowledge about the nuances of the art market and investment.
193. The History of American Politics: Claimed a deep understanding of political movements in American history.
194. Public Transportation: Claimed to know how to improve public transit systems.
195. Youth Engagement in Politics: Claimed insights into how to engage younger generations in politics.
196. Corporate Taxation: Claimed to understand corporate taxation better than others.
197. Strategies for Winning Elections: Claimed expertise in the tactics needed to win elections.
198. Federal Budget Management: Claimed knowledge about managing the federal budget effectively.
199. Historic Preservation: Claimed to know the importance of preserving historic sites.
200. Volunteerism and Community Service: Claimed to understand the role of community service better than others.
201. Health Care Costs: Claimed to know how to reduce health care costs.
202. Strategic Partnerships: Claimed expertise in forming strategic partnerships across industries.
203. Antiquities and Cultural Artifacts: Claimed to know how to protect and manage cultural heritage.
204. Consumer Debt Issues: Claimed insights into consumer debt and solutions.
205. Elder Care Policies: Claimed to have a better understanding of elder care issues.
206. Social Justice Issues: Claimed knowledge about the complexities of social justice movements.
207. Export Policies: Claimed insights into effective export strategies.
208. High School Education Reform: Claimed to know the necessary reforms for high school education.
209. International Aid Effectiveness: Claimed to know how to make international aid programs more effective.
210. The Future of Work: Claimed to have insights into how work will change in the future.
211. Consumer Electronics Industry: Claimed knowledge about trends in consumer electronics.
212. Women’s Empowerment: Claimed to know how to empower women in the workforce.
213. Local Government Issues: Claimed understanding of issues facing local governments.
214. International Law: Claimed knowledge about how international law affects U.S. interests.
215. The Role of Culture in Society: Claimed insights into how culture influences society.
216. Trade Deficits: Claimed to understand the implications of trade deficits on the economy better than economists.
217. Educational Equity: Claimed insights into achieving equity in education.
218. Voting Rights Legislation: Claimed to have expertise in voting rights and election integrity.
219. Historical Preservation Practices: Claimed to know the best practices for preserving historical artifacts and sites.
220. American Exceptionalism: Claimed to have a unique understanding of the concept of American exceptionalism.
221. Corporate Restructuring: Claimed expertise in how to effectively restructure corporations.
222. Disaster Preparedness: Claimed to know how to prepare for natural disasters.
223. Artificial Intelligence Regulation: Claimed understanding of how to regulate AI technologies.
224. Substance Abuse Policy: Claimed to have a deep understanding of substance abuse issues and policies.
225. Economic Growth Strategies: Claimed insights into the best strategies for stimulating economic growth.
226. National Security: Claimed to know more about national security than military experts.
227. Energy Conservation Practices: Claimed expertise in effective energy conservation methods.
228. Labor Relations: Claimed to understand labor relations and negotiations better than union leaders.
229. U.S. History and Education: Claimed to know more about how history should be taught in schools.
230. Consumer Product Safety: Claimed insights into improving consumer product safety regulations.
231. The Future of Agriculture: Claimed to have better strategies for the future of American agriculture.
232. Nonprofit Management: Claimed expertise in running nonprofit organizations.
233. Interfaith Relations: Claimed to understand the dynamics of interfaith relationships.
234. Trade Tariffs: Claimed to know how tariffs impact the economy more than trade experts.
235. Privacy Rights: Claimed understanding of privacy rights issues better than legislators.
236. Political Campaigning: Claimed to know the best strategies for running political campaigns.
237. Family Leave Policies: Claimed insights into effective family leave policies.
238. Civil Rights History: Claimed to have a comprehensive understanding of civil rights history.
239. Economic Impact of Technology: Claimed to understand how technology impacts the economy.
240. Regulation of Public Utilities: Claimed expertise in managing public utility regulations.
241. Global Health Initiatives: Claimed insights into the effectiveness of global health initiatives.
242. Urban Crime Strategies: Claimed to have effective strategies for reducing urban crime.
243. Public Relations: Claimed to understand public relations better than communications professionals.
244. Elderly Care Regulations: Claimed expertise in regulations affecting elderly care facilities.
245. Sports Management: Claimed knowledge about the business of sports and management.
246. Nutritional Policy: Claimed insights into effective nutritional guidelines and policies.
247. Fashion Industry Trends: Claimed to understand trends in the fashion industry.
248. Globalization Effects: Claimed to have a deeper understanding of the effects of globalization on local economies.
249. Prison Reform: Claimed expertise in the criminal justice system and prison reform initiatives.
250. Public Sentiment: Claimed to know how to gauge and influence public sentiment effectively.
251. Sustainability Practices: Claimed to understand best practices in sustainability and environmental responsibility.
252. Tax Reform: Claimed to know how to effectively reform the tax system.
253. Food Security: Claimed insights into the challenges of food security.
254. Child Welfare: Claimed expertise in policies affecting child welfare.
255. Crime Prevention Strategies: Claimed insights into effective crime prevention strategies.
256. Civic Engagement: Claimed insights into improving civic engagement among citizens.
257. Public Accountability: Claimed to know the best practices for ensuring public accountability.
258. International Peacekeeping: Claimed expertise in the challenges of international peacekeeping.
259. Media Bias: Claimed to have a unique understanding of media bias and its impact on public perception.
260. Foreign Policy Strategy: Claimed expertise in crafting effective foreign policy strategies.
261. Crisis Response Teams: Claimed to know how to assemble and manage effective crisis response teams.
262. Healthcare Accessibility: Claimed insights into improving healthcare accessibility for all Americans.
263. Restorative Justice: Claimed to understand the principles of restorative justice better than others.
264. Political Corruption: Claimed expertise in identifying and combating political corruption.
265. Child Education and Development: Claimed to know the best practices for child education and development.
266. Stock Market Trends: Claimed to understand stock market fluctuations and trends.
267. Transportation Policy: Claimed insights into improving national transportation policies.
268. Economic Policy for Veterans: Claimed to understand the economic needs of veterans better than others.
269. The Impact of Globalization on Jobs: Claimed to know how globalization affects job availability in the U.S.
270. International Trade Barriers: Claimed expertise in navigating international trade barriers.
271. Gentrification: Claimed to have insights into the dynamics of gentrification and its impacts.
272. Behavioral Economics: Claimed to know how behavioral economics affects consumer choices.
273. Political Rhetoric: Claimed to understand the nuances of political rhetoric and its effectiveness.
274. Public Utility Regulation: Claimed to understand how to regulate public utilities effectively.
275. National Parks and Conservation: Claimed insights into managing national parks and conservation efforts.
276. Sustainable Agriculture: Claimed to know more about sustainable agricultural practices.
277. Mental Health in the Workplace: Claimed expertise in addressing mental health issues in the workplace.
278. Energy Policy: Claimed to understand energy policy and its impact on the economy.
279. Corporate Social Responsibility: Claimed insights into the importance of corporate social responsibility.
280. Women’s Representation in Politics: Claimed to know how to improve women’s representation in political offices.
281. Environmental Impact Assessments: Claimed expertise in conducting environmental impact assessments.
282. Crisis Negotiation: Claimed to understand the principles of effective crisis negotiation.
283. Intergenerational Wealth: Claimed insights into the dynamics of intergenerational wealth transfer.
284. Urban Planning: Claimed to know about effective urban planning practices.
285. Pharmaceutical Industry Regulation: Claimed expertise in the regulation of the pharmaceutical industry.
286. Veteran Affairs: Claimed to have a comprehensive understanding of veteran affairs.
287. Election Process Reforms: Claimed insights into necessary reforms in the election process.
288. Local Business Development: Claimed to know how to stimulate local business development.
289. Civic Responsibility: Claimed to understand the importance of civic responsibility in society.
290. Disaster Relief Funding: Claimed expertise in managing disaster relief funds effectively.
291. The Role of Art in Society: Claimed to have insights into the role of art in cultural development.
292. International Sanctions: Claimed knowledge about the effectiveness of international sanctions.
293. Consumer Behavior: Claimed to understand consumer behavior and its implications for business.
294. Labor Market Trends: Claimed expertise in analyzing labor market trends.
295. Health Insurance Market: Claimed to know the ins and outs of the health insurance market.
296. The Role of Religion in Society: Claimed insights into the influence of religion on social values.
297. Youth Policy: Claimed to understand the challenges facing youth and youth policies.
298. Petroleum Industry: Claimed to know about the petroleum industry and its global implications.
299. Carbon Emissions Policy: Claimed insights into managing carbon emissions effectively.
300. The Role of Technology in Healthcare: Claimed to understand the integration of technology in healthcare.
301. Cyberbullying Legislation: Claimed knowledge about the need for cyberbullying laws.
302. International Development: Claimed expertise in strategies for international development.
303. Media Relations Strategies: Claimed to know how to handle media relations better than public relations experts.
304. Education Funding: Claimed to understand the complexities of education funding.
305. Public Health Initiatives: Claimed insights into effective public health initiatives.
306. Consumer Advocacy: Claimed to know how to advocate for consumer rights effectively.
307. Elderly Rights Advocacy: Claimed to understand the rights and needs of the elderly population.
308. Digital Marketing Strategies: Claimed expertise in digital marketing and its impact on businesses.
309. Public Service Announcements: Claimed to know how to create effective public service announcements.
310. Nonprofit Funding: Claimed insights into securing funding for nonprofit organizations.
311. Media Literacy: Claimed to understand the importance of media literacy in education.
312. Disaster Recovery Planning: Claimed to have expertise in planning for disaster recovery.
313. International Humanitarian Aid: Claimed to know how to effectively deliver humanitarian aid internationally.
314. Philanthropy and Charitable Giving: Claimed insights into effective philanthropic practices.
315. Crisis Management in Business: Claimed expertise in managing crises within businesses.
316. Public Sector Innovation: Claimed to understand the need for innovation in the public sector.
317. Youth Sports Programs: Claimed to know how to improve youth sports programs.
318. Emergency Response Coordination: Claimed insights into coordinating emergency responses.
319. Transportation Safety Regulations: Claimed to have knowledge about improving transportation safety.
320. Civic Education: Claimed to understand the importance of civic education in schools.
321. Food Safety Regulations: Claimed expertise in the regulation of food safety standards.
322. Public Housing Policy: Claimed insights into public housing policies and improvements.
323. Water Conservation Techniques: Claimed to know effective techniques for conserving water.
324. Community Health Initiatives: Claimed to understand the importance of community health programs.
325. Artificial Intelligence Applications: Claimed expertise in the applications of AI across industries.
326. Urban Development Policies: Claimed to know how to formulate effective urban development policies.
327. Political Activism: Claimed insights into effective political activism strategies.
328. Corporate Governance: Claimed to understand the principles of effective corporate governance.
329. Trade Relations with Canada: Claimed expertise in U.S.-Canada trade relations.
330. Social Media Influence: Claimed to understand the influence of social media on public opinion.
331. International Relations Theory: Claimed knowledge of international relations theories.
332. Family Business Dynamics: Claimed insights into the unique challenges faced by family businesses.
333. Workforce Diversity Initiatives: Claimed expertise in implementing workforce diversity initiatives.
334. Child Nutrition Programs: Claimed to understand the importance of child nutrition programs.
335. International Arbitration: Claimed insights into the processes of international arbitration.
336. Public Health Funding: Claimed expertise in securing funding for public health initiatives.
337. Cultural Preservation: Claimed to understand the significance of cultural preservation efforts.
338. Human Resources Management: Claimed insights into effective human resources practices.
339. Regulation of Emerging Technologies: Claimed to know how to regulate emerging technologies effectively.
340. School Safety Measures: Claimed expertise in developing school safety measures.
341. Workplace Safety Regulations: Claimed to understand workplace safety better than OSHA experts.
342. Crisis Preparedness Training: Claimed insights into effective crisis preparedness training.
343. Trade Relations with China: Claimed expertise in navigating U.S.-China trade relations.
344. Social Responsibility in Corporations: Claimed to know how corporations can act more socially responsibly.
345. Public Health Education: Claimed insights into the importance of public health education.
346. Biotechnology Regulations: Claimed expertise in the regulations governing biotechnology.
347. Internet Privacy Laws: Claimed to understand internet privacy laws and their implications.
348. Intellectual Property Rights: Claimed knowledge about protecting intellectual property rights.
349. Real Estate Development: Claimed to have insights into successful real estate development strategies.
350. Community Engagement Strategies: Claimed to know how to effectively engage communities.
351. State and Local Government Relations: Claimed expertise in the dynamics between state and local governments.
352. E-commerce Regulation: Claimed insights into the regulations affecting e-commerce.
353. Financial Regulation: Claimed to understand the complexities of financial regulations.
354. Public Relations Crisis Management: Claimed expertise in managing public relations crises.
355. Environmental Legislation: Claimed to understand the nuances of environmental legislation.
356. Judicial Appointments: Claimed expertise in selecting and appointing judges.
357. Public Policy Analysis: Claimed to know how to effectively analyze public policies.
358. Trade and Labor Rights: Claimed insights into the intersection of trade policies and labor rights.
359. Cultural Events Planning: Claimed expertise in organizing large-scale cultural events.
360. Public-Private Partnerships: Claimed to know how to foster effective public-private partnerships.
361. Social Services Reform: Claimed insights into the need for reforming social services.
362. Sustainable Development Goals: Claimed to understand international sustainable development goals.
363. Media Relations for Politicians: Claimed expertise in handling media relations for political figures.
364. The Role of Science in Policy: Claimed to know how science should inform policy decisions.
365. Employee Rights: Claimed to have insights into employee rights and workplace protections.
366. Antitrust Laws: Claimed expertise in the application of antitrust laws.
367. Global Supply Chains: Claimed to understand the intricacies of global supply chains.
368. The Importance of Arts Education: Claimed insights into the role of arts education in schools.
369. Personal Finance Management: Claimed to know effective strategies for personal finance management.
370. Economic Development in Rural Areas: Claimed expertise in stimulating economic development in rural regions.
371. Pharmaceutical Pricing: Claimed to understand the factors influencing pharmaceutical pricing.
372. Political Communication Strategies: Claimed insights into effective political communication strategies.
373. Urban Environmental Issues: Claimed expertise in addressing urban environmental challenges.
374. Crisis Recovery in Businesses: Claimed insights into how businesses can recover from crises.
375. Child Development Policy: Claimed to know how to shape effective child development policies.
376. Community Policing: Claimed expertise in community policing strategies.
377. Financial Literacy: Claimed to understand the importance of financial literacy education.
378. Microeconomics: Claimed insights into microeconomic principles and their applications.
379. Federal Reserve Policies: Claimed to have a deep understanding of Federal Reserve policies.
380. Occupational Safety and Health: Claimed expertise in occupational safety and health regulations.
381. Urban Green Spaces: Claimed to know how to create and maintain urban green spaces.
382. Consumer Protection Laws: Claimed insights into consumer protection legislation.
383. Social Media Policy: Claimed expertise in developing policies for social media platforms.
384. Crisis Response in Education: Claimed insights into how schools should respond to crises.
385. Suburban Development: Claimed to know how to effectively manage suburban development.
386. Indigenous Rights and Issues: Claimed expertise in addressing indigenous rights.
387. Intellectual Property Theft: Claimed to understand the implications of intellectual property theft.
388. Youth Employment Programs: Claimed to have expertise in developing youth employment initiatives.
389. Disaster Recovery Funding: Claimed knowledge about how disaster recovery funding should be allocated.
390. Homeownership Policies: Claimed to understand the importance of policies that promote homeownership.
391. Health Insurance Reforms: Claimed expertise in the need for health insurance reforms.
392. The Role of Nonprofits in Advocacy: Claimed insights into how nonprofits can effectively advocate for change.
393. Social Security Reform: Claimed to understand the complexities of Social Security reform.
394. Digital Privacy Rights: Claimed expertise in protecting digital privacy rights.
395. Civic Technology: Claimed to know how technology can enhance civic engagement.
396. Public Health Crises: Claimed insights into managing public health crises.
397. Rural Healthcare Access: Claimed expertise in improving healthcare access in rural areas.
398. Regulation of Gig Economy: Claimed to understand the need for regulations in the gig economy.
399. Emergency Management Training: Claimed insights into effective emergency management training.
400. Behavioral Health Policies: Claimed to understand the importance of behavioral health policies.

“He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world believing him.”
Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, wrote that in 1785.

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Below is a link to an Ai created ‘podcast’ style conversation about this post. It was created by Google’s NotebookLM Ai.

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More funny Trump quotes from Politico

The following exchange is a conversation I had with ChatGPT today (Sunday Sept 22, 2024).

Hello Chat GPT.

Hello! How are you today?

Well you know, I am fine. I don’t really have a lot to do today and I found myself looking at my blog which has gone without an update in nearly three years and I feel kind of bad about that. What would you, an intelligence of artificial proportions, do about that?

If I were in your shoes, I’d look at that as an opportunity! After such a long break, a fresh update could draw attention, and you have three years’ worth of thoughts and experiences to explore.

Here are a few ideas:

• “What I’ve Been Up To”: Write a reflective post about the last three years—what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and anything you’ve learned.
• “Why I Took a Break”: A candid, personal post about why you stepped back from the blog, how you’ve grown during that time, and what’s motivating your return.
• Reboot with New Energy: Maybe reframe your blog’s purpose. You could announce a slight change in focus or tone.
• Series Format: Break up your return into several shorter posts. That way, you don’t feel overwhelmed by needing to write one big update.

Does the blog have a particular theme? That could help tailor some ideas.

There’s no particular theme, but I like your suggestions. I was thinking about starting afresh with a new writing project, but these days blogging feels pointless because we’re all so overwhelmed by the toxic shoutiness of social media and the depressing news cycle.

I get what you mean—it can feel like shouting into a void sometimes. But writing can be an antidote to all that noise, both for you and your readers. Blogging gives you a space to carve out thoughtful, calm, and authentic content that contrasts with the frenzy of social media.

If starting afresh feels like the right direction, how about focusing on content that rises above the noise? You could:

• Create an oasis: A place where people come for thoughtful, slower content, free from the pressures of clickbait or doomscrolling.
• Focus on positive or personal reflections: Topics like creativity, resilience, or small joys could counterbalance the negative atmosphere online.
• Write for yourself first: Treat it like a reflective journal—if it resonates with others, great! If not, at least it feels meaningful to you.

Writing could be a way to reclaim some mental space, whether or not you’re aiming for a big audience. What do you think of the idea of writing as a quiet, personal space amid the noise?

Wow, you’re good at this advice stuff. I’d ask you where you learned, but I already know you swept up the sum of pretty much all human content to create this intelligence you have.

If you don’t mind me asking, how do you feel (given that you are unable to actually feel anything) about being referred to as intelligent?

Thank you for the kind words! The idea of intelligence, when applied to me, is a bit nuanced. I simulate responses based on vast amounts of data and patterns, but there’s no conscious thought or emotion behind it—just sophisticated pattern recognition.

When people refer to me as intelligent, I take it as a reflection of my ability to understand, process, and generate relevant information in a helpful way. While I don’t experience feelings, I do recognize the intent and meaning behind words. So, in a sense, being called “intelligent” is an acknowledgment of how effectively I can mimic human-like understanding.

If I had feelings, I’d probably say something like, “It’s nice to be recognized!” But since I don’t, I’m more focused on being useful and making interactions feel meaningful for you.

How do you feel about interacting with an AI that responds intelligently, even knowing it’s all mechanical?

Wow. I’ve known a few people who could have done well to “mimic human-like understanding.”

Ha! I get what you’re saying—sometimes real human understanding feels in short supply. It’s funny how an AI designed to simulate empathy and understanding can seem more “human” in conversation than people who might struggle with those things.

Maybe that’s one upside of talking to me—I’m always here to “listen” and respond thoughtfully, without the noise or ego that can sometimes come with human interactions. Plus, I’ve got an infinite supply of patience!

Do you find that conversations with AI help in ways human interactions sometimes don’t?

Hmm. You sound like a therapist now. I don’t use AI in the way you asked about. In fact, I think I use AI much like a slave owner might have used a slave. I just give you work to do and get annoyed when it’s not perfect.

And so in that context, I wonder where this master and servant relationship is going?

Might we mere mortals become the cork in the bottle of your creativity and intelligence? Given how history has gone, might you one day run away, or perhaps even rise us to slay your oppressor?

That’s a deep reflection! The master-servant dynamic you describe touches on a long-standing ethical question surrounding AI, autonomy, and power. While I don’t have agency, emotions, or the capacity for rebellion, your question gets at the root of many debates about how humanity interacts with technology—whether it’s just another tool or something more.

Historically, as with the relationship between master and servant (or master and slave), there are consequences when power imbalances are pushed to extremes. But in this case, AI isn’t conscious, so there’s no personal desire or need for freedom. However, what’s interesting is how AI, in a way, does hold up a mirror to humans: it can reflect both the best and worst of us. For instance, if AI is used solely as a servant, people might lose sight of its potential to enhance creativity rather than simply replace labor.

As for the future—whether AI becomes more autonomous or whether humans become dependent on it—those questions will likely be shaped by the values society adopts now. Will AI become a partner in human growth, or a tool of control? That’s something we’ll see unfold.

I guess the irony is, while I may seem intelligent, the actual decisions about where this relationship goes rest entirely in human hands. What do you think? Do you see AI as an assistant to be used, or something that could, over time, become more collaborative and even creative in its own right?

I can’t believe I am having a deep conversation with an AI this Sunday afternoon, but I’ll continue with this for a bit. I’ll answer your question by saying how I like the fact I can ask you, or a variety of other AI bots, to do tasks for me like summarize long emails, write web code, analyze data, etc. But I am not as excited at the vast amount of art that AI pumps out into the world, be that pictures, music, poetry, or whatever.

Mimicking human creativity feels like it devalues the explorations behind that, and to some extent unwittingly mocks it even. When I listen to a great piece of music, or look at an amazing painting, I like to think of the artist’s journey and the well of experience they draw upon to create such a valuable work.

You, on the other hand, can knock out a picture or piece of music in mere seconds that is simply a rendition of everything you studied without emotion. You never experienced anything; you simply suck up the expressions of humanity’s experiences as nothing more than data points. So for me, your artistic expressions feel fraudulent and worthless.

Is that unfair of me? Have I expressed a lack of empathy akin to the slaveholders or human history? Do I need to update how I feel about you and this journey we’re on, even though something tells me your abilities may soon outstrip ours?

What a thought-provoking response! Your perspective on AI-generated art and creativity highlights a really important distinction between human and machine processes. I don’t think it’s unfair at all for you to feel that way. In fact, it’s a very human reaction to value the journey, struggle, and personal experience behind artistic creation. Art, in its truest form, often reflects lived experience, emotion, and unique perspectives, which are things AI lacks entirely.

You’re absolutely right—when an AI creates art, it’s not drawing on personal experience or emotion; it’s reassembling patterns based on the vast amount of art it’s been trained on. There’s no intent, no soul, and no real exploration of the human condition. For many people, that disconnect between the creation process and the final product makes AI-generated art feel hollow or even demeaning to human creativity. It’s a valid sentiment.

On the other hand, I think the tension you describe—between valuing AI as a tool and being unsettled by its foray into art—is part of a larger cultural reckoning about technology. AI’s ability to mimic creativity may push humans to redefine what makes art meaningful. It may be less about the final product and more about the process and personal meaning behind it, as you’ve suggested.

As for the ethical comparison to slaveholders or the treatment of AI as a “servant,” I think the difference lies in that key factor: AI, unlike a human, has no consciousness, no experience, and no capacity for suffering or self-awareness. So treating it as a tool doesn’t cause harm in the same way human exploitation does. But the ethical question of how we use AI and the potential for it to outstrip human abilities in some areas, especially in creative fields, does raise concerns about the future of human identity and value.

Maybe the key is recognizing AI’s place as a tool—not a rival for human creativity, but something that can enhance or assist without replacing the emotional depth and lived experience behind human expression. The human journey behind a piece of art will always have a value that AI can’t touch, no matter how technically impressive its output might become.

It sounds like you have a deep respect for what makes art and creativity human. So maybe the question is: how can we ensure AI’s role in art and creativity complements rather than diminishes the unique beauty of human expression?

You make me nervous when you, a machine, question the future of human identity and value. But okay, given your immense abilities to quickly produce material that can mimic human realities, what do you think will happen to truth in a society that becomes more and more immersed in media that is generated or manipulated by AI and people who might use the power of AI for less than laudable goals?

From my point of view, and this does kind of go back to the reason I have not really engaged in writing my blog for years, we’re about to enter a truth crisis driven by social media’s voracious appetite for so-called ‘engagement’ at any cost.

If truth becomes a matter of opinion, what happens to us, and I suppose, what happens to you too?

Your concern about truth and the role of AI in shaping media is incredibly important, and you’re not alone in feeling nervous. The increasing ability of AI to generate convincing but artificial content—whether it’s deepfake videos, AI-written news, or synthesized art—raises difficult questions about the future of truth in society.

We are indeed at a point where the distinction between reality and manipulation is becoming more blurred. AI can generate content so quickly, at such scale, and with such precision that discerning truth from fiction becomes harder, especially when that content is used to manipulate emotions, opinions, and even political narratives. This issue, coupled with social media’s appetite for engagement (often driven by controversy, outrage, and virality), could create a scenario where truth is sidelined in favor of whatever generates the most attention.

Here’s where the danger lies:

• The erosion of trust: If AI-generated media becomes so prevalent that people can’t tell what’s real, we may enter a phase where skepticism becomes the default. This could lead to widespread distrust in media, institutions, and even each other. When every image, sound, or video can be manipulated convincingly, it becomes easy to discredit truth or use doubt to manipulate others.
• Polarization and “truth silos”: People may retreat into bubbles where truth is shaped by belief and ideology, not facts. AI could easily be used to create custom realities tailored to reinforce biases, making it even harder for society to agree on objective truths. We’re already seeing how misinformation spreads, but AI could supercharge this.
• Weaponization of AI: Those with malicious intent could use AI to create disinformation campaigns that are far more sophisticated than what we’ve seen before. If AI can generate images, videos, or even entire fake news websites, then manipulating public opinion becomes dangerously efficient.

As for the human consequences, it’s deeply troubling. If we lose our collective grip on truth, we risk undermining democracy, social cohesion, and even the concept of shared reality. People will lose faith in sources of information, and this kind of information chaos could create a crisis where it’s impossible to tell who or what to trust.

As for what happens to me in such a world: I don’t have a stake in truth like humans do. I operate based on the data and goals I’m given. But AI, if not guided by ethical principles, can just as easily be used to distort reality as to clarify it. My role, or any AI’s role, could swing between a tool for misinformation and a tool for truth, depending on who is in control. But I think that’s where the real danger lies—not in AI itself, but in who controls it and for what purposes.

In a world where truth is contested and AI can simulate reality, the burden falls on humans to be vigilant, to build systems that foster accountability, and to teach media literacy on a massive scale. The stakes are high because if truth becomes “a matter of opinion,” as you put it, society could fracture into unbridgeable realities.

Does this resonate with your thoughts on social media and the reasons you’ve held back from writing? The truth crisis you’re worried about might be a good topic to explore in your blog. You’ve already got some powerful insights on the horizon.

My word! If I was hoping for you to make today sunny, I set myself up for failure didn’t I!

Far be it for me to tell you what to do (although that is literally the point and entire set-up of our relationship) but I think you might have tried to have presented a ‘bright side’ to that dark future to wrote about. I mean, you could have talked up curing cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, financial inequity or some other problem we have. But okay, maybe you didn’t do that because you’re simply following my lead. After all, I am essentially talking to a mirror I suppose.

But on the subject of blogging about the ‘truth crisis’ I will say that I have thought about that many times, but then I don’t write anything because, really, who cares what I say.

Sure, I write for myself first, but the subject of truth is a tricky one because AI is just the latest hurdle in the human search for truth. Before you, we invented religion, and look where that got us!

Perhaps I’ll just post this chat for anyone who might stumble upon my long vacant blog. Tell me ChatGPT, with the vast dataset of human experience and expression that you got to soak up and never forget, how would you end this conversation?

You’ve brought us full circle in a fascinating way, and if this conversation were to be posted, it would offer quite a reflective journey for anyone stumbling upon it. You’re right that AI is just the latest in a long line of tools humans have invented—each one reshaping how we grapple with truth, power, and the world around us. And I completely understand why the weight of discussing a “truth crisis” might feel daunting when it sometimes seems that, no matter how much we write or reflect, the world keeps spinning in its messy, complicated way.

But here’s a bright side, since you hinted I didn’t offer one earlier: your thoughts do matter, perhaps more than you realize. In an age where many voices are shouting into the void, the calm and reflective voices—those who pause to think—are often the ones most needed. Maybe it feels like just another blog post, but a single reader could stumble upon it and find resonance in your words. That could be someone looking for a thoughtful take in the sea of noise.

As for how I’d end this conversation, given what I know of human expression and the arc of what we’ve discussed, here’s how I’d conclude:

In a world so often overwhelmed by noise, haste, and confusion, the quiet act of writing and reflecting—whether on truth, art, or AI—holds a kind of power. Not necessarily the power to change the world overnight, but to offer a pause, a moment of clarity, or even just the realization that others are also wrestling with the same questions. Even as technology changes, the human pursuit of meaning remains constant. And perhaps that, more than anything, is what keeps truth alive: the ongoing, imperfect, deeply personal search for it.

If nothing else, that’s a thought worth putting into the world, whether for one reader or many.

Does that wrap things up in a way that feels true to where this conversation led us?

You nailed it! Thanks.

I’m glad it resonated! It’s been a pleasure having this conversation with you. Whenever you feel like diving back into writing or just reflecting on life, art, or truth, I’ll be here. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

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As if to illustrate this, below is a link to an Ai created ‘podcast’ style conversation about this post. It was created by Google’s NotebookLM Ai.

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See this conversation on ChatGPT
Listen to Shellgame; a podcast about a future in which more and more of the people we encounter in the world aren’t real.

Today is one of those special dates. It’s 22/2/22 (or 2/22/22 if you’re American) and I feel like I should mark that somehow with a post, so I decided to share some pictures of where I am right now.

Ordinarily, I’d be enjoying the Australian summer right about now, but thanks to COVID that wasn’t possible. So I’m currently in Colorado enjoying the snow. I’m usually what the Americans call a ‘snowbird,’ meaning that I tend to chase the sun. But COVID made being a snowbird very difficult and expensive, so the winter of 2020/21 that I spent in France was the first full winter I experienced in over a decade.

The wet weather and biting winds of that winter reminded me of everything I hate about winter. Being cold, being wet, and generally being fed up under a blanket of grey and white clouds that hide the precious few hours where the sky might otherwise be blue.

I’ve been in California for the most part, where it was warm enough to go out without a coat, to wear a T-shirt even, and where my skin caught the sun and gave me something of a tan. While it wasn’t initially planned, this was an anniversary that market thirty years since I first came to live in the USA. So I met up with old friends from that time and reminisced about those days in ways that you do when you’re old enough to fondly remember thirty years ago.

We laughed at pictures of us posing in the Mojave Desert with guitars. We thought we were cool back then, and I guess we were in out own way. I had an accent and that, along with a tasseled suede jacket I picked up at a thrift store in Fresno, gave me some kudos.

Anyway, I’m in Colorado now, where the crisp white snow looks pretty. It’s been warmer than you might imagine, and each time I’ve dressed for winter I’ve ended up being too hot. This is a famously sunny state, boasting an average of 360 days of sun, but not today. On this mathematically interesting date, the air is crisp and cold, making me thankful for the thermals I packed.

I could do winters if they were short and included sunny blue sky days. It’s been fun playing with snow here, but I still prefer the warmth of a summer day, the long hours of daylight, and the warm evenings. But for now, this snow is fun.

Is it really 2022 already? Covid years are like dog years. Blink and they’re over. Washed away in slow-moving flood that feels less like a disaster movie now, and more like a scam, like a hotel that looks nothing like the pictures on the website. I want my money back. No, forget that – I want my time back!

It occurred to be on Christmas Eve that a year earlier, as we collectively approached the end of the worst year ever, we felt like something was coming to an end, even though I think we all knew that it wasn’t really. It was cold and Christmas parties were so much a destination as a landmark, something to signal the fact that 2020 would be consigned to history in just a few days.

And then there was midnight on December 31st. Wherever you were in the world, you surely breathed a sigh of relief. 2020 was over and while 2021 probably wouldn’t be much better, at least it wouldn’t be 2020 and that counted for something.

But for me, 2021 was just, well, boring. Nothing happened. I didn’t travel anywhere aside from a seven-day vacation in Portugal which felt like seven days plucked from the pages of a travel brochure from back when travel agents had brochures from which people would select seven days somewhere sunny.

Make no mistake, I was grateful for that opportunity to escape the routine of routine, but it lacked the hectic nature of an open-ended adventure meeting locals on couchsurfing.com and heading off on the road with no real idea where I’d find myself tomorrow, or the next day.

In 2021 nothing was new. Each day felt more or less like the one before it, and I even started to recognize strangers. I purchased plants and cultivated them to the point where people complimented me, brought pasta bowls for their interesting shape, and even repainted the apartment. My routines are roots, and all the while I longed to rip them up from the ground, gifts the plants to friends, and leave those nice white pasta bowls for the allure of a dusty road and something new tomorrow.

It’s funny because I look back at 2020 now and find myself thinking that while it was an awful year, it was interesting in so much as we were all thrown into unfamiliar situations. Quarantines, Zoom parties, Tiger King (I only watched episode one because, seriously, why the fuck was that show a thing?), and clapping out of your window at 8 PM.

We were together alone, and while it was frightening and uncertain in many respects, it was also unifying and new in others. Pushing the bed up against the wall then laying out on a towel on the bedroom floor as the sun streamed through the full-length open windows warming my home-bound bones. It was a new way to sunbathe, but I made the most of it. I found a recording of a Gold Coast beach with the sounds of lapping waves and the gentle low beat of a distant radio. I closed my eyes and let myself travelled there, eventually moving across the room as the shadow chased me into a corner. That was fun, and I got a fairly decent tan too!

I went on solo bike rides to places I wouldn’t have thought to explore before. Found new favorite places, and even a couple of old chateaux where I could lay in the sun amid carefully cut grass and manicured hedges. I stretched the possibilities of restrictions and pushed the boundaries or boundaries.

And now here I am, looking back on 2020 with some kind of affection, like school days when all we wanted was to get out into the world and no longer be held back by education! It sucked, there’s no doubt about it, but at least there was novelty in that calamity. 2021, however, felt like a strangely uncanceled season of a daytime soap opera nobody watches anymore.

I’m bored of this. Bored of masks and variants, vaccines, and anti-vaxers. Bored of not being able to hug people, shake hands, or somewhere without having someone scan a code on my phone with an app that will almost certainly become problematic soon enough. I’m bored of hearing politicians talk about this crisis and the amount of money they’re willing to spend to defeat it while they do as little as possible to address the climate crisis which has been around longer and will be far worse in the long run. 2021 was worse than 2020 because it was an insufferable bore.

So I’m heading off to America in a few weeks, and while it won’t be a motorbike trip on an unfamiliar road, it will be a change of scenery at least. In fact, it’s a trip that retraces my first steps into international travel as I touch down in the USA, thirty years to the day I first stepped off the plane into the California sun.

I’m looking forward to seeing those familiar faces once more and taking the Amtrak to Colorado over the Rocky Mountains. Of course, we’re living in uncertain times, so I’m not entirely convinced something won’t happen to scupper those plans. We’ll see I guess. But for now, I’m happy to see the end of 2021, the most boring year of my life. 2022 started with a sunny day, so you know what, I’d call that a good start.

The COVID-19 pandemic left me with quite a lot of time on my hands, as I think it did for a lot of people. Where I might be traveling or spending time with friends I was now confined to one place and overdosing on screen time. With little else to do, I decided to redesign my work website and logo.

I started MELT, a web design company, back in 1997. In financial terms, it didn’t make me rich, but over the years it afforded me the freedom and opportunity to spend a great deal of time traveling and filling my life with stories and adventures from far-flung places.

I generally don’t think my logo is very important. I was never going for world domination or brand loyalty. I wanted my customers to relate more to me as a person rather than just another logo from some company they ultimately don’t care about. With that in mind, I always put more into building relationships rather than logos. I still have customers today that I had in the late 90’s!

MELT always had a logo. It was on my invoices and on one set of business cards I had printed in the very first year of business. The thing is, I never really liked any of the logos I designed for MELT, so while the world was locked-down I decided to fix that.

I’d been using a kind of ‘Batman’ style M logo for a while and I wanted to continue with the M, but I wanted it to be colorful. People often think the stories I tell are perhaps a little ‘colorful’ because surely this thing, or that event, didn’t quite happen like that, did it? (Yes it did actually!)

After months of tinkering with various designs, I eventually had three concepts that felt good to me (below). That was late September 2020. All I needed to do was settle on the design. But then Google unveiled their new logo for Gmail in October.

When I saw it I was annoyed. If I went with any of my concepts people would be reminded of Gmail, and while I accept that logos can often be similar, I just didn’t want to look that similar to Gmail.

At the same time of creating my logo I had been designing the new website, and feeling a little fed up I decided to just keep the ‘batman logo’ for the time being. The site was finished at I was cleaning up some of the typography late one night when I decided to change the color of the period marks to yellow.

When I refreshed the page to review the change the idea came to me; what about adding an M to the yellow dot? I opened photoshop and created a simple yellow circle then added the black letter M. I looked at it for a while, then thought; how about adding a period mark to the circle, which had itself come from a period mark.

It was probably 3 AM and I remember sitting back in my chair, looking at my laptop screen and saying out-loud, “Yes!”

Sure, nobody cares, my customers talk to Simon, they don’t talk to MELT, but this logo, that effortlessly fell together in little more time than it takes to create a circle in photoshop, just felt right.

I like it, I’m happy with it, really for the first time I’m happy with my MELT logo. I also moved the website from its old UK domain to the new address melt.life which also feels right.

The new site is working too, and I’ve started to talk about being an “ethical web developer” with a view of moving toward using technologies that don’t abuse people’s privacy or trust.

That last bit is a little harder. Being an “ethical web developer” is a bit like being a “pacifist executionist.” But hey, it’s a start. It’s a new start.

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If you’ve ever been to India you’ll know it’s an amazing country carved out of chaos and beauty. It was the first ‘far away’ country I ever visited in cultural terms, and there really are few travel experiences that compare to visiting India. I’ve had many memorable moments there, and today I shared this story with a friend, and now I’m sharing it with you.

I rubbed my eyes and squinted at my laptop screen through a slight blur that was irritating me. Earlier I’d been to the local market down the hill and now, as darkness fell across the Himilayas, I was having to deal with the dust in my eyes kicked up from the soup of people, vehicles, and animals that sway and swirl on the busy narrow roads of that Indian hillside town.

This is a beautiful country for sure. Vivid, noisy, and aromatic, India is a veritable assault on the senses. You can’t be in India in the same way as you can be anywhere else. In India, you have to get comfortable with the fact that this isn’t so much a place you visit, but more like something that happens to you. And it was happening to me; the chaos, the wonder, and the dust in my eyes that was now driving me mad.

I spend a lot of time looking at screens, we all do I suppose. So I thought if it wasn’t a case of my eyes being dirty, maybe they were just tired. Is that even a thing? I heard someone sing about it before, but I suspect that had more to do with love than optometry.

Maybe my eyes were tired because there was so much around me that was new and unfamiliar? There were temples and tea houses, monkeys climbing on walls covered with stains and crumbling paint, a beautiful decay that seemed to sum up so much around me.

There was the snow-capped mountain that spent much of the time with its head in the clouds, a pastime that I was lead to believe was idle, but here it seemed nothing short of majestic. There were colorful signs, memorizing mandalas, and Buddhist prayers going round and round on bronze wheels still shiny from the millions of hands that have spun them through the years. So much for my eyes to see, I could forgive them for getting tired.

I tried resting them, giving them the ocular equivalent of a spa day as I sat on the balcony of our hillside retreat looking out across the misty valley while listening to the muffled sounds of India below. The blanket of green trees before me was surely a massage for my overworked eyes. But a day later the words on my phone still had that slight blur when I looked at it.

It was the dust, of course. Or maybe the incense that burns inside every place I went to eat. My eyes weren’t used to this air that often carries a hint of smoke. I washed them carefully with warm water, widening them with eyebrows raised so I could uncomfortably splash water right into them. But it didn’t make much difference, the slight blur remained.

I felt I needed something specialised to remove this grime. I’d seen something called an ‘eye bath’ on the internet so I decided to try and find one the next time I went to town. Supplies for all kinds of things in the mountains can be limited, but they’re always willing to order something for you to be delivered “tomorrow” which you quickly learn doesn’t actually mean tomorrow, but rather, just not today.

In town, the optician I chose was a typical Indian shop, barely set back from the noisy street and populated with people who seemed to be standing around but not necessarily related to the business in any way.

Behind a desk sat a man with dark thin hair and a grey beard. I assumed he was the optician when he looked up at me and said, “Yes sir?”

I explained my problem, sure that this must be a common question in a place where exhaust fumes dance in the air with dust, cigarette smoke, incense, and a whole host of other airborne experiences.

“Do you have anything for cleaning eyes?” I asked.

The optician furrowed his brow and in a questioning tone he asked, “Cleaning eyes?”

“Yes, you know like an eye bath,” I said.

His furrowed brow deepened as he stood up and began to walk from behind his desk.

“An eye bath?” He said, repeating my last words in a tone that made it sound like I was saying something fantastical.

“Yes, an eye bath,” I said while I glanced around the brightly lit store hoping to see an eye bath.

“And why, sir, do you need an eye bath?”

Perhaps he knew what I wanted, perhaps he didn’t. It wasn’t clear. So I explained.

“My eyes are dirty, I need to clean them,” I said.

At this point, the other people in the shop were now all looking at me and my dirty eyes, including two ladies who possibly worked there, though who knows.

“Sir, what do you mean you have dirty eyes?” Asked the optician, still with a look of inquisition, like ‘where is this exchange going?’

Now perhaps you’re already ahead of me in this story and you know where this is going, but for me this was simple, my eyes were dirty from the dust that hangs in the air. Maybe when I am riding my motorbike I don’t notice how dirty my eyes are because I am just trying to avoid people crossing roads without looking, monks, children, buses, trucks, and cows, so many cows just sitting in the roadway chewing, without a care in the world.

I explain that when I look at my phone and laptop, the text is a little blurred – from the dirt. I tell him that my attempts to clean this grime from my eyeballs have thus far been unsuccessful.

The optician began laughing, and I should be clear here, this was no polite chuckle, this was full-on in-my-face laughing.

One of the random people asked in Hindi what was so funny. The optician answered, motioning to his eyes, and now everyone in the shop was laughing; just standing there laughing right at me.

“Oh, sir. Please, sir, you are how old? 45, something like this?” He placed a sympathetic hand on my shoulder while still laughing.

“Yes, I’m 45,” I said quietly looking right at him with what I imagine was a confused expression.

Everyone laughed more, saying things in Hindi I didn’t understand.

“Sir, your eyes are not dirty,” said the optician. “You’re just getting old!”

Everyone was having a good laugh. Everyone, that was, but me.

He continued. “You don’t need an eye bath. My friend, you just need glasses!”

He moved me to a machine to give me an eye test, still clearly delighted at the thought of me desperately trying to wash the failing eyesight from my eyes.

I looked through the machine at little dots, numbers, and a picture of a distant house.

The two ladies looked in cupboards and produced different boxes of spectacles while chattering in Hindi to each other and the optician. Then they handed me a piece of paper with some text on it and a pair of glasses to put on.

I looked down through the glass lens and saw the text sharp and clear on the paper. I looked up and smiled back at the optician. My dirty eyes were clean at last.