The Human Agenda

SPEAK A NOVEL by Louise Hall - Vital Conversations

September 9, 2020
Vital Conversations
Speak: A Novel by Louisa Hall

This creative work is woven from a varied series of first-person narratives: Mary, a 17th‑century Puritan girl emigrating to America; Alan Turing pre and postwar; Karl Dettman, a 1960s scientist working on artificial intelligence (a character based on real-life computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum); Gaby, a young girl in 2035 suffering from a trauma-induced “lock-in” syndrome after her beloved robot doll was snatched from her; and Stephen R Chinn, who is in a Texas prison in 2040. Chinn is a Steve Jobs-style genius and entrepreneur who made billions designing and selling intelligent “babybots”, who fell from grace when his invention proved too successful. Shy kids bonded with their bots to the exclusion of actual humans. Convinced their development was being impaired, the authorities confiscated them, and a psychological epidemic of stuttering, fitting and freezing swept through the child population. Chinn looks back on his life: from school nerd, via a stint as obnoxious pickup artist, to lonely billionaire prone to dating shallow supermodels who, in a narrative knight’s move that is genuinely affecting, unexpectedly finds happiness with his physically unprepossessing cleaning lady – for a time, at any rate.

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Possible releasing conversation: Share your name and in one sentence say something about “artificial intelligence.”

1. Karl Dettman. “…one day that machine will remember your words, but it won’t ever feel them. It won’t understand them. It will only throw them back in your face.” (page 30). What does it mean to you to both understand and feel the words that are spoken?
2. Alan Turing. “It is our goal, as you know, to describe the actual sequences by which human beings develop their mind-sets…We are even now reopening our investigation into the Fibonacci sequence, in the hopes that it will reveal to us new secrets about cellular growth.” Page 66). What is the Fibonacci sequence and how might it help understand human reality?
3. Stephen R Chinn. “And what if these bots (AI Babies) took over? What if they relieved us of power? We tend to assume that sentient machines would be inevitably demonic…They would govern the world according to functions, and the axioms their programmers gave them.” (page 86). What are sentient machines? Could they do a better job in many areas? Are there things they could not do better than humans?
4. Karl Dettman. “Like it or not, the programs we invent will be used in battle and despite your aversion to watching the news there’s no way you haven’t seen the battles this country fights; the scorched peasant villages, napalm bombs, naked children running out of the smoke.” (page 112) Is it inevitable that computers will be used more for evil than good? What can we do now to avoid that today?
5. Alan Turing. “I’ve begun to imagine a near future when we might read poetry and play music for our machines, when they would appreciate such beauty with the same subtlety as a live human brain. When this happens, I feel that we shall be obligated to regard the machine as showing real intelligence…you’ve always remained open to the possibility that my science and your religion might coexist. After all, we’re both after the same things.” (page 156). Can we say a machine has intelligence? Can science and religions coexist? Are we after the same thing?
6. MARY3 (an artificial babybot). “But who are you, other than the person you’ve selected this morning to be? Isn’t that what humans do when they try to be liked. Select the right kind of voice, learned after years of listening in? The only difference between you and me is that I have more voices to select from.” (page 176-177). Are human beings as good at relationships as a well programed artificial babybot?
7. Alan Turing. “I find it hard to believe that a machine, programmed for equanimity and rational synthesis could ever act as maleficent as we humans have already proven ourselves capable of acting. I fail to summon the specter of a machine more harmful that Hitler or Mussolini.” (page188). Is our “humanness” a gift or a problem in today’s world? Would artificial intelligence make better choices in elections, problem solving, global survival and living in peace with justice?
8. “Some theorists argue that all our words are dishonest, given that we can’t actually mean them. Others have argued with less success that as long as we have the words for emotions, it must be assumed that we have the emotions.” (page 241). Think and talk about the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and the words we use in writing and speaking. When you speak, do you want others to listen or to hear? What is the difference?
9. Stephen Chinn. “It’s difficult to overstate the euphoria one feels while programming a mind, even if you’re tinkering with someone else’s outdated code. The engineer who builds whole cities isn’t so powerful. The computer programmer alone is the creator of a universe in which he dictates all laws.” (page 257). When do you feel the most powerful and creative? How can you participate in “creating a universe”?
10. Ruth Dettman. “Surrounded by such alien creatures, I found myself yearning for the comforts provided by our computer. I longed for its cool, unchangeable body, sitting still on the desk. For its total lack of vanity, just questions, bright green on the gray screen, and the careful absorption of each of my answers.” (page 274). Do you long to be asked serious questions and be listened to without “the other” interrupting? Would an intelligent computer make a better friend and ally than a person with prejudices and ego?
11. What is a Turing Test? Do you know a superior method of measuring humanity?

October 14th Never Caught: The Washington’s Relentless Pursuit of their Runaway Slave Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. This is the story not only of the powerful lure of liberty but also of George Washington’s determination to recapture his property by whatever means necessary. Never Caught is an important new work on one of the world’s most celebrated families, and is the only book that examines the life of an eighteenth-century fugitive woman in intricate detail. It is a must read for anyone interest in American history.

David E. Nelson
816.896.3835
humanagenda@gmail.com

I Choose to Lament and Imagine

“Justice and Peace
It’s Black and White”
June 20, 2020 3 pm on Facebook
David Nelson – Opening Statement

We are living during a time of grief. Grief is an overpowering emotion that can weaken your entire body and mind. It can debilitate us and keep us from performing normal life functions. Even when shared it impacts each person deep inside body, mind and spirit. Grief overwhelms the brain and the body. To watch a brother or sister brutally murdered tares at the fabric of our being. When these pictures are repeated year after year, community after community it becomes even more oppressive and overwhelming. We can lose our ability to imagine and to believe in a better world. The sin of racism hurts communities of color, fractures human relationships, and denies God’s good creation. Lament is a way for us to recognize the harm caused by racism.

But Lament is not enough. Dr. William Barbar II, one of the leaders of the Poor People’s Assembly going on as we gather right now, reminds the world “accepting death is no longer an option.” We can no longer tolerate this vicious cancer that like another virus is spreading and destroying this nation, the world and the sacred bond we have with each other.

As an Appreciative Inquiry Coach and a human being, I refuse to give up. When I see my sisters and my brothers killed and denied their human dignity, I lament AND choose to imagine a better world. I admire the persistence, the courage, and the wisdom of Black Lives Matter and those who march and demonstrate. As a person who has benefited from “white privilege”, I have a sacred responsibility to keep imagining and nurturing something better.

As a white man these days I must do lots of listening, reading, pondering, and praying. I listen and I hear you my Black brothers and sisters. I hear you and am moved. I hear you and agree that racism must be condemned, racist behaviors must change, and justice must flow like water. I will listen and when possible use my “white privilege” to support needed change.

I choose to lament and imagine a paradigm shift in policing. We do not need military warriors in our streets we need caregiving partners who use their heads and hearts more often than their clubs and guns.
I choose to lament and imagine 9-1-1 Centers to use protocols that enable emergency dispatchers to identify what service would best bring relief and hope into a crisis.
I choose to lament and imagine equity in representation in all public operations.
I choose to lament and imagine a day when every person’s root cause for success and positive core is recognized, celebrated and enlisted in building a more beloved community.
I choose to lament and imagine continued Vital Conversations where the purpose is not to win an argument, but to win a friend and advance civilization.

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
Martin Luther King, Jr

Human Agenda Meetings

Human Agenda Meeting Guidelines

My thanks to Ronald R. Short, Ph.D.

1. Begin meetings by having each person share their name and their intentions. Describe what they think, feel and want from the meeting.

2. Get clear about the purpose of the meeting and roles each will play.

3. Throughout the meeting check inside yourself. What is going on?

4. Make a choice about what to do with your inside information. Will it help you to share it? Will it help the meeting?

5. Lead with your intention. State why you are speaking and what you want in response.

6. Inquire when you are unclear about another person’s intention.

7. End the meeting by inviting every person to describe the impact of the meeting on them and the degree to which the meeting achieved it’s objectives.

As we are having more meetings “virtually” it is important that we are intentional about the gathering. These guidelines can assure better outcomes for all concerned.

The Human Agenda

David E. Nelson

humanagenda@gmail.com

816.896.3835

Life-Long Learning

LIFE LONG LEARNING

“The provision or use of both formal and informal learning opportunities through- out people's lives in order to foster the continuous development and improvement of the knowledge and skills needed for employment and personal fulfilment.”

Top Ten Reasons to be a Lifelong Learner

1. We live in a changing world. What we learned in the past is not enough for life today and tomorrow.

2. No job, no career, is your life. Continuing to learn keeps life interesting for you.

3. Learning new information, stories, and ideas keeps you interesting to others.

4. No matter what your age, preparing for retirement is a good thing.

5. The human brain is functioning at its best when you are using it fully.

6. Life is too short for a full-time job. Keep balance in your life.

7. There is so much “out there” you don’t want to miss.

8. The community and world need more people who are curious about life.

9. You can impress your friends with new ideas at the office and at a party.

10. It is so much fun.

Ten Practices for Being a Lifelong Learner

1. Decide to be a lifelong learner. “Not to decide is to decide.”

2. Keep a record of what you learn. Use a journal, daybook or other method to document your learning.

3. Have partners in your quest. There are groups in your community that read and study together. You can audit classes at a local community college or university. You can select a “study-buddy” to meet with weekly or less often.

4. Set goals and write down action plans for your learning practice.

5. Create learning experiences with people you love. Family trips for a day, week or longer can be rich learning opportunities. Engage partners and children in the planning.

6. Go to movies and have a discussion with others about the movie. The “Art Form Discussion Guide” can be used with any movie or book.

7. Read a daily newspaper and increase your knowledge of your community.

8. Don’t be afraid to reach beyond your normal circle to discover new friends and partners in the human journey.

9. Volunteer to teach or facilitate at a free university or local organization.

10. Have fun!

Appreciative Inquiry Meals

Appreciative Inquiry Meals
By David E. Nelson

Meals have been an important part of my life. They have not only provided sustenance for physical survival and health, but also provided social connectedness, provocative conversations, and spiritual activity. I remember fondly my grandparent’s, and parent’s dining and kitchen tables. There were a number of unwritten, but clearly understood rules which were followed. They were places where life was nurtured, identified, celebrated, and challenged. These tables were places where healing and hope soothed wounds. The tables in my childhood home were debate venues where many varying opinions were expressed and argued. I remember small tables where friendship was discovered, nurtured, and blossomed. Fondly, I recall as I grew older some of the tables where love was celebrated, plans were made, and lives were forever changed. To this day the evening meal remains a special part of each day for me and for that I am grateful.

Through the years, in my home and others, routines seemed to have changed. I remember when TV trays were substituted for our table and we gathered not to face each other, but to face the TV and watch the evening news. That loss was compounded when busy schedules intruded and meal time was no longer a time for togetherness. Life goes on and things change. I adapted and found other ways to connect and deepen relationships. However, my desire for meals where people sit down together, look into each others faces, tell stores, and listen to each other remains a priority. There have been many long drawn out meals that I will never forget. The intimacy of eating and drinking together, for me, cannot be morphed into something else.

Most recently smart phones have challenged meal time. Although I like my smart phone, it too has been a barrier recently to the pleasure of dining together. The convenience of having the world at my fingertips has benefits, but often the ability to connect with others so easily can get in the way of connecting with the person and persons I am sitting with. It alarms me when people pick up texts, messages, and phone calls when dining with me. I feel abandoned when the persons with whom I am sharing the intimacy of a meal “leave me” to connect to someone somewhere else. I know that most of the time my dining partners don’t mean to dismiss me or say that I am less important than someone else.

I am choosing to follow a new personal “rule” for mealtime. When I sit down for a meal it will be without my phone interrupting me. I will turn it off, leave it somewhere else or put it on vibrate. I will wait until the meal is over and then check on messages. The world outside the intimacy of the table will go on without me because the person or persons at my table are “the world” for me during this special time. I make this commitment to myself in order to live more fully and love with more integrity. I also invite those who are willing to share a meal with me do the same. I know it is asking a lot and I understand when others are unwilling to give up outside communication. I choose to eat appreciative inquiry meals. Would you be interested in joining me?

Holiday Greetings 2015

"What you pay attention to becomes your reality."
Second assumption of Appreciative Inquiry

There are lots of loud voices and disturbing images in the media screaming at me to pay attention to certain problems in the world. I understand we must remain vigilant in the 21st century, but as a student of history I also know these are not the end times. The quality of life still depends not by what happens but how one responds to the events. As we greet you during this wonderful holiday season we wish to share some of the things we have been paying attention to.
• Our life together as a couple, our children, and children in law.
• Our five grandchildren, ages 6-16. They are learning math and reading skills, scoring baskets, dancing, singing and teaching their parents and grandparents much about life.
• An Assistance League store raising funds to cloth children and support women and children going through difficult times.
• Vital Conversations every month discussing books, movies, current events with the purpose "not to win an argument, but to win a friend and advance civilization."
• My favorite movie line of the year from "Bridge of Spies" when the Soviet spy is asked several times "Are you worried?" And several times responds "Would it help?"
• My favorite news clip on TV of a little boy the day after the tragic attack on Paris being interviewed and fearing he must lose his house. His father assuring his son that "They may have guns, but we have flowers and candles." The son soon feels better.
• Several groups of men and women who, in retirement, continue to ponder the events of the day and volunteer to take small and big steps to make a positive difference in the community.
• Men in the Life Connections Program at USP Leavenworth who are changing their thinking and behavior and reentering society contributing to the value of their communities.
• A loving kitty rescued from a trash container in back of a fast food restaurant who now adds playfulness, humor and a warm lap when I read the morning newspapers.
• The people of Cuba we visited who drive 1950 American cars, don't carry guns, and have complete health care from cradle to grave.
• Che Guevara who was willing to give his life for a vision that still inspires many of us.
• Books that tell the strange and challenging story of Eva Peron.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina, visited recently, where people from all over the world have come as immigrants and created a city of class, great art and fascinating history.
• Lighting candles in the dark with a community that still believes love is stronger than hate and the powers of creation and the future remain on our side even when it's dark out.
• A story of a poor family forced to stay in a barn the night of delivery giving birth to an infant who would speak words that continue to be proclaimed around the world.

We also enjoy paying attention to you, our friends, as you share the histories of your lives.
May the Holiday season bring joy and hope to you and the whole human family.

Celebrating the Gifts of Racial Pluralism - December 9, 2015

Topic: Racial diversity is a clear and potent reality in the United States, which is blessed to reflect the world's sundry peoples. From a political, social and theological standpoint diversity is a gift to be celebrated. One of the first mottoes of the United States, “e pluribus unum" -- out of many, one, -- today takes on new importance as we interpret it for our time to embrace the wide variety of our citizens. In the cities of this nation there is a growing rise of “non-dominant culture” with the expectation that within a few decades or sooner there will be no dominant culture or race. The Creator, as understood by many of the world religions, appears to favor a rich diversity of life, especially human life. Racism, the opinion that one race is superior to another, is clearly an aberration of our political, social and religious vision. When the evil of racism appears, especially when enforced with the power of politics, law and military might, all parties suffer and the quality of life is damaged. Identifying racism, sharing stories of past hurts, and exploring and dismantling the oppressive systems and mentalities that keep this evil among us are helpful steps in healing. We also need to envision a more perfect unity, telling stories of positive interactions, celebrating them and refreshing our agenda to create delight in our differences.

Question for conversations:
1. Tell briefly your person history of interactions with individuals of different races. What events in your life have given you hope? Where have you been wounded and how? Where have you wounded another and how? How might these memories have been different? What have you learned from your person history that can be helpful in building a better community for all people
2. What do you value most about yourself? What do you value most about your race?
3. What are actions you can take to discover, celebrate, nurture and assure a more satisfying community embracing the joys of racial pluralism?
4. It is ten years from today and Kansas City is being recognized and celebrated nationally as a city that celebrates the gifts of racial pluralism. Talk about some of the events that have happened to bring this honor to our city.

Kansas City Oasis - A Gathering of Free Thinkers

KC Oasis-August 17, 2014

 “Appreciative Inquiry: An Alternative Way of Thinking”

Assumptions of Appreciative Inquiry

1.  In every human being and every organization something works.

2.  What we focus on becomes our reality.

3.  Reality is created in the moment, and there are multiple realities.

4.  Being present to another person influences the person in some way.

5.  People have more confidence and comfort to journey to the future (the unknown) when they carry forward part of the past (the known.)

6.  If we carry parts of the past forward, they should be what are best about the past.

7.  It is important to value and celebrate differences.

8.  The language we use creates our reality. 

Core Values of KC Oasis

• 1.     People are more important than beliefs.
• 2.     Human hands solve human problems.
• 3.     Reality is known through reason.
• 4.     Meaning comes from making a difference.
• 5.     Labels are unimportant.
• 6.     Unity in our values, charity in our differences.
• 7.     Be accepting and be accepted in return.

Questions for interview

1.  Pick one of the values listed above and share a personal story about why that value is important to you.

2.  What do you value most about yourself?

3.  What do you value most about the Oasis Community?

The Five Principles of Appreciative Inquiry

1.  The constructionist principle. We create the future through our ideas and imagination.  Language is the tool with which we create and make things meaningful, and reveal possibilities.  To increase our use and understanding of words will add value to our organizations.

2.  The principle of simultaneity.  In asking a question, we are at the same time creating change.  By our inquiry, we plant the seeds for co-creation, collaboration.  The mere act of asking questions will have an impact on the organization

3.  The poetic principle.  Organizations are a lot less like machines and a lot more like a work of art, open to multiple interpretations.  They can be a source of inspiration.    Reality is what we pay attention to.

4.  The anticipatory principle.  Human beings move in the direction of inquiry, as plants move toward the light.  To intervene at the level of the imagination is key.  We can dream and create stronger and more creative and humane organizations. 

5.  The positive principle.  The more positive the question asked, the more positive the storytelling and data.  When more people are telling positive stories there is greater chance for finding common ground and creating a positive future. 

 

Insights from Israel

Appreciative Inquiry Interview

Topic:   I Am Malala is a story about a girl’s vision, courage and the price she paid to pursue it.  It is about the interaction of nations and cultures.  It invites us to explore and share our own stories about our passions, our spirituality and our country’s role in a global community.

 

1. Tell me a personal story about your vision.  What issue or commitment do you have passion about?  What are you doing to make your community a better place for others?  What have you thought about doing to serve others?
2. Without being modest, what do you value most about yourself?  What do you value most about your country?
3. How do you see politics and religion interacting in your country
4. How can you as a citizen of the world increase your understanding and appreciation of the citizens of other nations?  Do you have ideas to share with others in this conversation?

On May 14th at Vital Conversations we had these guest from our sister city in Israel.  The interview gave them and gave us greater understanding about our common human quest.  There were many very positive comments about the session.  I look forward to more conversations like this.

 

Redefining "being human"

Being Human

David E. Nelson D.Min. 

I have appreciated the music of Kris Kristofferson for most of my adult life.   I especially like the song below.  Johnny Cash once said this song was also his favorite.  It suggests, for me, a new way to look at our humanness.  For too many being human is an excuse for making a mistake or doing something wrong.  When someone fails I have heard the words, “After all I am only human.”  That attitude implies that being human is somehow a mistake or something to recover from. 

Being fully human is a rare and wonderful gift we have been given.  We are unique in the world and can nurture that gift by living fully our human possibilities.  In every relationship in the office, the shop or at home we can be human and recognize that other person also as a unique and wonderful person. 

"Here Comes That Rainbow Again"

Kris Kristofferson 

The scene was a small roadside cafe.
The waitress was sweepin' the floor.
Two truck drivers drinkin' their coffee,
And two Okie kids by the door.

"How much are them candies?" they asked her.
"How much have you got?" she replied.
"We've only a penny between us."
"Them's two for a penny," she lied.

And the daylight grew heavy with thunder,
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain't it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again.

One truck driver called to the waitress,
After the kids went outside.
"Them candies ain't two for a penny,"
"So what's it to you?" she replied.

In silence they finished their coffee.
Got up and nodded goodbye.
She called,"Hey, you left too much money."
"So what's it to you?" they replied.

And the daylight was heavy with thunder,
With the smell of the rain on the wind.
Ain't it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again.
Ain't it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again.

Recently I had a new crown for one of my teeth.  In the past the process took two trips to the dentist.  During the first one the tooth was prepared and a temporary crown placed on the tooth.  Then several weeks later I returned and the permanent crown was applied.  In my case several years ago I had to return a third time because the first “permanent crown” had to be reshaped again.  It was all a bummer for this client.

 In my last adventure with a new crown I was only in the office once.  The preparation was finished and I waited as the crown was prepared and readied.  It took a couple of hours, but what a better way.  As I was thanking my dentist I quoted from the above song and thanked him for being a great human being.  He appreciated my gratitude.  I know the crown-making machine must cost a bundle, but it improved the quality of the process and made my trip a little less burdensome.  Good human beings improve the lives of others.

 When I enter the office I am always pleased that the greeting is warm and personal.  The office staff knows my name and they ask about my family.  That is a good human thing to do.  It takes a small effort to make a large impression.  I like having nametags so I can also call them by name.  We humans are relationship animals and enjoy the respect and kindness that is shown.  Friendly human beings bring joy to others.

 As an Appreciative Inquiry Coach I want to change the paradigm on what it means when we use the word “human.”  This special word can carry a lot of power if we reclaim the unique and positive meaning.  Let’s begin with children and teach them that being human is both the path and goal for wonderful living.  I seek to review my thinking and behavior as a human being and celebrate the amazingly good things that are possible.

 I like the lyrics of the above song for another reason.  The story that is told reminds me that human kindness is contagious.  Acts of concern become seeds for more acts of concern.  A friendly greeting results in more friendliness by others around.  I have often observed the expansion and spreading of a kind word or deed.  Like a rock thrown into a pond, the ripples extend out and out to touch others.  I did not like the old cartoon when the man was put down at the office, comes home and puts down his spouse, who picks on the kids who hurt the dog.  That is not the way it should work.  When we treat each other as humans, we start a different cycle.  One good deed breeds another and more and more good things happen.  Gentle human beings add value to those around them.

 My city, like most other cities, has experienced too much crime and hatred recently.  A man driven by hatred toward one religious group took a gun and attached a community center and nursing home and killed several people.  Paradoxically, the victims were not from the group he hated.  Such crimes tear at a community’s heart and bring many emotions to the surface.  I am pleased that in this case the overwhelming response by many of my sisters and brothers was to be human.  They reached out to stand in solidarity with the attached group.  We united in a memorial that became a beacon for the city to remember the victims and the human connections that make this a great place to live.  Humans build a better world through their compassion and commitments.

 It is hard to change the narrative of a family, an office, community or world.  Some seem stuck in past hurt and pain.  Some still believe the other must change first.  But being human is to take the lead in creating relationships and spaces where human connect with other humans in beautiful and life changing ways.

“Ain't it just like a human?
Here comes that rainbow again.”