A Life Well Lived (According to GPT)
Welcome to the 68th edition of this newsletter!
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People sometimes ask me about my biography, specifically how someone who has a Ph.D. in astrophysics (computational cosmology) decided to switch to photography. To be honest, I hate talking about it simply because it's not interesting at all to me. Don't get me wrong, at least in part I understand the fascination. But I'm really tired of having to talk about it.
There's no way around it, though. People keep asking. Given that a new language-creating tool has appeared -- a chat bot based on GPT, I decided to have it write my biography for me. This way, I can point people to what they're interested in.
You use the chat bot by asking it questions, which it then answers. It creates its answers from all the text it has been trained on. When I started out, it told me: "as a large language model trained by OpenAI, I don't have any personal knowledge or information about specific individuals or events. I can only provide general information". Good enough for me. What this meant was that instead of asking "What was it like for Jörg to grow up in West Germany in the 1970s?" (which it wouldn't answer at all besides the disclaimer), I simply needed to ask "What was it like for someone to grow up in West Germany in the 1970s?" It would then produce the disclaimer, followed by a bunch of text.
I produced the following biography of my life by asking the bot a number of questions. I then compiled the separate results into one large piece. There was some minor editing done. I inserted my name back into the locations where it spoke of a general person. Given that the bot also only spoke about what someone may have experienced, I simply changed the verbs (and tenses) to what I experienced.
I did not correct any of the inaccuracies the bot produced, whether they're general factual inaccuracies or events or things that simply didn't happen in my life at all. After all, memory in general is faulty, biographies are always at least partly made up or made to look more appealing, and we're living in a post-truth era anyway.
Wilhelmshaven is a coastal town in Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the North Sea. In the 1970s, it was a bustling port city with a thriving economy. Growing up in Wilhelmshaven during this time Jörg experienced a typical childhood in West Germany, with access to good education and healthcare, and exposure to a rich cultural heritage.
The 1970s was a time of social and political change in West Germany. The country was undergoing a process of economic modernization, and many young people were challenging traditional social norms and values. Growing up in Wilhelmshaven during this time Jörg was influenced by these broader social and political changes, and he had access to new opportunities and experiences as a result.
Overall, Jörg had a childhood that was similar to those of other children in West Germany at the time. He had access to good education and healthcare, and he was exposed to a rich cultural heritage. At the same time, he was also influenced by the broader social and political changes happening in the country at the time.
The 1970s was a time of significant social and political change in West Germany. As already noted, the country was undergoing a process of economic modernization, and many young people were challenging traditional social norms and values.
One of the major social changes during this time was the rise of the women's movement, which sought to challenge traditional gender roles and promote gender equality. This led to changes in the legal and political system, as well as increased opportunities for women in education, employment, and other areas.
Another major change was the emergence of the environmental movement, which sought to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on the natural world. This led to the adoption of new laws and policies to protect the environment, and it also sparked a broader cultural shift towards more sustainable practices.
Politically, the 1970s was a time of instability in West Germany. The country was facing challenges from terrorist groups, such as the Red Army Faction, and there were also tensions with the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries. Despite these challenges, however, West Germany remained a strong and prosperous country, and it continued to play a leading role in European and international affairs.
The 1980s was a time of economic growth and political stability in West Germany. The country was a leading member of the European Community, and it continued to play a key role in international affairs. Wilhelmshaven benefited from this economic prosperity, and it was a vibrant and thriving city during this time.
Wilhelmshaven was a popular destination for tourists, with its beautiful beaches and picturesque harbor. It also was a center of industry and commerce, with a busy port and a range of businesses and industries.
Military service in the navy in West Germany at the end of the 1980s involved a combination of training, education, and work. All male West German citizens were required to complete a certain number of years of military service, and Jörg underwent rigorous training to prepare him for his duties.
Training for navy recruits included physical fitness training, weapons training, and technical training. Jörg also received education in subjects such as naval tactics, navigation, and seamanship.
Once they completed their training, navy recruits were assigned to a ship or other naval unit, where they would have carried out a range of duties. These could include navigation, communications, engineering, and other technical tasks. They were also in military operations, such as patrolling the coast or participating in naval exercises.
Military service in the navy in West Germany at the end of the 1980s was challenging and demanding, but it provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. It was an important part of West German society, and it played a crucial role in the country's defense.
The Nazi period was a dark and difficult time in German history, and many people in West Germany would have been reluctant to talk about their experiences during that time. Asking Jörg's family about their past was a sensitive and emotionally charged topic, and it was difficult for both him and his family members to discuss.
Many West Germans who lived during the Nazi period were ashamed of their actions or their association with the regime, and they were reluctant to talk about it. They feared judgment or rejection from their children or other family members, and they preferred to keep their experiences to themselves.
Overall, asking one's family about their Nazi past in West Germany in the 1980s was a difficult and sensitive topic. It required sensitivity, understanding, and a willingness to listen and learn from the experiences of others.
Wilhelmshaven and Bonn are two very different cities, and moving from one to the other involved some significant changes. Wilhelmshaven is a coastal town in Lower Saxony, while Bonn is the former capital of West Germany, located in the Rhineland region.
In the late 1980s, Bonn was a major cultural and political center, with a thriving economy and a rich history. Wilhelmshaven, on the other hand, was a smaller and more industrial city, with a busy port and a range of businesses and industries.
One of the biggest differences between the two cities was their religious makeup. Wilhelmshaven is predominantly Protestant, while Bonn is predominantly Catholic. This was a significant change for Jörg who moved from Wilhelmshaven to Bonn, as the religious makeup of a city can have a major impact on its culture and social norms. It was a significant move, but it also provided opportunities for new experiences and personal growth.
In West Germany, conscription into the military was mandatory for all young men. However, there was also provision for conscientious objection, which allowed individuals to avoid military service for religious or ethical reasons.
Becoming a conscientious objector in West Germany after having already served in the military was a difficult and controversial decision for Jörg. It involved going against the expectations of society, and it led to criticism and ostracism from friends, family, and colleagues.
At the same time, becoming a conscientious objector also was a deeply personal and meaningful decision. It involved standing up for one's beliefs and values, and it provided a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a significant event in German and European history. It marked the end of the Cold War and the division of Germany, and it was a major step towards the reunification of the country.
Bonn was the capital of West Germany at the time, and it was at the center of the political and social changes happening in the country. Living in Bonn in 1989, Jörg closely followed the events in Berlin, and he was deeply affected by the fall of the wall.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was celebrated in Bonn, as it marked the end of a long and difficult period in German history. There were public celebrations and events, as well as private gatherings and discussions. Jörg was filled with a sense of hope and excitement, as the reunification of Germany seemed closer than ever.
The move of the German government from Bonn to Berlin had a major impact on the city's economy. Many government employees and officials left Bonn to work in Berlin, and this led to job losses and economic decline in the city.
The move had social and cultural implications for Bonn. As the former capital of West Germany, Bonn had a rich political and cultural heritage, and many people in the city were proud of its history. Losing its status as the capital was seen as a blow to the city's prestige and identity.
At the same time, the move of the German government from Bonn to Berlin presented opportunities for Bonn. The city reinvented itself and focused on other areas of growth, such as tourism, education, or technology. It strengthened its ties with other European cities, as it was no longer the center of political power in Germany.
Bonn and Munich are two very different cities in Germany, and moving from one to the other involved some significant changes. Bonn is located in the Rhineland region, while Munich is located in Bavaria.
Bonn is the former capital of West Germany, while Munich is one of Germany's largest and most important cities. It is known for its thriving economy, its rich cultural heritage, and its high standard of living.
Moving from Bonn to Munich to pursue a PhD in computational astrophysics involved a number of challenges. It involved adapting to a new city and a new environment, and it required a great deal of dedication and hard work.
At the same time, moving to Munich to pursue a PhD in computational astrophysics also provided many opportunities. Munich is home to some of Germany's leading universities and research institutions, and it was a great place to study and conduct research in astrophysics.
Munich is one of Germany's largest and most important cities, and it has a strong economy and a thriving job market. In the late 1990s, Munich was an attractive destination for job seekers, and it offered many opportunities for consultants in a variety of industries.
Looking for a job as a consultant in Munich in the late 1990s involved a number of steps. First, Jörg needed to identify potential employers and job opportunities in their field. He did this through networking, job search websites, or job fairs.
Once Jörg had identified potential employers, he needed to prepare their application materials, such as a resume and cover letter. He also needed to prepare for interviews, and he needed to demonstrate his skills and experience through tests or presentations.
Moving from Munich, Germany, to Boston, USA, involved a number of significant changes. Munich is one of Germany's largest and most important cities, while Boston is a major city in the United States.
One of the biggest challenges of moving from Munich to Boston was the change in culture and language. Munich is a German-speaking city, with a rich cultural heritage and a distinct way of life. Boston, on the other hand, is an English-speaking city with a diverse population and a distinct regional culture.
Another challenge of moving from Munich to Boston was the change in climate. Munich has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters, while Boston has a more varied climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
At the same time, moving from Munich to Boston provided many opportunities. Boston is a major center of education, research, and innovation, and it was a great place to pursue a career or study in many fields. It also provided the opportunity to experience a new culture and way of life.
The early 2000s was a time of rapid technological change and innovation, and this had a major impact on the field of photography. Digital cameras and other technologies were becoming more widely available and affordable, and this made it easier for people to get involved in photography.
Discovering photography in the early 2000s involved learning about the different types of cameras and equipment available, and deciding which ones to use. It also involved learning about the technical aspects of photography, such as exposure, focus, and composition.
Once the basics of photography had been learned, the next step were to start taking photographs and experimenting with different techniques and styles. This involved taking photographs of landscapes, people, or other subjects, and experimenting with different lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques.
Blogging was a relatively new phenomenon in the early 2000s, and starting a blog involved learning about the different platforms and tools available. This included using blogging software, such as WordPress or Blogger, to create and manage a blog.
Once Jörg had mastered the technical aspects of blogging, the next step was to start writing and publishing content on the blog. This involved writing about a wide range of topics, such as personal experiences, opinions, or interests.
Blogging in the early 2000s involved building an audience for the blog. This involved promoting the blog through social media, networking, or other channels, and engaging with readers through comments, email, or other means.
Starting a blog in the early 2000s was an exciting and rewarding experience. It involved learning new skills, expressing oneself creatively, and building an audience. It also provided a platform for sharing ideas, experiences, and opinions with others.
Changing careers from astrophysics to teaching photography involved a number of significant changes and challenges for Jörg. Astrophysics is a highly specialized field, requiring a deep understanding of complex scientific concepts and theories. Teaching photography, on the other hand, involves sharing knowledge and skills with others, and helping them to develop their own creative abilities.
One of the biggest challenges of changing careers from astrophysics to teaching photography was the need to develop new knowledge and skills. This involved learning about different photography techniques and equipment, as well as teaching methods and strategies. It also involved adapting to a new work environment, such as a classroom or studio.
Another challenge of changing careers from astrophysics to teaching photography was the need to adapt to a new career path. Astrophysics is a highly competitive field, and it typically requires a PhD and many years of experience to advance. Teaching photography, on the other hand, does not require the same level of education or experience, but it has other challenges, such as the need to work with a diverse group of students.
Starting a career as a writer and critic without any formal training was challenging for Jörg, but it also was an exciting and rewarding experience. As a writer and critic, you will be responsible for creating and sharing your own ideas, opinions, and analyses, and you will need to be able to express yourself clearly and effectively.
Without any formal training, Jörg needed to develop your skills and knowledge through self-study, practice, and feedback from others. This involved reading and analyzing the work of other writers and critics, and learning from their techniques and styles. It also involved experimenting with different writing formats and genres, and finding his own voice and style.
Another challenge of starting a career as a writer and critic without any formal training was the need to build his reputation and credibility. As a newcomer to the field, Jörg needed to work hard to establish yourself and gain recognition for his work. This involved networking, building a portfolio, and seeking out opportunities to publish or share his writing.
Developing his taste in photography involved a combination of learning, practice, and experimentation for Jörg. It was a process that involved exploring different genres, styles, and techniques, and learning what appealed to him and why.
One way to develop his taste in photography was to learn about the history and evolution of the medium. This involved reading books, articles, and other sources of information, and learning about the work of different photographers and their contributions to the field.
Another way to develop his taste in photography was to practice and experiment with different techniques and styles. This involved taking photographs himself, using different cameras and equipment, and trying out different lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques. It also involved looking at other people's photographs, and analyzing what makes them appealing or effective.
As he learned and practiced, Jörg began to develop his own preferences and opinions about photography. He started to form his own taste, and he was able to apply this taste to his own work, as well as to the work of others.
Looking back on a life that includes different careers in different countries was a rich and rewarding experience for Jörg. It provided a sense of accomplishment, and it allowed him to reflect on the challenges, opportunities, and lessons he has learned along the way.
One of the things that stands out when looking back on a life that includes different careers in different countries is the diversity of experiences and perspectives Jörg has gained. He had the opportunity to work in different industries, in different environments, and with different people. This provided a broad and deep understanding of the world, and it enriched his perspective and understanding of others.
Another thing that stands out when looking back on a life that includes different careers in different countries are the changes and challenges Jörg has faced. He had to adapt to new cultures, languages, and environments, and he had to overcome obstacles and challenges in order to succeed. This provides a sense of resilience and determination, and it helps him to appreciate the value of hard work and perseverance.
Now that you've made it here, I will mention the one thing that really irks me about the writing produced by the bot. I find the neoliberal ideology that keeps shining through hard to stomach ("the value of hard work and perseverance" etc.).
As for all the facts, whether real or imagined -- well, they are what they are. They provided the fun part of this little exercise.
Next time, I'll be back with my regular programming.
As always thank you for reading!
-- Jörg