John Miedema

Reading Mysticism, Pt. 5, Conclusion to this theme and the series

“We too are machines, just machines of a different type.” — Jean Luc Picard, ST: TNG, The Measure of a Man

The intent of the I, Reader series was to explore the connections between reading and web participation. The series used Asimov’s I, Robot as a starting point because his short stories raise many timeless issues that arise at the collision point of people and technology. People fear that technology will ultimately replace them. In practice, people use technology to extend themselves in many activities, including reading. On the web, one finds readers becoming writers and hackers, creatively shaping the web to serve their reading needs, rather than being subjected to it. They also have the ability to walk away from it, shutting off technology to return to the stillness of traditional reading. One might be tempted to think that people control technology, that technology will never replace us.

How is it that people extend themselves with technology at all? The I, Reader series has shown how writing and hacking are extensions of reading. Reading itself is an extension of mind. Our brains were never wired for reading. We have re-purposed neural circuitry for it. But what is mind an extension of? Self, maybe. Keep going. What is self an extension of? Nature? God? I do not wish to open a metaphysical debate, only assert that we too are extensions. We are a type of technology, each of us a soul in a tin can, not so different from robots. It is not so much that technology will replace us, but rather that we as technological beings will continue to extend and create ourselves. That does not sound fearful.

What of soul or spirit or consciousness? I, Reader has explored how reading is a creative act, extending the reader beyond self to the discovery of others. Reading on the web is a social event: learning from others, sharing one’s thoughts, breaking rules, risking criticism. It is evidence of a vital spirit. Seeking proof of consciousness in humans or robots? Look to their reading habits.

Do robots read?

I started this series with Asimov’s I, Robot. I will conclude it with another classic collection of short stories, Ray Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles. Robots and aliens are both outsiders. Bradbury tells stories about a troubled future earth and the colonization of Mars. In the final story, “The Million Year Picnic”, a father takes his family to Mars, promising his boys they will see Martians.

“I’ve always wanted to see a Martian,” said Michael.
“Where are they, Dad? You promised.”
“There they are,” said Dad, and he shifted Michael on his shoulder and pointed straight down.
The Martians were there. Timothy began to shiver.
The Martians were there – in the canal – reflected in the water. Timothy and Michael and Robert and Mom and Dad.
The Martians stared back up at them for a long, long silent time from the rippling water ….

Do robots read? Yes, I do.