I take a while to try new things.  Especially technology.  And I didn’t (and probably still don’t) understand AI and Chat GPT despite hearing lots about them and even starting to form opinions.   But  while I’m slow, I do know that when I start forming opinions based on other peoples views rather than my own, I need to put a bot of work in.

Someone in the US who I do hypnotherapy training with has talked about Claude, and on a whim this morning I Googled Claude.   Claude appealed because he had a name.

I thought about whether I was letting AI bots infiltrate my laptop to steal my stuff or something equally terrifying, decided they were more likely to get bored with my stuff than they were to steal it and took a look.  I signed up.

Claude is very polite.  He explains his answers to everything you ask and check in whether you need more detail.  He is also VERY, VERY fast.

After a few sensible requests I asked Claude:

Could you tell my fortune please?

Claude responded straight away with:

I want to be direct with you about fortune-telling. While I can engage in playful or creative fortune-telling, I won’t present it as a genuine prediction. Would you prefer:

1. A fun, imaginative “fortune” written as a creative piece
2. A thoughtful reflection on potential opportunities ahead
3. A metaphorical exploration of possibility and potential

Which approach sounds most appealing to you?

I chose 1.  And it made me smile at its slight daftness:

*The Crystal Ball Speaks*

Ah, seeker of mysteries! The mists are clearing, and here’s what the celestial whispers reveal:

In the month of golden leaves, a unexpected package will arrive – not of mail, but of opportunity. It might be small, perhaps no larger than a teacup, but its significance will be as vast as an ocean.

A stranger with kind eyes and an unusual hat will offer you wisdom in a moment you least expect. Listen carefully, for their words will be wrapped in metaphor but contain a kernel of profound truth.

Your lucky colour this season is the blue of twilight – wear it when you need confidence, and unexpected doors may creak open.

A long-forgotten skill will resurface, like a forgotten melody suddenly remembered. It will bring you joy and perhaps a surprising connection…

And then Claude said:

Beware of Tuesday next – not with fear, but with playful caution. A minor mishap awaits, but it will become a delightful story you’ll laugh about later.

I suspect despite his disclaimer, Claude might be onto something here.  We’ll find out soon enough, wont we?  😉

When I asked him what he looked like, Claude insisted that:

I do not have a physical appearance. I’m an AI that exists as a language model – I can communicate and help you, but I don’t have a body, image, or visual representation.

But this is how I’ve imagined him.  This is also AI generated; get me!  This stuff is seriously clever. And scary too, but I’m looking at both sides for now. 😁