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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Howard Nemerov’s poem "Cybernetics" presents a satirical and thought-provoking commentary on the creation of artificial intelligence, exploring the complex relationship between human consciousness and the mechanistic approach of building a human brain. Through its rich imagery and contemplative tone, the poem delves into themes of autonomy, tradition, and the inherent contradictions in attempting to replicate human thought and emotion. The poem begins with an instructional tone, as if guiding the reader through the process of constructing a human brain: "Now you are ready to build your human brain. / You have studied the plan, and taken inventory / Of all the pieces you found in the kit." This opening sets the stage for a detailed and somewhat ironic examination of the artificial creation of intelligence, highlighting the gap between mechanical assembly and the complexity of human cognition. Nemerov acknowledges the impracticality and expense of the first artificial brain: "The first brain won't be inexpensive or / Compact; covering most of Central Park / With these tiny transistors, it will cost / A sum slightly in excess of the Gross / National Product for Nineteen Fifty-Nine." This hyperbolic statement underscores the monumental challenge and cost of attempting to replicate the human brain with technology available at the time, while also hinting at the broader implications of such an endeavor. The poem proceeds to outline the essential requirements for a human brain, emphasizing the necessity for autonomy: "It must, of course, be absolutely free, / That's been determined, and accordingly / You will program it to program itself." This idea of self-programming reflects the fundamental principle of cybernetics, where systems are designed to be self-regulating and adaptive. The brain must also manage "feedback from today" and "repair yesterday's disasters," illustrating the continuous and dynamic nature of human thought and experience. Nemerov humorously critiques the complexity of maintaining a balance between "anxiety and sloth" to ensure the proper functioning of the brain: "A fair symbiosis, something between / The flood of power and the drouth of fear." This balance is essential for the brain to operate effectively, embodying the concept of the "golden mean" or a state of equilibrium. The poem also highlights the importance of tradition and historical context in shaping human consciousness: "It has to have a limiting tradition, / Which may be simple and parochial / (A memory of Main Street in the sunlight)." This nod to cultural and historical influences underscores the role of external factors in the development of identity and values. As the poem progresses, Nemerov explores the potential for creating a more advanced brain, capable of "keep[ing] all history in mind" and making "accurate predictions." However, he warns of the immense cost and complexity involved: "It runs you into much more money for / Circuits of paradox and contradiction." The need to handle "doubt" and "switches of agony" points to the intrinsic contradictions and emotional depths of human consciousness that are difficult to replicate artificially. In a nod to literary and philosophical tradition, Nemerov references Dostoevsky’s "Petersburg intellectual with a toothache," symbolizing the existential pain and complexity that come with heightened awareness and intellect. The poem suggests that striving for such a sophisticated artificial intelligence might be an impossible task, fraught with complications and moral dilemmas. The closing lines of the poem reflect on the potential outcomes of creating such a being: "Will he uproot cities, / Or sit indoors on a rainy day and mope? / Will he decide against us, or want love?" These questions highlight the unpredictability and potential consequences of creating an autonomous intelligence. The final image of the artificial being "bellowing Nil Mirari" while solving new riddles suggests a future where human creation surpasses its creators, posing new challenges and mysteries. "Cybernetics" by Howard Nemerov is a nuanced and satirical examination of the complexities involved in creating artificial intelligence. Through its exploration of autonomy, tradition, and the inherent contradictions of human consciousness, the poem invites readers to reflect on the ethical and practical implications of attempting to replicate the human mind with technology.
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