“Originality [in the American sense] depends on the creation of repeated effects. Meanwhile, much that is profoundly original but unlikely . . . to sponsor broad imitation . . . gets overlooked or called that lesser thing, ‘unique’—valuable, undoubtedly, but a dead end” in terms of the American conviction that what is called “original” must be, paradoxically, “capable of replication.” (Louise Glück, “American Originality”)
I am so glad you wrote about this subject (and with a beautiful parable!), Radha. AI is a hot topic, confusing, repellent and attractive all at the same time. If we x-ray the gestation of a poem from conception to birth, we see and understand many, many layers of emotions for the poet at every level of development. When a machine produces a poem, there is only 1 level of emotion available for the poet, which is the feeling inherent in seeing/having a finished product. Why would anyone want to skip all the adventure just to arrive at the end of the line?
Your thoughtful passion for this subject comes through in what may be one of the most affecting essays on the subject. Thanks so much much, Radha.
“Originality [in the American sense] depends on the creation of repeated effects. Meanwhile, much that is profoundly original but unlikely . . . to sponsor broad imitation . . . gets overlooked or called that lesser thing, ‘unique’—valuable, undoubtedly, but a dead end” in terms of the American conviction that what is called “original” must be, paradoxically, “capable of replication.” (Louise Glück, “American Originality”)
Oh, this would make a marvelous craft lecture!
I loved this Radha, thank you.
For me, poetry is weaving words to capture an emotion. Do machines feel?
I am so glad you wrote about this subject (and with a beautiful parable!), Radha. AI is a hot topic, confusing, repellent and attractive all at the same time. If we x-ray the gestation of a poem from conception to birth, we see and understand many, many layers of emotions for the poet at every level of development. When a machine produces a poem, there is only 1 level of emotion available for the poet, which is the feeling inherent in seeing/having a finished product. Why would anyone want to skip all the adventure just to arrive at the end of the line?
Love this.