The trap of optimization
Magnifica Humanitas, and this tragic and splendid adventure
Bonjour my friends!
I am continuing to make my way through Magnifica Humanitas. (I was not given an advance copy of the document because I am not a journalist nor do I know enough (read: any) powerful people at the Vatican. Maybe next time!!) So I’m chipping away, one paragraph at a time.
This document is quite different from what I expected. I had anticipated an academic paper about the spiritual dangers of AI, but what I’ve found was something much deeper: a treatise on the human person, and most of all, the heart.
Yes, the document talks about AI, and the many dangers it poses to human dignity, the environment, the silence we need for the interior life, and protection of workers, but I am most touched by Pope Leo’s reflections on what AI is not. No matter how smart it is, no matter how much data it can pull, no matter how fast it can go — AI can never actually be human.
I was especially captivated by Pope Leo’s musings on optimization. We are told by the society we should get perfect sleep and close our exercise rings and send no awkward emails/texts and work faster and never forget a thing. I can talk about this mindset because I’m part of the problem! I wore an Apple watch for years and used to meticulously count my calories (I know, it was unhealthy, don’t recommend). I still try to scope out the fastest way I can navigate somewhere or achieve a goal or get what I want. When I make a mistake or something doesn’t go the way I want, when I hurt someone’s feelings or forget something important, I feel horrible.
BUT, to be human is to make mistakes, to fail, to be imperfect, and to simply not be optimized! Which is why I spent five days of prayer time last week sitting with paragraph 120:
Even when limitations are experienced as inner suffering, human wisdom teaches us not to deny or suppress it, but to integrate it. To eliminate suffering entirely would mean, in the end, extinguishing love and desire as well. Those who love and desire cannot avoid passing through trial and suffering; and over the years, we carry within us lessons that leave their mark like scars, the memories of a journey shaped by freedom and failure, dreams and disappointments. It is only thanks to the interplay of these elements that the wonders of the soul occur within us, allowing us to sense the richness of our humanity. To renounce this adventure, both tragic and splendid, in the name of a presumed transcendence of all limits, could mean many things, but it would no longer be human.
I cannot read the line “To renounce this adventure, both tragic and splendid…” without tearing up. Oof.
AI offers an enticing fix for the optimizers among us. I can go to ChatGPT to craft the tricky text. I can ask Claude to build an excel model so I can go to sleep. I can ask my AI taskmaster to remind me of peoples’ birthdays and the groceries I need and the call I have to return. I’m not arguing those things are inherently wrong, and neither is Pope Leo.
But at what point do we reject the “tragic and splendid” moments that makes up our humanity? The opportunity to live and fail so we can learn? That we don’t have to be so afraid of imperfection that we run to an (also imperfect) technology? That we are given to one another to live life together?
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the concept of “I’ve got time!” and it continues to change my life. There have been so many good conversations and encounters that have opened up simply because I offered my time and attention to what was in front of me. “I’ve got time” is an attack on optimization, and it’s been so good for me.
Here’s another way to push back against the pressure to optimize: the next time you’re planning a trip or party or need help on a project, instead of popping the problem in ChatGPT or Claude, ask someone for help. We bless others when we ask for their help. Last week, I needed to learn something really quickly, and my friend came over to sit with me and walk me through it step by step. We laughed the entire time and I learned something new! I love asking people for travel recommendations, and I’ve found some of my favorite spots through these conversations. I called my dad to figure out how to hang a shelf on my brick wall, even though I’m sure ChatGPT would have been happy to give me the steps. But that is NOT the point! We are communal souls, we need each other.
God loves you, and me, a lot, even when we are imperfect. There is nothing we can do to earn more of His love. He has given us the gift of life so that we can live it — not through a screen, not for a perfect recovery score, not to never make a mistake — but to live it, and to live it together.
After all, that’s what makes us human. It’s what makes us, magnificent.
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m loving lately
Congrats Matthew!
My brother Matthew graduated from his Master’s program this weekend and it was a joy to gather to celebrate him :) He and his friends hosted a fun barbecue on Saturday night and they even performed for us — so cool. Please pray for him as he interviews for jobs!
PSA: Pack your sneakers!
After two months of no airplanes, I headed back on the road for work last week — and like an absolute AMATEUR, failed to pack my running shoes! It’s a truth universally acknowledged that if you pack your running shoes, you’ll have no time to use them, but if you don’t, you’ll be fiending for a run! This is your PSA to pack your running shoes this summer.
World cup!
I loveeee a big sports event, and the World Cup is just SO fun. As a dual Australian/American citizen, I simply cannot wait for the game on Friday. What a joy to watch some fun sports, and I just love how people come together to cheer for their team! Go Australia! Go USA! Much like St. Therese, I choose all!!
Huge fan of Longchamp organizer
I love my Longchamp, but that thing is a black box — once I drop something in, it’s hard to find! However, my mom bought an organizer insert for her bag and I bought one for myself and it’s completely changed the game. I highly recommend!
Seen known loved
I had a few moments of feeling so seen heard and loved this week! My friend is leaving for the seminary, and because I’ve been traveling I didn’t think I’d have a chance to bid him farewell. On Thursday, I happened to be in DC at daily Mass and he wandered down in case I was there — and it was a joy to give him a hug and assure him of my prayers! An hour later, a friend from work surprised me with a cookie from Little Beet because he knows they’re my favorite. And this weekend, my brother’s girlfriend, Carlie, made her lemon bars with gluten free flour so I could enjoy them!! I did not deserve these little gifts and they made me feel so cared for. I hope I can love others in the same way!
Back on a Marie Miller kick
I love Marie and after going to a Holy Hour where she was performing last week, I’m back on a kick. This week, Take Lord, Receive (the Suscipe) is on repeat:
Prayer intentions
For my new project that is kicking off
For Mary’s healing
For a friend
Tragic & splendid! You & Pope Leo inspire me 💕
Love this!