So, dear reader, it comes to this.
Hovering in front of the glass wall that is my iPad screen, I was day dreaming ideas for my next article when my curiosity prompted me with; "Why not ask ChatGPT?" So thinking that would be a good use of five minutes, as I'd been meaning to try out ChatGPT for some months now, I swiftly downloaded the official app from the iOS App Store, and after a pain-free registration process I was up and running.
The "GPT" bit is an acronym for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer", which is to say, it is a large body of software and data that has been pre-trained on large data sets to then generate unique solutions which are not pre-coded, and transform your question into a unique answer. It is based on an LLM - a Large Language Model - being a large neural network with billions of data points that it has weighted itself via free-roaming, and semi-supervised training.
Think a teenager who pays half attention to what you tell them while scribbling notes on a billion Post-It notes that are then semi organised using the Post-It note colours to define topics, which it then relates via crayon etched on the tiles of your kitchen floor to each pile of notes... That's close enough for our purposes... Don't ever say Pitpass is nothing if not striving to provide definitions in an increasingly undefined world!
Thus, as a result of my rather spiritual post about Gilles and my mother, your curious scribe felt a dive into the developing universe of Artificial Intelligence was required. So I posited the following to ChatGPT... "Write an engaging article on how Ferrari can return to winning the Formula One World Championship".
Moments later I was provided the following... I hope you enjoy the result of my arduous typing of a sixteen word question... I'll see you again after ChatGPT's initial Max Noble inspired Pitpass article... with a few more views on the power of the human spirit...
(ChatGPT - start)
Title: Resurrecting the Prancing Horse: How Ferrari Can Reignite its Formula One Dominance
Introduction:
Ferrari, a name synonymous with Formula One glory, has faced a challenging period in recent years. As passionate fans eagerly await the return of the Prancing Horse to its former championship-winning days, the question looms large: how can Ferrari reclaim its position at the forefront of Formula One? In this article, we delve into the steps Ferrari can take to reignite its racing prowess and once again capture the coveted Formula One World Championship.
1. Technical Mastery:
To regain their winning ways, Ferrari must focus on technical excellence. Investing in cutting-edge research and development will be vital. Fine-tuning their aerodynamic capabilities, optimising power unit performance, and enhancing overall car dynamics will give Ferrari the edge they need. The Scuderia must harness innovation and embrace emerging technologies, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the track.
2. Cultivating Talent:
A successful Formula One team is built on a foundation of exceptional talent. Ferrari must identify and nurture promising young drivers, providing them with the resources, guidance, and support they need to flourish. Simultaneously, recruiting seasoned veterans with a wealth of experience can bring a winning mind-set and valuable insights to the team. Striking the right balance between youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise will fuel Ferrari's resurgence.
3. Fostering Team Unity:
A harmonious and collaborative team environment is paramount to success. Ferrari must foster a culture of unity, where every member of the team works towards a shared goal. Transparent communication, mutual respect, and a focus on continuous improvement will foster an atmosphere conducive to achieving greatness. By aligning the entire organisation, from the engineers to the pit crew, with a singular vision, Ferrari can create a formidable force that rivals will fear.
Conclusion:
Ferrari's return to Formula One glory hinges on a comprehensive strategy that encompasses technical mastery, cultivating talent, and fostering team unity. Through relentless pursuit of engineering excellence, the nurturing of talented drivers, and the creation of a cohesive team environment, Ferrari can reignite their winning spirit. The Prancing Horse has a storied history of triumph, and with determination, resilience, and unwavering passion, they can once again claim their place atop the Formula One World Championship. The road to victory won't be easy, but with the right combination of strategy, expertise, and the indomitable Ferrari spirit, a glorious comeback is within reach. The Tifosi eagerly await the return of the red army to the pinnacle of motorsport.
(ChatGPT - finish)
Well, dear reader, not bad for a first attempt. Readable, if a bit clunky on repetition towards the conclusion. If I'd claimed to have written every word, rather than inspired them, would you have believed me? (The punctuation's better! - Ed) Would it matter?
Well indeed yes. Yes it matters. Consider this a Coda to my "Hey Gilles, say hi to mum for me!" article. It is our very humanity, our spirit and fallibility that gives our existence transcendence.
Gilles was never World Champion, yet he is more fondly remembered than many who achieved that goal. My mother is remembered for her stoic nature and kindness to others not her business achievements.
Williams said years ago that the engineers could drive the software controlled cars of that age around the circuit faster with the driver removed. Would we the fans turn-up race after race to watch the world's largest remote control cars battle it out, never making a mistake?
Remove the human, remove the spirit and you remove the transcendence that makes any sport more than a collection of robotic movements. Insert the human, insert fallibility, ignite the passion, enflame and embolden the heart to try unto the dying breath. Then one has a sport worthy of being followed.
Am I, the fallible human, going to add ChatGPT as a tool for my every day pondering, as my spirit wanders this Earth forever seeking those rare moments of personal transcendence? Oh yes! Will I bounce article ideas off it to see what new concepts might be revealed? Yes again!
Am I, other than when clearly spelt out like today, going to get Chat GPT to do my work for me and write entire articles I claim as my own unique creation? Ah, no. Never.
My mum would encourage me to explore ChatGPT to see what positive aspects it could add to my life. She would then remind me of Shakespeare's words about all the problems we ferment when first we seek to deceive.
Gilles injected fragile human ability and fallibility into a car whose brand was already legend. It was the man that built the legend further, not the brand that built the man.
My mother's spirit lives on in all who knew her, and any act of kindness, support or aid that they make with an echo of the memory of her within it.
Pitpass will continue to be created by humans for humans, with a fine dose of feline input. Yet it will continue to be enabled by technology. Internet research tools, the amazing communications network which is the modern internet universe, and my glass wall, my iPad.
Long may the spirited Formula One enjoyment of my mother, and the remarkably spirited driving of Gilles be at the heart of the, oh so human, sport of Formula One. That's just how us true believers love it. That is where the driver's see the face of God, and we dedicated fans can vicariously share that brief moment of transcendence.
So to our continuing conversations with the glass wall. Will my iPad and I transcend more than daily news, or Wordle? Well, my beloved glass-faced friend supports all of my writing, so none of my Pitpass articles would live without it. Does that a soul make?
To cheekier antics dear reader! Enough Zen and Spirit! ChatGPT and I need to be chasing a contract to write scripts for the first season of "One", so we had better get cracking. Any requests for plot twists? (Sorely tempted, but they would never be allowed - Ed)
Max Noble
Learn more about Max and check out his previous features, here
sign in