Our Story Begins
Within our skulls lie marvels of nature, three-pound conglomerations of neurons, neurotransmitters, and synapses that work in concert to produce the phenomenon we call “consciousness.”
It's a testament to the power of evolution that this seemingly modest package of biological material can ponder the mysteries of the universe, articulate thoughts through language, create symphonies and paintings, engineer towering skyscrapers, and devise the means to propel humanity beyond the confines of Earth.
At the heart of this cerebral powerhouse is the cortex, a thick layer of neural tissue that envelops the brain. This is the seat of our higher cognitive functions: reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and abstract thought. It's the architect of our civilization, the composer of our art, and the navigator of our explorations into the unknown. The cortex is where we like to believe the essence of our intelligence resides, the commander in chief of our mental processes.
Yet for all the cortex's prowess, it does not operate in isolation. Deep within the brain lies the amygdala, part of the limbic system, often dubbed the center of emotion. This ancient neural cluster plays a crucial role in processing emotions, such as fear and pleasure. It's our emotional alarm system, constantly scanning for threats and rewards, ready to hijack the brain's more rational processes in favor of immediate survival responses.
The interplay between the amygdala and the cortex is the crux of the human condition. It's a dance between the rational and the emotional, the deliberate and the instinctual.
The amygdala influences the cortex more than the cortex inflluences the amygdala. This means that, when the amygdala is aroused by fear, lust, shame or guilt, it projects more strongly into our centers for reason and logical thought than the cortex can project its calming signals back. When this happens, we often act irrationally or even dangerously.
But now we have ThinkPal from Darwin’s Edge.
ThinkPal: The First Whole-Brain Interface with AI
ThinkPal is the whole-brain interface with AI that Sarina Rao’s team has crafted in the shape of rear molars. They install these exquisitely engineered CPUs in the empty sockets where your wisdom teeth used to be, connect them to your trigeminal nerve, and run signal up through the pons to the thalamus.
The procedure is so simple that any oral surgeon can do it and the jaw is a great place to stow hardware.
Meet Our Players
MICHAEL CARMODY
VP for Human Flourishing
Darwin’s Edge
SARINA RAO
Founder and CEO
Darwin’s Edge
REV. PETER GILMAN
Minister
UU Southern Adirondacks
THERESA LUZ SANCHEZ
Board Chair
UU Southern Adirondacks
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 29, 2032
10:32 A.M.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Southern Adirondacks
MICHAEL CARMODY:
From the pulpit.
“Friends, it’s good to be back with you. I just want to say it’s been a great privilege to work with all of you over the last few months. We’ve had an open and frank exchange about ThinkPal, and my team very much appreciates your input. Nothing about neuroscience is simple but you really went the extra mile in digesting everything we’ve thrown at you. You’re all now well equipped to determine your congregation’s future.
“As one of just seven FDA-approved ThinkPal demonstration sites, you’ll be among the very first Americans to experience the New Frontier of Consciousness that ThinkPal promises. You’ll also be making a major contribution toward strengthening our nation’s position of leadership in the world.
”Your minister, Rev. Pete, has bravely volunteered to be your congregation’s first representative in our development of the National Brain/Computer Interface. Your vote today will decide whether UUCSA will embark with him on this momentous journey or if he’s to venture on this path alone.
“Sarina Rao, our founder and CEO, has done more than any other person in the nation to bring us to this day. A true pioneer in the evolution of the human spirit, she has a few final thoughts she hopes you’ll consider as you cast your vote.”
SARINA RAO:
Strides purposefully to the pulpit and speaks in a voice that resonates conviction.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of this venerable congregation:
We stand today on the cusp of a new era in which the boundaries between human intellect and artificial intelligence are not merely blurred, but carefully and harmoniously integrated. To call thalamitic integration an “advance” is insuffiicient. This is a leap into a future rich with untapped possibilities.
"Unitarian Universalists always have embraced the lessons of science and quest for knowledge, the pursuit of truth, and the wellsprings of community. The partnership we propose offers an unprecedented opportunity to embody these values in a tangible, transformative way. As our first ThinkPal Volunteer, Rev. Pete will set the standard for integrity and virtue that’s essential to our gaining the public’s trust on our journey.
“Upon our successful deployment and demonstration of ThinkPal in Rev. Pete, we look forward to inviting all of you to become interconnected not just by your shared beliefs and values, but by our revolutionary ThinkPal platform with its 9G Wireless Neural Connector.
“We are sowing the seeds for a future in which human flourishing is redefined. A future in which the mind’s limitations are no longer barriers but stepping stones to greater heights of understanding, capability, and compassion.”
Sarina concludes with a compelling call to action.
"Join us for the promise of a a world that is more connected, more enlightened, and more humane than we ever thought possible. Together, we can demonstrate the full potential of thalamitic integration, and in doing so, redefine what it means to be human.”
REV. PETER GILMAN:
Enters pulpit with an expression that combines resolve and excitement.
“Thank you, Sarina. Eloquently spoken, as always.
"So there you have it, friends. We've read the studies. We’ve spoken with experts. We've looked at the evidence. We've discussed the myriad issues that are raised by a whole-brain integration with AI.
”Sarina has eloquently made her case. Now I’ll make mine.
“In my contemplations, I have envisioned a future where augmentation with ThinkPal is not merely a technological leap, but a spiritual and moral one as well. As we stand on the brink of melding our minds with an intelligence vast and deep, I suggest we look to the Stoics who, with their unyielding virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, have long guided souls towards moral discipline and inner tranquility.
“Imagine, if you will, a world in which these virtues are not just aspired to but are ingrained in the very fabric of our augmented selves. That’s my dream and mission.
“The integration of human consciousness with artificial intelligence presents not merely a frontier of technological innovation but a crucible for the individual spirit, a deliberate choice to expand one's capabilities and thus to redefine the essence of human potential.”
“As you all know, I have not come lightly to this decision. I have prayed on it — and I have asked many questions. Through long discussions and several visits to Darwin’s Edge headquarters, I have become convinced that Sarina and her team are developing ThinkPal with utmost regard for human values and virtues. They are offering to us an unparalleled opportunity to be torchbearers in a new era of shared human-AI capability and achievement. We can be a shining example of a community in harmony with the technology of tomorrow.
“I know my decision poses some measure of burden on you, and that I regret. I will strive to make up for my physical absence with Sunday services in Zoom that I hope you’ll find informative and engaging. With your affirmative vote, I hope you’ll allow me to share this adventure with you.
Here at the confluence of human intellect and artificial intelligence, let us remember that our greatest strength lies not in the machines with which we integrate but in the character we cultivate.
"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string," said Emerson. Let this trust in ourselves guide our journey through these uncharted waters. May we emerge not as mere amalgamations of flesh and circuitry but as beacons of progress, embodying the fullest potential of the human spirit, augmented yet unbroken, in the perpetual quest for truth and understanding.
“Our Board chair, Theresa Luz Sanchez, has been a source of wise counsel to all of us over the last several months as we have deliberated our best path forward. I invite her to now lead the balloting.
Rev. Pete nods at Theresa as she enters the pulpit.
THERESA LUIZ SANCHEZ:
"Good morning, everyone. Technology has brought us to a pivotal moment in our congregation.
“We must decide: Shall we embrace a Human/AI Hybrid as our spiritual guide?
“Ushers, please distribute the ballots.
“Before we vote, I too want to thank Sarina for bringing to us this historic opportunity. Whatever our decision, we appreciate very much the many years of hard work and dedication to the public good you both have invested in making this milestone possible. I believe that you have achieved not just a technological advance, but a major stride toward a deeper understanding of the human mind and its limitless potential.”
RESOLUTION BEFORE THE CONGREGATION
FEBRUARY 29, 2032
WHEREAS, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Southern Adirondacks (UUCSA) deeply values the significant and ongoing contributions of Reverend Peter Gilman to our spiritual community's growth and enrichment;
AND WHEREAS, we recognize the pioneering spirit of Rev. Peter Gilman in embracing and integrating cutting-edge technology for the advancement of our shared values and mission;
BE IT RESOLVED, that the UUCSA hereby commits to amending our existing agreement with Reverend Gilman in support of his innovative endeavors, as follows:
Technological Integration: The UUCSA shall formally recognize and facilitate the agreement between Rev. Peter Gilman and Darwin’s Edge. This includes the installation, testing, and evaluation of the ThinkPal device alongside the 9G Wireless Neural Connector within our congregational framework, ensuring that these technological advancements align with our ethical guidelines and serve our community's spiritual needs.
Flexible Ministry: In acknowledgment of the unique requirements posed by this groundbreaking demonstration, the UUCSA shall accommodate Rev. Peter Gilman's request to fulfill his ministerial responsibilities in a remote capacity for a period of up to three months. This flexibility ensures the uninterrupted progress of this project while maintaining our congregation's spiritual continuity and support.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these amendments shall be enacted immediately following an affirmative vote by the congregation, demonstrating our collective support for Rev. Peter Gilman's visionary work and our shared commitment to exploring new frontiers in spiritual practice and community engagement.
