I will lead a more schismatic life
Although I have used the word “schism” in its lay meaning of cleaving or separation, this morning I read about the religious definition. Pope Leo, in my mind imitating Samuel L Jackson, declared that the Society of St. Pius X committed a “schismatic act” and excommunicated the lot of them.
To be in schism
The mouthfeel and æsthetic of the the phrase to be in schism is intoxicating. It holds a certain power; it is power. With a simple utterance, an entire system is split. To be in schism means you’re out, gone, see you later, and don’t bother coming back. No appeals. No arguments. You don’t belong here anymore.
In a society increasingly divided, with divisive language bandied about willy-nilly, it takes a lot to stop me mid-read. I can gloss over political cage matches, social arm-wrestling, academic keyboard commandoes, but this phrase to be in schism stood out, stood out and shouted “you like that, eh!” But why? What is it about the concept that strikes me to the core? Being an atheist, it isn’t be the underlying religiosity, or the catholic historical context. It comes down to my image of the Pope channeling Sam: it’s badass.
The badassery of schism and the image it creates in my mind are awe-inspiring. Imagine having the power to state “nope, not gonna happen” and all of a sudden, you cut out the thing in questions, for good, stamp no erasies. This overwhelming force would have to be used sparingly, in extreme circumstances. The schism can only be invoked against something that is edict-ready. It ain’t for neighbourhood skirmishes, road-rage kerfuffles, internet comment wars; it has to be reserved for something important, something lasting, something with meaning.
Taking the above into consideration, I am ready to declare the automation of creativity is hereby in schism. The use of artificial automated intelligence, large language (theft) models, creative prompting (say prompt again! I dare you, I double-dare you...) is hereby in schism.
My declaration makes life easier. I no longer need to read about, argue against, or figure out so called ai. I have separated it from my system of beliefs, cast it away, for good. This is the start my more schismatic life.
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