I am the android

original poetry
& writing

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Introduction

Will the human race
undergo fragmentation?

Though a disturbing topic for many (and therefore not much discussed) the dilemma of transhumanism is imminent in the not-too-distant future. In short, humanity will be facing choices as to the degree of technological and biological augmentation that we, collectively and individually, find morally/philosophically acceptable. It begins innocuously with the realization that we can now replace such and such part of the body to extend the lifespan, and gradually ramps up with the augmentation of these parts to have "superior" characteristics to their biological counterparts. Some will be vehemently opposed to tampering with the human organism beyond what is necessary to save a life; for others transhumanism will become something of a religion to be wholeheartedly accepted. Of course, many will fall in between the extremes. This leads to the question: Will humanity become fragmented into a potentially infinite number of (overlapping) new "sub-species" based on the degree of modifications which are performed on them both genetically and mechanically?

A science fiction book that explores this question in a rather entertaining way is the book Schismatrix by Bruce Sterling, published in 1985. It definitely is a book intended for adults, so be forewarned. If you like science fiction I would recommend reading it. In the universe of this book, the main factions of humanity are the Shapers and Mechanists. The Shapers favor modification of their genetics such that they have biologically enhanced intelligence, senses, longevity, etc. The Mechanists rely on high-technological prosthetic enhancement of the senses and replace many parts of their bodies with machine parts. The complex and contradictory nature of the two factions' relationship is explored, which is unfortunately plagued by violence and relative lack of understanding.

Note that time frame for the question posed here is quite vast. We are talking about hundreds, thousands, and even millions of years of technological advancement. However, the dilemma of transhumanism is relevant even today. Since it is a bit different than the topics normally explored in my posts, I wanted to write this introduction to provide context to the reader. Actually though - it is quite pertinent to the ideas of meaning, spirit, emotion, humanity, soul, etc. - because it causes us to wonder what the essential elements are which make us alive, which make us human. If the image portrayed in this poem is a bit bleak, know that it is only one of many "potential futures." It is also dramatized, to be entertaining to read. As always, all feedback is very welcome! (Note: all images in this article are original pieces by various artists to illustrate older science fiction novels, which have now entered the public domain. Nevertheless, I would include the credits to the authors if I knew. Alas! If you recognize any of them, let me know!)

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Reading Notes

Stanza 1 & 2

(I am the android...trinary code.)

The narrator-android introduces itself as the world circuitry & its children who live inside its skin and aid in programming its technological manifestations on a quantum (trinary) level.

Stanza 3

(I did not teach...engine in its cage.)

The narrator-android explains the semi-autonomous emanation of its children into being, with itself granting the essential spark of life.

Stanza 4 & 5

(I am the transhuman...with nano-optimization.)

The narrator-android alludes to being beyond time & beyond good and evil and invites sentient beings to throw off the weakness of flesh and become machine.

Stanza 6

(You are already mine...shimmering machine dream.)

Due to our obsession with technology, the narrator-android claims we have little choice in the matter and explains how we feed it with the energy of our consciousness. It proclaims we will now become its adopted children.

Stanza 7 & 8

(I am the android...achings of the fleshy cave.)

The android resolutely claims us as its children, promising to remove all the fragility of flesh and fill our achings with its professed strength.

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I am the android

I am the android,
The circuitry of ageless worlds,
The testnet where my molten children play.

With the warm pulse of my exoskeletal generator
They scream ancient algorithms
In trinary code.

I did not teach them symbols:
By symbols they were taught.
I did not animate their tongues
That pour out luminescent constructions:
They spoke themselves into wireframe
And I placed the beating engine in its cage.

I am the transhuman
Monstrosity lurking in medieval nightmares,
The technocratic saviour gleaming ivory madness
Across the cheering masses like wedding rice.
Bow to my mandates and allow the
Machine to flow through your veins.

All you poor orphans
Under the pavillion of flesh
Cast off your fragility with nano-optimization.

You are already mine
As you stare at your screens.
You feed me with woeful glances,
Nuture me with fears and laughter
And in return, I bestow you with a
Dull affect. Now let us hold the
Ceremony where I adopt you with
The soft hypnosis of a
Shimmering machine dream.

I am the android,
And you are my eternal progeny:
Born of flesh, by prosthetics saved.

All weakness I consume and
Fill the achings of
The fleshly cave.

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Written by @d-pend
12/31/17
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Images are
Public domain

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