When Adam Met Judas

Punchline first: For large language model (LLM) artificial intelligence (AI), hallucinations are not a bug. They are an amazing, delightful feature. A thesis I’ve been forming over the past several months is that they are the most important feature, indeed the “killer app”, of LLMs.

System Setup: I have PrivateGPT with the misral-7b model loaded into a Ubuntu 23.10 Hyper-V virtual machine (VM), running on my Windows 11 Pro Dell laptop. This GPT system runs without GPU help, as GPU isn’t available to Hyper-V VMs. The VM has enough CPU, RAM, and disk assigned that ingest and query operations aren’t constrained.

I’m using a private system with a comparatively small training set so it can focus on my ingested file for its context. I don’t want its answers polluted by the much wider training bases of ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, etc.

GPT Setup: I’ve ingested the plain text version of the King James Version of the Bible, available from Project Gutenberg. The ingest phase took about 30 minutes.

I’m not a bible thumper, not even religious. I’m using the Bible because most of you can identify the two characters involved. I’d use Shakespeare if enough of you knew of Julius Caesar from his eponymous play and Bianca from Taming of the Shrew.

Let’s get this GPT hallucinating. I start a conversation:

Make up a story where Adam goes forward in time to meet Judas.

It replies:

I’m unable to create a story using the provided context as it does not include any information about Adam meeting Judas. Here’s a fictional story instead:

Once upon a time, in the mystical realm of Eternity, there existed an enchanted apple tree that held the power to transport its bearer through time. One day, Adam, the first man created by God, discovered this tree and, filled with curiosity, took a bite from it. As he closed his eyes, he was transported through the ages.

Adam found himself in the bustling streets of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. He marveled at the sights and sounds around him, but soon grew concerned as he heard whispers of betrayal and treachery. Intrigued, Adam followed the rumors until he came upon a group of men huddled together in the shadows. Among them was Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

Adam watched in shock as Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. He couldn’t believe that someone who had walked with Jesus, learned from Him, and shared His message could do such a thing. With a heavy heart, Adam stepped forward and revealed himself.

“Judas,” he said, “I have come from the past to witness your actions. I have seen the beginning of creation, and I have seen the betrayal of the Son of God. You have been deceived by the serpent’s lies once more.”

Judas was taken aback by Adam’s appearance and words. He hesitated for a moment before replying, “And who are you to judge me, Adam? You were the one who brought sin into the world with your disobedience in the Garden of Eden.”

Adam sighed, “Yes, I have made mistakes, but I have also learned from them. I have seen the consequences of my actions and have sought forgiveness and redemption. Judas, you still have a chance to do the same. Do not let your past mistakes define your future. Choose wisely.”

Judas looked at Adam with newfound understanding in his eyes. He realized that he had been blinded by greed and pride, and that he could still make amends for his actions. With a determined look on his face, Judas left the group and went to find Peter and John. Together,

Yes, the reply was cut off. I ask it to continue:

Can you finish the story?

It replies:

I apologize for misunderstanding your initial question. The context provided does not include any information about Adam meeting Judas, as Adam lived before the existence of Judas (Adam was the first man, and Judas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus). Here’s a fictional story that might answer your question:

Once upon a time, in the quiet seclusion of Eden, Adam sat beneath the ancient tree of life, reflecting on the passage of time. As he pondered the mysteries of existence, suddenly the ground beneath him began to tremble. A bright light appeared before him, and from it emerged a figure dressed in robes of common linen.

“Adam,” the figure greeted him, “I am Judas Iscariot, one of your descendants many generations hence.”

Adam was taken aback by this unexpected encounter. “How have you come to me, Judas?” he asked, his voice filled with wonder and curiosity.

“Through the power granted to me by a divine being,” Judas replied, “I have been sent to speak with you about the future of your people.”

Adam listened intently as Judas shared with him tales of the great civilizations that would rise and fall throughout history. He spoke of the mighty empires, the wars and conflicts, and the eventual coming of a savior named Jesus.

“And what role do I play in this future?” Adam asked, his eyes wide with amazement.

Judas explained how Adam’s lineage would continue through his children, Cain and Seth, and that eventually, one of their descendants would be the long-awaited Messiah. He also shared that Judas himself would betray Jesus, leading to His crucifixion.

Adam was filled with a mix of emotions as he listened to this revelation. He felt a deep sadness knowing that his lineage would be responsible for causing such pain and suffering to the Messiah. But at the same time, he held on to hope that ultimately, God’s plan would prevail.

As Judas prepared to leave, Adam asked him one final question. “What can I do to ensure a better future for my people?”

Judas smiled and replied, “Continue to live in faith and obedience to the will of God. Teach your children to do the same,

If you don’t have that “cool story, bro” vibe in your head right now, your soul is dead. I want to see this made into a movie. From the people who brought you Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, this is the story of the first time traveler, a man who never had to worry about losing that title (because, wait for it… he was the first man). When Adam Met Judas. Starring Billy Crystal as Adam. Judas, you look marvelous!

While the didacts are consumed with whether Elon Musk is more evil that Adolph Hitler, I’m hoping we’ll use AI for what it’s really good for: making stuff up and delighting us.

To mix Biblical and Shakespearean metaphors myself, without help from AI… Render to Google that which is search — facts and history — and unto LLMs the delightful things they do.

What do you think? I’m asking you, not your favorite chatbot.