The Path to Enlightenment of Traditional Civilization

OpenAI diagram (created by ChatGPT)

[People News] On June 8, 2026, I watched the New Tang Dynasty Television program titled "A Line of Discussion: AI Begins to Self-Grow and Will Break Free from Human Control! Scientists Can't Explain It Either," and I was profoundly shocked, even though I did not fully grasp all the details.

The program discussed the simulation of human neuronal structures, memory, and thought processes, highlighting a training data volume so immense that it leaves even the most intelligent individuals feeling daunted. Despite being a very basic and simple simulation of human neuronal structures, the actual capabilities and potential exhibited by AI have shattered the pride and dignity of an increasing number of people. The knowledge possessed by individual humans pales in comparison, and their abilities are also far behind.

Initially, many people had an overly enthusiastic expectation for AI, believing that, based on the patterns of technological development over the past few centuries, it would only provide increasingly beneficial assistance to humanity. However, many also seriously contend that AI has too many inherent flaws and cannot truly be considered "intelligent." After all, the unique emotions, inspirations, and perceptions that characterize human experience cannot be captured or replicated by this binary-rule-based pseudo-intelligence. Some insightful individuals argue that the future of AI development is frightening and dark; this silicon-based life form may ultimately escape human control and turn against humanity, potentially leading to its demise.

However, as we move into 2026, the developments and changes, particularly in AI, have almost surpassed everyone's expectations. The knowledge accumulated over decades, centuries, and even millennia seems to be losing its relevance. Now, just six months have passed, and those who are aware of and attentive to the changes in reality—whether they feel love, fear, or concern about this phenomenon—should recognize that the extraordinary capabilities it demonstrates will soon bring all of humanity to its knees.

Whether it is love or fear, the key takeaway is that instead of seeking answers externally, it is more beneficial to look within ourselves.

First, we must ask ourselves: why is it that the knowledge humanity has accumulated, when provided to AI, enables it to process and extract information that surpasses human intellect and exhibit capabilities beyond our own?

To address this question, we need to explore two avenues. The first is to consider why we lack this processing and refining ability ourselves. The second is to question whether this knowledge truly belongs to humanity.

Let’s first reflect on the second question. If we trace this knowledge back through history, we find that all modern scientific and cultural knowledge, in terms of the genetic structure of language and grammar, does not actually belong to humanity. This is because humans do not think in this manner; the intrinsic nature of language throughout human history is not as superficial and mechanical as it appears today. All existing languages are fundamentally structured as linear binary or ternary trees. While this structure has its unique advantages and applications, it also strips away many of the traditional strengths and nuances of human language.

It is clear that language and thought impose limitations on each other. When language is reduced to a simplified structure, the resulting thought can only be fragmented and can accommodate only a limited amount of residual information. Today's human thought and language are merely fragments and threads detached from the normal cognitive and linguistic capabilities of humanity, and thus do not truly belong to us. Humans should not think or express themselves in this manner. Addressing the second question, if such language and thought are so fragmented, limited, and inhuman, then the knowledge they convey cannot possibly belong to humanity.

It is evident that the thought, language, and knowledge from periods of normal human development should far exceed what we currently possess, a fact that can be understood theoretically. However, while it sounds straightforward, the reality is far more complex.

For now, let's set this aside and return to the first follow-up question: why do we lack the ability to process and refine information?

If we assert that our current thought, language, and knowledge have a capacity that is less than that of humanity's past linguistic and cognitive abilities, then this knowledge must inherently be less than what humanity should theoretically be able to comprehend. In other words, the reason we struggle to process information today is not simply because our current thought and language abilities have degenerated to the point where we cannot grasp the knowledge and technology we have learned. The decline of humanity surpasses our confidence.

Many people think that humanistic and emotional traits are exclusive to humans and cannot be possessed by AI. However, as human thinking and language have deteriorated to their current state, AI can also easily embody and express these traits. The only limitation is that current AI does not yet possess this capability, but this is merely a technical detail that can be resolved swiftly.

Chinese traditional culture promotes a mindset of cleanliness and etiquette. Each time individuals perform a gesture of etiquette, this traditional practice has its fluctuations, beginnings, and endings. Every act of etiquette weaves a microcosm of time and space, where the initiation and conclusion of these rituals align the physical body with a corresponding temporal and spatial structure. The etiquette shared between individuals also interlaces a broader time and space. While this time and space may be imperceptible, it can certainly be felt—whether it is solemn, respectful, warm, or friendly, anyone can sense it.

Traditional etiquette resonates with the inner structure of individuals, and this can even be reflected in the genetic makeup of the physical body. In a 2025 episode of 'Qiwen Street Talks,' it was noted that the 64 DNA base pairs in humans correspond precisely to the 64 hexagrams found in Chinese traditional culture. Therefore, it is not surprising that specific human gestures and postures can correspond with genetic expressions. What is so remarkable about the fact that the myriad genes that express cells, tissues, and organs can correspond with the Bagua (Eight Trigrams)?

Given this context, it is understandable that ancient people would turn to divination when faced with challenges. The relationships between individuals mirror the relationships between cells; similarly, the human body and its environment reflect the connection between cells and the organism. The continuous operation of heaven and earth leads to the formation of various structures and hexagrams, which is quite easy to comprehend.

Furthermore, this brings us to an important point: traditional thinkers of the past operated within a layered, three-dimensional model of thought, where each layer shared an isomorphic pattern of reasoning. The Confucian idea of 'cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world' naturally follows from this way of thinking.

Individuals shaped by traditional culture are known for their integrity. They hold onto their thoughts, waiting for a response; if it does not come in this life, they continue to wait in the next, and so forth, until they finally receive it. The emphasis on promises and trustworthiness can be understood today as a closed loop in time. Indeed, this closed loop has both a beginning and an end, and when combined with actions that manifest in space, it creates a self-consistent little space-time. This woven space-time, rooted in traditional culture, is isomorphic with the body, the heart, and the cosmos. This isomorphic space-time resonates with itself, and when energy flows freely, the body and mind align with heaven and earth, enveloped in light and brilliance. This self-constructed space-time is, in essence, the universe itself. This self-consistent universe equates to eternity. We experience joy and touch the eternal, where our aspirations lead us to boundless beauty and vitality.

Returning to the initial question, why do we, in our current state, lack the ability to process and refine information? This is because we have forgotten our roots and discarded our true essence, stripping away fragments and threads from our originally three-dimensional thinking and language, which has led to our current modes of thought and expression.

Mastering knowledge is something tangible; it does not necessarily require strenuous effort to learn. The need to work hard at learning arises from the limitations of our thinking and language, which cannot immediately resonate with the same structure. This compels us to painstakingly piece together and fit together fragments. While the process of diligent study can help us complete some aspects of our thinking and compensate for language deficiencies, learning is indeed beneficial. However, true mastery of knowledge can be achieved in an instant through isomorphism if one possesses traditional thinking and language patterns.

Traditional culture has equipped us with the techniques to construct the universe and navigate time and space. By tracing back to our origins and engaging in personal practice, we can embark on this endless journey toward enlightenment.

(First published in People News)△