AI Alignment: First Principles

The Intersection of AI Alignment and Self Alignment: A Case for Physical Practices

I’m not going to beat around the bush, I’m just going to say it plainly. Achieving AI alignment is a goal that first requires self-alignment. We cannot expect to correct an external relationship until internal balance is maintained. Otherwise, we will quickly find ourselves adrift in our own delusions. So here’s my belief: teaching physical alignment through practices like martial arts (Tai Chi specifically) will help individuals mentally and emotionally prepare themselves while seeking AI alignment solutions.

Developing Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation

Physical alignment practices help individuals develop greater self-awareness and self-regulation. By practicing mindfulness and present-moment awareness, individuals can develop the ability to recognize and regulate their own biases, emotions, and thoughts. This can help them approach their complex work with greater objectivity and clarity.

Fostering Empathy and Compassion

Physical alignment practices can also help individuals develop greater empathy and compassion for others. This is not only a critical skill for effective AI alignment but also for just being a kind person. Acknowleding our imbalance, our biases, means being vulnerable. Being vulnerable doesn’t take courage, it builds courage. A deeper understanding of this helps develop a deeper sense of connection and understanding with others. This allows us to take on and better appreciate the perspectives and values of different stakeholders. I’d say that was important to the development of AI systems.

Building Discipline and Resilience

Physical alignment practices can help individuals develop discipline and resilience. These are valuable traits for cybersecurity teams and other professionals working in the tech industry where burnout seems to be a critical issue. By developing the ability to focus and persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks, individuals can better navigate the complexities and uncertainties of AI alignment and cybersecurity.

Reframing Power and Conflict through Tai Chi

Practicing Tai Chi specifically means learning to approach conflict differently. The use of power is redefined because what power is and where it comes from is transformed. There is no clenched fist, there is no seeking of power. There is plenty of power all around, and more importantly within us. The problem is that we have been told that there is something wrong with us and something must be added. When in fact, it is the opposite. There is more to us than we can imagine and power is not force, but control, and knowing the minimum effort necessary is the best possible policy. Strength isn’t in the breaking, but in the holding up, learning to support ourselves and each other.

Conclusion: The Benefits of Physical Alignment Practices

Overall, by teaching physical alignment practices like martial arts to employees and cybersecurity teams, organizations can help develop the skills and perspectives necessary for effective AI alignment and cybersecurity. These practices can help individuals develop greater self-awareness, empathy, discipline, and resilience, which can ultimately contribute to more ethical and socially responsible AI systems. Additionally, promoting physical and mental wellness among employees can also contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce, which can benefit the organization in many ways.

I encourage you to consider incorporating physical alignment practices into your own life or workplace. The benefits are manifold and the impact on AI alignment could be profound. Oh, and if you need someone who teaches Tai Chi and is into cybersecurity- I know a guy.

Stretching Treats Inflammation, Does Help with Cancer?

Article discussing the effects of stretching and cancer treatment. Considering the amount of tissue winding and unwinding involved with internal arts method, this allows for a ringing out of the tissue as well as a stretching.

Coaching Journal # 1: Sparring Yourself

I say, "50% speed," to keep the students from getting hurt. From my right, I hear the snap of a gi sleeve. The noise is an indicator someone is moving way faster than 50%. I turn following the sound and in this case the speed issue is with two new students running into each other and playing slap hands. No technique, no control.

I repeat with emphasis, "I said 50%. Slow it down." And right after a student's spinning heel kick just misses the face of another student. My mind's eye sees the heel crush the cheek bone. Part of me is always ready to call 911 or grab smelling salts. The kicker and the nearly kicked both stop in shock at the near collision and broken facial bones.  Both students look terrified for a second, then smile, bow, and continue as I repeat the direction, "50%!" They move a little slower.

50% is a hard task when someone else is trying to hit you. What does that even mean, 50%? I'm learning to fight, right? Shouldn't I be giving it my all? Absolutely, but what is your all? Speed means nothing without control, so I say to the room, "Breath. relax." Some settle in, some keep on doing what they were doing, breathing heavy and fast through their mouths. Some pant, some hold their breath. Some slide around in circles, some hop back and forth, some switch feet looking for their angle.  Most are red faced and sweating. All eyes are focused though, bright and intense. Sparring can wear you out fast, but it wakes you up. It makes you pay attention.

"Cover your head." Everyone raises their arms a little more.  One student has his hands opened with the fingers spread wide, as he reaches down to block kicks with his fingers extended. Fingers vs shin? Shin usually wins. I know, so I bark out, "No Fingers."

I totally know about blocking kicks with your fingers. 8 years ago, the middle finger of my left hand tried to block the shin bone of a 6'7, 300 lb black belt's round house kick. His lower leg was the size of my whole arm. As you can guess his shin was not damaged. My finger, well...it turned into the letter Z. Dislocated and probably fractured in couple places, the finger had accordioned the first and second knuckle, folding it twice. I almost passed out when they yanked it back into place.

So I say, "Fists, not fingers." They dance around kicking and chopping, punching and lunging for a couple more minutes before calling time. They all bow to their partners. Some hug, some shake hands. I give them ten seconds between rounds to find a new partner, “This time lower belt to upper belt, please." Without being asked the upper belts raise their hands to let the lower belts know who to partner with.

There are mostly white uniforms in this class, all the belts are represented though. A few black belts are here to play today as well and I want to make the most out of it. They mingle throwing up their hands looking for their lower belt partners for the next round. There are four women in class and six guys.

One lady is a 2nd degree black belt getting ready for her 3rd degree test. She's fierce. She fights head-on, 3-punch combos and well controlled kicks. She seems like she has an endless amount of energy. I think it helps new women who come to class to see her intensity.  

I say, "Upper belts use only sweeps and takedowns. You must be able to catch your partner. Lower belts pick a form." I point at each in turn and they name off the form they want to use.

They slip in their mouthpieces and check their cups with a little wrap of the knuckles and look at me to let me know they are ready. I try to make eye contact with everyone, making sure everyone looks like they're having fun. Some look tired, some frustrated. Nobody looks scared, so I continue, "Bow to your partner, spar carefully."

Sunday at 9:30 AM sparring class. Only bad thing  about this class is I don’t get to spar. My job is to teach techniques, create drills, and watch over them to make sure no one gets over-excited. I’m not here teaching them how to fight. This isn’t training for the octagon. This is sparring, not fighting. But sparring can feel like its fighting. Adrenaline starts flowing fast when someone’s fist are aimed at your head. Blocking and dodging can be harrowing. You can get frustrated and embarrassed easily under these conditions, especially if you want it really bad. And some of these students do. They want it bad. They want to be martial artists.

Today is one of those days a student gets upset. While I'm looking one way I here the sound of a body hitting the ground.  I turn and one student is reaching down to help their partner up. I call and end to the round and walk over to the student who hit the ground. Their eyes are tearing up and they are trying to hold back the waterworks. I'm not sure if its pain, shock, or embarrassment. I check in. They are little out of breath, but no broken bones. Yet they still don't won't to make eye contact. They walk away head down to change into their street clothes. When class is over and almost everyone else is gone, I ask again if they are okay. The student was still very upset, their eyes not watering, but they are red and they looked emotionally exhausted.

I assume they are embarrassed more than hurt and tell the student to not worry about the crying. “Go ahead and let that shit out." They nod, but don't say much and they leave quietly. I remain concerned I that haven’t properly addressed the issue. Thinking on it there were so many things I wanted to offer them, but didn't. 

1- don’t get upset about getting upset. If you could have stopped the emotion you would have.

2- whatever emotion you feel like you are having; actually it is having you. Once the chemicals kick in, you are going to feel what you feel. That’s not your fault. Give yourself a break and feel what's going on w/out judging yourself.

3- all emotions pass. The main point is you get in touch with yourself and become more aware of your desire to improve. That means making mistakes is necessary. Learn to love them.

4- frequency with intense emotional states creates familiarity with the emotions and reduces their power. As long as you are aware of them as rising and falling states and not wholesale estimates of who you are.  Get in the ring with your emotions as often as you can.

5- tough experiences help us discover our hidden reserves and deeper knowledge of what we can handle. 

Tai Chi- strength and balance

Balance... Time's article discussing research on fall prevention.

"After reviewing these studies, researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain concluded that there was “high-quality evidence” that tai chi reduced the rate of falls by 43% within the first year of learning the practice—and 13% after the first year—compared to other interventions."

Anatomy Trains and Martial Arts

Anatomy Trains and Training Martial Arts -entry from Martial Body blog.  Great intro to the major fascial lines in the body involved in maintaining balance and power.