July 2023 - Ashura, Buying Used, Climate Change, & Cosmic Time Machine
Welcome back to 'Monthly Musings: A Curated Reading List'
“Insaan ko bedaar to ho lene do, har qaum pukaraygi hamare hain Hussain”
“Let humanity awaken and every nation will claim Hussain as their own”
Josh Malihabadi
Ashura
As a practicing Muslim, I commemorated Ashura by fasting on July 28, marking the anniversary of the martyrdom of Hussain, the Prophet Mohammed's (AS) grandson, and God delivering the Israelites, led by the Prophet Moses (AS), from the tyranny of Pharaoh.
When I think about history's most extraordinary sacrifices, the narrative of Imam Hussain's (AS) selfless act at Karbala invariably stands out.
Imam Hussain is venerated as the foremost symbol of resistance and the struggle for justice within Islamic history. In 680 AD, he found himself in stark conflict with Yazid I, the Umayyad Caliph, whose governance he deemed oppressive, corrupt, and against the core tenets of Islam. Hussain boldly rejected the idea of pledging allegiance to such a regime, placing his moral duty before any considerations of personal safety or political expediency. Facing a vastly superior force in the desolate landscape of Karbala, he chose to engage in a seemingly unwinnable battle, choosing to die with honor rather than live under tyranny. The events of Ashura, the day on which Hussain and his small group of followers were martyred, have become a poignant symbol of the struggle for justice, offering enduring motivation for those advocating against oppression.
Technology
Generative AI (GAI) is in the news every day. Big companies, mainly Google and Microsoft, dominate this field right now, seemingly with a firm grasp on our personal and professional lives.
This article made me very anxious. Has ChatGPT crossed the threshold reserved only for conscious beings? If it hasn’t already, will it acquire sage-like wisdom without actual life experiences and human consciousness?
‘Human Beings Are Soon Going to Be Eclipsed’ (pdf version) - The New York Times
This is a very thought-provoking article on the effect of AI on our society. Being in the business of Data & Analytics, this paragraph really got to me.
”Will this still be the case in the A.G.I. utopia? Or will fixing our institutions through A.G.I. be like handing them over to ruthless consultants? They, too, offer data-bolstered “solutions” for maximizing efficiency. But these solutions often fail to grasp the messy interplay of values, missions, and traditions at the heart of institutions — an interplay that is rarely visible if you only scratch their data surface.”
The True Threat of Artificial Intelligence (pdf version) - The New York Times
Culture, History & Politics
Every year, Rochester Hills, MI, hosts the Festival of the Hills in honor of July 4th. However, this year's celebrations faced unexpected disruptions; the event was rescheduled twice: initially for poor air quality resulting from a Canadian wildfire and later for inclement weather.
Let me spotlight two pieces as a reflection on July 4th:
"Born on the Fourth of July" is a movie that tells the story of Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran whose experiences lead him to become an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist.
Frederick Douglass, on the other hand, delivered a famous speech in 1852 titled "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" where he critiqued the celebration of freedom and independence on July 4th while many in America remained enslaved.
Both narratives challenge us to think critically about American identity, the country's ideals, and its realities. They prompt introspection on patriotism's meaning, whether it involves blind allegiance or the courage to critique and address societal injustices.
World
This year, Michiganders are feeling the effect of climate change firsthand, particularly polluted air from our northern neighbor. I found a couple of very interesting and scary reads.
The Economic Cost of Houston’s Heat: ‘I Don’t Want to Be Here Anymore’
(pdf version) - The Wall Street Journal
A CLIMATE WARNING FROM THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION (pdf version) - The New York Times
Life
If we are serious about climate change, we need to make some sacrifices, one of them can be buying used stuff. This article highlights the benefits of buying used items online, such as saving money and reducing environmental impact. It shows how more people are choosing used goods, and shares the author's personal experiences of shopping second-hand online.
In addition, it has made me conscientiously consider the alternative of buying used.
Why you should buy everything used (pdf version)- The Washington Post
Entertainment
If you're intrigued by the mysteries of the cosmos and eager to delve into one of the most significant scientific achievements of the past decade, you must watch "Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine" on Netflix. This riveting documentary trails a dedicated team of engineers and scientists as they embark on a daring mission: launching the James Webb Space Telescope. It's a captivating journey that reveals their collective effort to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe."
Here is the trailer.
Please feel free to add your favorite readings of the month in the comments so others can benefit as well. Let me know your thoughts including what was interesting/useful for you.