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Oh, wowwww! These are HILARIOUS! Just, the sequence and everything!!

One of my favorite "thought experiments that I stink at running" (basically, I think about how cool a thought experiment it would be, but have trouble imagining it) is importing a historical figure to the present. And here you go in the opposite direction.

It's really suited to a visual medium, because the BODY LANGUAGE in them is part of what I'm finding so hilarious. Musk seated in the image where N goes "Me a historical figure? But I will live forever!" image. Musk with arms crossed in the "Like fire, like starlight..." image.

In the latter image, I think the hilarity arises partly because there's a mismatch from the "inspirational speaker" posture I expect to see. But!! The "Oh, do you know the sun is a star?!" is also really fun because it jars him out of "inspirational speaker mode." And YET, is more useful to his listeners than rattling on! (Like when you're talking to a little kid and realize they have a gap in their knowledge!)

-"Theodicy"

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author

Thank you so much for your kind words! I know that when you post a comment, especially any comment including the word "hilarious", I've done a decent job. I love that you picked up on the body language details! I went through many iterations before settling on these. I was worried people might notice that my Nebuchadnezzar is inconsistent, but I couldn't get AI to do that.

Your thought experiment about importing historical figures to the present sounds fun! Do you have a favorite biblical figure whose reaction to Elon Musk would be even more fun?

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Oh! My first was the Apostle Paul. But obviously I could think of an Old Testament one too! Yet I did have to think, (I don't often associate Bible characters with grappling with new changes in technology - more like wrestling to chase after God.) but in the end, I didn't go far, chronologically-speaking. Daniel. Can you imagine that conversation? Secondly, Elijah, or perhaps Elisha.

> I was worried people might notice that my Nebuchadnezzar is inconsistent...

Oh no; that is also part of the ironic charm! The guy was clearly depicted different ways throughout different centuries, and that too is showing up in the images.

Also, I was contemplating an alternate ending where somehow Elon doesn't wind up imprisoned, gets his time machine fixed, and then, once he's set to jet off back to the future he calls out, "And dont forget - you can't spell 'Nebuchadnezzar' without 'chad'!" ...and leaves. Albeit, that... probably isn't actually true in cuneiform, and he forgot to explain what a "chad" is. But when he steps out on the other side, Elon chuckles to himself, "Thought of that line a couple days ago. Couldn't not use it."

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Nov 19Liked by Isha Yiras Hashem

"You claim that this internet is 'Organized fire' and makes people more powerful? Explain wojak memes, then."

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author

First, I just learned what they are. Second, I have to make a Nebuchadnezzar wojak, I'm sure AI can do it. But how do they make people less powerful?

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Nov 20Liked by Isha Yiras Hashem

haha please do make a Nebuchadnezzar wojak, hilarious.

To me the wojaks are just kind of a sad internet culture meme. I still laugh but there's an emptiness inside when I do.

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author

I'm working on it

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Nov 19Liked by Isha Yiras Hashem

Elon Musk Purchases the Y, Turns It Into the X:

"YMCAs across the globe have a new owner! Tech mogul Elon Musk has purchased the Y, an international non-profit, for seven billion dollars. In a press conference, Musk announced big plans for the youth organization, including a complete rebranding."

https://www.newworldhumor.com/p/elon-musk-purchases-the-y

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author

Very cute! How did you find this?

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I hope the future will be as strange and wondrous to us our time would be to Nebuchadnezzar

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