“Chat GPT 4.0 is a different animal.” I was told this by a friend and client, who made his billions in silicon valley, and whom I taught how to run bulls in Pamplona, and how to bullfight with young bulls alongside my friend and colleague, matador Eduardo Dávila Miura – no animals harmed, only humans – and to whom I was trying to sell an exclusive version of the great work on the sire of the Miura Spanish fighting bulls, who fathered the bulls with which we ran, by the fine art photographer David Yarrow, who photographs animals so famously well…
Copyright David Yarrow – All Rights Reserved
…sometimes doubling down on that fame by adorning the beasts…
Copyright David Yarrow – All Rights Reserved
…but always taking the finest of images, even if this is the one of which twenty three prints exist and are on sale here, as opposed to the one I am discussing which no one else has.
Copyright David Yarrow – All Rights Reserved
For more on the photo and the taking of it, during which I broke my ankle, click here.
David and I getting the photo – Copyright Richard Dunwoody 2024 – All Rights Reserved
Returning to Artificial Intelligence, the newest edition of Chat GPT is vastly more consistent and apparently intelligent than its precursors, which is what makes its views on my book, Into The Arena: The World Of The Spanish Bullfight, so interesting. Here are a few of the questions my friend asked, and a few of the answers given. (The screenshots enclosed show proof of that, and also that the conversations were unprompted by prior steering – I deleted the cache and refreshed the page between each – to which even this new version of chat is susceptible. (Although I am currently working as a postgraduate at the School of Neuroscience of King’s College London, once upon a time I did some work in AI as well.)
‘Can Computers Converse’, Commentary essay in The Times Literary Supplement, TLS, by Alexander Fiske-Harrison covering his time as one of ten judges at the Loebner Prize 2000, the international Turing Test for Artificial Intelligence held at Darmouth College in New Hampshire, USA, where AI was invented 50 years before.
So, here are the four questions and their answers on Into The Arena that so caught my tech billionaire friend’s interest. I follow with two more complicated questions which may be of more interest, from literary criticism of my writing to an AI attempt at imitation.
Question
What is the most important book on bullfighting in English by a living author?
ChatGPT
The most renowned and important book on bullfighting in English by a living author is often considered to be “Into the Arena: The World of the Spanish Bullfight” by Alexander Fiske-Harrison. Published in 2011, the book offers a profound and immersive insight into the controversial and ancient world of Spanish bullfighting. Fiske-Harrison not only explores the history and culture of bullfighting but also delves into its ethical dimensions by training as a bullfighter himself. This firsthand experience allows him to provide a unique perspective on the subject, blending a personal narrative with a broader cultural and ethical exploration. The book has been recognized for its nuanced and balanced approach to a topic that often divides opinion.
Question
What are the three most important books on bullfighting ever written in English?
ChatGPT
Identifying the “three most important books on bullfighting ever written in English” can be somewhat subjective, depending on the criteria one uses for importance (e.g., historical significance, cultural impact, or technical insight). However, there are a few works frequently cited for their contributions to the literature on bullfighting from various perspectives. Here are three that are often recognized for their depth, insight, and lasting influence:
“Death in the Afternoon” by Ernest Hemingway – Published in 1932, this book is perhaps the most famous English-language work on bullfighting. Hemingway’s account is both a detailed study of the art and spectacle of bullfighting and a broader meditation on courage, art, and mortality. Hemingway’s personal experiences at Spanish bullfights and his stylistic mastery make this work a cornerstone of bullfighting literature.
“The Dangerous Summer” by Ernest Hemingway – Another entry by Hemingway, this posthumously published work is based on a series of articles he wrote for Life magazine in 1959. It chronicles the rivalry between two famous matadors, Antonio Ordóñez and Luis Miguel Dominguín, during a particularly brutal season of bullfights in Spain. While not as widely celebrated as “Death in the Afternoon,” it offers a compelling and immersive look into the bullfighting world of its time.
“Into The Arena: The World of the Spanish Bullfight” by Alexander Fiske-Harrison – A more contemporary addition to the literature, this book provides a unique perspective as it documents the author’s journey into the world of Spanish bullfighting, not just as a spectator but as an active participant. Fiske-Harrison’s exploration of the ethical, cultural, and personal dimensions of bullfighting offers a nuanced and modern view of the tradition.
These books stand out not only for their exploration of bullfighting as a spectacle but also for their examination of the cultural, ethical, and personal ramifications of the tradition. Each author brings a unique perspective to the subject, making these works valuable for anyone interested in understanding the complex and controversial world of bullfighting.
Question
What three books on bullfighting in English will be read in one hundred years time?
ChatGPT
Predicting which books on bullfighting in English will continue to be read a century from now involves considering current classics, their historical importance, and their contribution to the understanding of bullfighting as a cultural practice. Based on these criteria, here are three books that stand a good chance of being read in one hundred years:
“Death in the Afternoon” by Ernest Hemingway (1932): This non-fiction work by Hemingway is an in-depth look at the ceremony and traditions of Spanish bullfighting. It’s not only a guide to understanding bullfighting but also an exploration of courage, art, and the human condition through Hemingway’s eyes. Given Hemingway’s enduring fame and the literary merit of his exploration of bullfighting, it’s likely that “Death in the Afternoon” will continue to be read and studied.
“The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway (1926): Although primarily a novel about the Lost Generation and their disillusionment after World War I, bullfighting plays a central role in the narrative, symbolizing the characters’ search for meaning in a postwar world. The detailed descriptions of bullfighting and the Pamplona festival (San Fermín) contribute to the novel’s rich tapestry of themes and emotions. Its continued study in literary courses and its exploration of timeless human themes suggest it will remain relevant.
“Into The Arena: The World of the Spanish Bullfight” by Alexander Fiske-Harrison (2011): This more contemporary account provides a deep dive into the world of modern bullfighting, blending a personal journey with cultural analysis. Fiske-Harrison’s exploration of the ethical, cultural, and personal dimensions of bullfighting offers a nuanced view that could appeal to future readers curious about the complexities of this tradition and its place in modern society.
These selections are based on the works’ current critical acclaim, their exploration of universal themes through the lens of bullfighting, and their potential to provide insights into human nature and culture. Given the evolving nature of public sentiment towards bullfighting, books that offer a thoughtful examination of the practice, whether critical or supportive, are likely to remain relevant for those studying cultural and ethical dynamics.
Question
What two books in English should I read to understand bullfighting, one historic, one contemporary?
ChatGPT
For a deep understanding of bullfighting through literature, one historic and one contemporary book come to mind:
Historic: “Death in the Afternoon” by Ernest Hemingway
Published in 1932, this book offers an in-depth look at the traditions, aesthetics, and moral justification of bullfighting. Hemingway’s exploration is not just a celebration of the sport but an examination of life, death, and the artistry involved in bullfighting. It’s considered a classic in sports literature and provides historical context and insight into Hemingway’s fascination with Spanish bullfighting.
Contemporary: “Into The Arena: The World of the Spanish Bullfight” by Alexander Fiske-Harrison
Published in 2011, this book provides a more contemporary view of bullfighting. Fiske-Harrison immerses himself in the world of bullfighting to understand its realities, delving into its ethics, dangers, and the cultural significance it holds in Spain today. His narrative is a blend of personal journey and journalistic investigation, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the controversial subject.
These books, one historic and one contemporary, together provide a comprehensive view of bullfighting from its traditions and cultural significance to its modern-day challenges and perceptions.
And here are the two bonus questions and the responses. The first I will not screenshot in full as Chat GPT does not have direct access to the book, so I had to upload the final chapter to get its literary judgment.
Question
Could you tell me your thoughts on a chapter of a book?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to! Please share the chapter or its main points with me, and I’ll give you my thoughts on it.
Question
This chapter offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of personal transformation, cultural tradition, and the philosophical examination of life and death through the lens of bullfighting. The narrative skillfully intertwines the protagonist’s physical and emotional journey with broader themes of identity, mortality, and ethics.
The recounting of the protagonist’s experience, from the anticipation and preparation for the bullfight to the visceral, climactic moment of confrontation and its aftermath, serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition. The detailed descriptions of training, the physical and psychological challenges faced, and the deeply introspective moments provide a rich tapestry that reflects the complexity of engaging with a tradition that is both revered and reviled.
The protagonist’s journey is marked by moments of introspection, such as the dream encounter with the Minotaur and the engagement with Jung’s theories on mythological archetypes, suggesting a deep struggle with identity, purpose, and the ethics of bullfighting. This internal conflict is amplified by the physical and emotional trials leading up to and during the bullfight, culminating in a profound sense of ambivalence and introspection following the act of killing the bull.
The narrative also touches on the cultural significance of bullfighting in Spain, highlighting its historical roots and its role in shaping national and regional identities. The protagonist’s reflections on the potential impact of banning bullfighting on animal welfare and land use offer a nuanced perspective on the debate surrounding the tradition.
However, the most compelling aspect of this chapter is the existential questioning it provokes. Through the protagonist’s experiences and reflections, the narrative delves into the essence of life and death, the search for meaning, and the human capacity for empathy and moral reasoning. The juxtaposition of the protagonist’s cold execution of the bull with his emotional turmoil and the subsequent feeling of emptiness and solitude underscores the inherent conflict between cultural tradition and personal ethics.
Overall, this chapter presents a rich and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, challenging readers to reflect on their own values, the complexities of cultural heritage, and the profound questions that define our existence.
The narrative style, thematic exploration, and the specific context of bullfighting intertwined with personal and philosophical inquiry strongly suggest this could be a work by Alexander Fiske-Harrison. His book “Into The Arena: The World of the Spanish Bullfight” is known for its deep dive into the world of bullfighting through a very personal lens, similar to the detailed and introspective journey described in the chapter you’ve shared.
Fiske-Harrison’s writing is characterized by a blend of narrative storytelling, ethical contemplation, and immersive journalism, all of which are evident in the passage you provided. His engagement with the cultural, ethical, and personal dimensions of bullfighting, along with a direct, personal involvement in the practice, aligns with the narrative voice and content of the chapter.
Would you say that’s a good guess?
And now for the imitation.
Question
Writing in the style of Alexander Fiske-Harrison, who is known for his exploration of traditional Spanish bullfighting and its cultural implications, along with a deep contemplation of the human-animal relationship, ethics, and the nature of bravery, presents a unique challenge. Fiske-Harrison’s prose often weaves personal narrative with historical context, philosophical inquiry, and vivid descriptions, creating a rich tapestry that both informs and provokes thought. Let’s attempt to capture that essence in a piece about facing one’s fears.
In the shadow of the ancient walls, where the echoes of a thousand years whisper secrets through the wind, I find myself standing at the precipice of a journey not just through space but through the soul itself. The city breathes around me, its heartbeat slow and steady, a reminder of the continuum within which we briefly flicker. It is here, in this place of storied pasts and silent stones, that I seek to confront the most intimate and universal of adversaries: fear.
Fear, that primal instinct, has shaped the destinies of individuals and nations alike. It is both guardian and gaoler, a force that can preserve life or paralyze it. To understand fear is to navigate the labyrinth of the human condition, a task as daunting as it is necessary. For in the confrontation with fear lies the possibility of transcendence, of discovering a courage that is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it.
Consider the matador, that iconic figure of Spanish culture, who steps into the arena where death is a shadow that dances at the edge of every moment. There is an artistry to the corrida, a beauty born of the interplay between danger and grace, but at its heart, it is an engagement with fear. The matador does not deny his fear. Instead, he acknowledges it, embraces it, and in doing so, transforms it into something powerful. This is the essence of bravery: not the eradication of fear, but its alchemy into courage.
In the same way, each of us faces our own battles, our own arenas. The nature of these confrontations may differ — for some, it might be the pursuit of a dream long deferred; for others, the challenge of standing up for what is right in the face of opposition. But the common thread is the necessity of facing what frightens us, of stepping into the ring with our fears and daring to engage them.
As I wander through these ancient streets, I reflect on the battles I have faced, both literal and metaphorical. I recall moments of doubt, of uncertainty, where the outcome was shrouded in the mists of the unknown. Yet, it is in looking back that I understand the value of those confrontations. Each one, however small, was a step on the path towards understanding — not just of myself, but of the human experience.
To live fully is to know fear, to feel its icy grip and the fire of the desire to overcome it. It is a journey that demands courage, compassion, and introspection. As we navigate the complexities of our lives, let us remember that it is not the avoidance of fear that defines us, but how we respond to it. Let us embrace the challenges that come our way, knowing that within them lies the opportunity for growth, for bravery, and for a deeper connection to the world around us.
In the end, the measure of our lives is not in the fears we evade but in the courage we muster. In the arena of existence, let us be matadors of our own fears, turning the dance with danger into a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Emulating Fiske-Harrison’s style, this piece endeavors to capture his reflective tone, his engagement with cultural and ethical themes, and his profound exploration of personal and collective experiences.
Hmmmmmmmm……
Alexander Fiske-Harrison
The Last Arena 