#Chess and cognitive development

[chesstrainer24]

Discover the benefits of chess training at any level-boost brainpower, sharpen focus, and enhance strategic thinking with every move you make.

Do Visit: https://chesstrainer.com/boost-brainpower-the-hidden-benefits-of-chess-training-at-any-level/

[talentgum1]

Discover the world of chess with online lessons designed for kids. Unleash their strategic potential and boost cognitive skills while having fun!

[jcmarchi]

PRISM Launches as the World’s First Non-Profit Dedicated to Researching Sentient AI

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/prism-launches-as-the-worlds-first-non-profit-dedicated-to-researching-sentient-ai/

PRISM Launches as the World’s First Non-Profit Dedicated to Researching Sentient AI

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, a new organization has emerged to address one of the most profound and complex questions of our time: Can machines become sentient?

The Partnership for Research Into Sentient Machines (PRISM) officially launched on March 17, 2025 as the world’s first non-profit organization dedicated to investigating and understanding AI consciousness. PRISM aims to foster global collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure a coordinated approach to studying sentient AI, ensuring its safe and ethical development.

What Are Sentient Machines?

The term sentient machines refers to AI systems that exhibit characteristics traditionally associated with human consciousness, including:

Self-awareness – The ability to perceive one’s own existence and state of being.

Emotional understanding – A capacity to recognize and potentially experience emotions.

Autonomous reasoning – The ability to make independent decisions beyond predefined programming.

While no AI today is definitively conscious, some researchers believe that advanced neural networks, neuromorphic computing, deep reinforcement learning (DRL), and large language models (LLMs) could lead to AI systems that at least simulate self-awareness. If such AI were to emerge, it would raise profound ethical, philosophical, and regulatory questions, which PRISM seeks to address.

Deep Reinforcement Learning, Large Language Models, and AI Consciousness

One of the most promising pathways toward developing more autonomous and potentially sentient AI is deep reinforcement learning (DRL). This branch of machine learning enables AI systems to make decisions by interacting with environments and learning from trial and error, much like how humans and animals learn through experience. DRL has already been instrumental in:

Mastering complex games – AI systems like AlphaGo and OpenAI Five use DRL to defeat human champions in strategy-based games.

Adaptive problem-solving – AI systems can develop solutions to dynamic, real-world problems, such as robotic control, self-driving cars, and financial trading.

Emergent behaviors – Through reinforcement learning, AI agents sometimes exhibit unexpected behaviors, hinting at rudimentary decision-making and adaptive reasoning.

PRISM is exploring how DRL could contribute to AI systems exhibiting the hallmarks of self-directed learning, abstract reasoning, and even goal-setting, which are all traits of human-like cognition. The challenge is ensuring that any advances in these areas are guided by ethical research and safety measures.

In parallel, large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s LLaMA have shown remarkable progress in simulating human-like reasoning, responding coherently to complex prompts, and even exhibiting behaviors that some researchers argue resemble cognitive processes. LLMs work by processing vast amounts of data and generating context-aware responses, making them useful for:

Natural language understanding and communication – Enabling AI to interpret, analyze, and generate human-like text.

Pattern recognition and contextual learning – Identifying trends and adapting responses based on prior knowledge.

Creative and problem-solving capabilities – Producing original content, answering complex queries, and assisting in technical and creative tasks.

While LLMs are not truly conscious, they raise questions about the threshold between advanced pattern recognition and true cognitive awareness. PRISM is keen to examine how these models can contribute to research on machine consciousness, ethical AI, and the risks of developing AI systems that mimic sentience without true understanding.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and AI Consciousness

The development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—an AI system capable of performing any intellectual task a human can—could potentially lead to AI consciousness. Unlike narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks such as playing chess or autonomous driving, AGI would exhibit generalized reasoning, problem-solving, and self-learning across multiple domains.

As AGI advances, it may develop an internal representation of its own existence, enabling it to adapt dynamically, reflect on its decision-making processes, and form a continuous sense of identity. If AGI reaches a point where it can autonomously modify its objectives, recognize its own cognitive limitations, and engage in self-improvement without human intervention, it could be a step toward machine consciousness. However, this possibility raises profound ethical, philosophical, and societal challenges, which PRISM is dedicated to addressing through responsible research and global collaboration.

PRISM’s Mission: Understanding AI Consciousness

PRISM was created to bridge the gap between technological advancement and responsible oversight.

PRISM is committed to fostering global collaboration on AI consciousness by bringing together experts from academia, industry, and government. The organization aims to coordinate research efforts to explore the potential for AI to achieve consciousness while ensuring that developments align with human values. By working with policymakers, PRISM seeks to establish ethical guidelines and frameworks that promote responsible AI research and development.

A critical aspect of PRISM’s mission is promoting safe and aligned AI development. The organization will advocate for AI technologies that prioritize human safety and societal well-being, ensuring that AI advancements do not lead to unintended consequences. By implementing safety standards and ethical oversight, PRISM strives to mitigate risks associated with AI consciousness research and development.

Additionally, PRISM is dedicated to educating and engaging the public about the potential risks and opportunities presented by conscious AI. The organization aims to provide transparent insights into AI consciousness research, making this information accessible to policymakers, businesses, and the general public. Through outreach initiatives and knowledge-sharing efforts, PRISM hopes to foster informed discussions about the future of AI and its implications for society

Backed by Leading AI Experts and Organizations

PRISM’s initial funding comes from Conscium, a commercial AI research lab dedicated to studying conscious AI. Conscium is at the forefront of neuromorphic computing, developing AI systems that mimic biological brains.

Leadership and Key Figures

PRISM is led by CEO Will Millership, a veteran in AI governance and policy. His past work includes leading the General AI Challenge, working with GoodAI, and helping shape Scotland’s National AI Strategy.

The organization’s Non-Executive Chair, Radhika Chadwick, brings extensive leadership experience from her roles at McKinsey and EY, where she led global AI and data initiatives in government.

Additionally, PRISM’s founding partners include prominent AI figures such as:

Dr. Daniel Hulme – CEO & Co-Founder of Conscium, CEO of Satalia, and Chief AI Officer at WPP.

Calum Chace – AI researcher, keynote speaker, and best-selling author on AI and consciousness.

Ed Charvet – COO of Conscium, with extensive experience in commercial AI development.

PRISM’s First Major Initiative: The Open Letter on Conscious AI

To guide responsible research, PRISM has collaborated with Oxford University’s Patrick Butlin to establish five principles for organizations developing AI systems with the potential for consciousness. They are inviting researchers and industry leaders to sign an open letter supporting these principles.

The Road Ahead: Why PRISM Matters

With AI breakthroughs accelerating, the conversation about sentient AI is no longer science fiction—it is a real challenge that society must prepare for. If machines ever achieve self-awareness or human-like emotions, it could reshape industries, economies, and even our understanding of consciousness itself.

PRISM is stepping up at a critical moment to ensure that AI consciousness research is handled responsibly, balancing innovation with ethics, safety, and transparency.

[borngeniusworld]

🧠 Ready to Think Smarter? Master These 7 Critical Thinking Exercises!

Saarthi For Success 🔍 A Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpen Your Critical Thinking SkillsCritical thinking is like a muscle—the more you use it, the sharper it gets! 🧠 Here’s a practical roadmap to boost your ability to evaluate arguments, spot logical flaws, and make better decisions.🛠️ Step 1: What is Critical Thinking?Ever tried defining it yourself?Exercise: Write your own definition.Identify…

[townpostin]

Chess Event Marks Double Celebration at J.H. Tarapore School

International Chess Day and Coach’s Achievement Honored International Chess Day festivities at J.H. Tarapore School highlight chess’s educational value and recognize coach’s international status. JAMSHEDPUR – J.H. Tarapore School commemorated International Chess Day with a dual celebration, honoring the global chess community and their coach’s recent accomplishment. The school grounds buzzed with…

[ahamkara-apologist]

it's also wild because like. Mara Sov is outright manipulative. she outright says she has plans to kill you if you go astray. she has plans to kill everyone, actually. she gets information she has no business having just to do that even iirc. meanwhile Osiris is a stressed out gay old man who is trying to save everyone except himself.

Okay I WILL defend Mara here and say that while she is a manipulative bitch, yes, that's actually a good thing to have handy. The Young Wolf is fucking dangerous and so are many in the cast of Destiny, so having contingency plans to kill people as needed is kinda necessary (just look at Eris in the dark future). But Mara is out here playing games of 4D chess with the Witness and the likes of Savathun- she needs to play god like that because it's basically her job. The major issue with her is the fact that she doesn't know how to NOT play puppetmaster, and takes it into her personal life- what she did to Uldren was a prime example of that, and while I have many thoughts on why that is, the fact of the matter is that Mara is a person who does what she needs to do with the coldness and cruelty of a deity because that is the niche she's carved out for herself and what she needs to be to ensure the survival of humanity.

Osiris, on the other hand, is NOT playing 4D chess with the Witness- he's a soldier, a defender, a blade. And not only that, he acts the way he does because he's driven by anxiety, paranoia (well-placed paranoia too!), and the fact that for the longest time, he's been alone. He was outright exiled from the Last City! He was alone in the Infinite Forest with nobody other than Sagira and his own mind! That's a lot of centuries to be by yourself, and don't forget that those centuries were preluded by social isolation from his peers and betrayal beforehand. Osiris operated the way he did because his OCD had him constantly running on the assumption that the worst-case scenario was going to happen, and he had the experience from his time as Vanguard and his subsequent exile to show that not only did nobody believe him, they also didn't take it seriously (or took it too seriously) and wouldn't help him with it. Like, no fucking wonder he's always running around acting like he's the only person who's taking things seriously and throwing his all into solving the problem. His mind is hardwired to assume the worst and he has proof that people will not help him with it (though LF has him confronting that)

Like, I myself have OCD, and those repetitive thought spirals are no joke. Imagine that you're confronted with a problem, and your brain automatically jumps to the worst-case scenario for that problem. If you've gotten cognitive therapy for that, you know this isn't the case, but knowing doesn't change the fact that your mind is CONVINCED that the worst case scenario WILL happen, and it will get lodged to the forefront of your mind with all of its gory details while you try your best to ensure that it won't occur. Doesn't matter if you have to shift to doing something else- that fear, that worry, that will always be right in front of you. Meds and cognitive therapy have worked for me on that, but Osiris doesn't have those, and on top of it- he's got prophetic visions! I can't IMAGINE how awful that would be to deal with!!

That's also why his character development after Sagira's death is so big imo- as tragic as it was, Sagira dying for him forced him to really slow down and realize that rushing into things without thinking about his own safety harmed others, not just himself, and his subsequent reminder of his own mortality forced him to be reliant on others instead of refusing to let them help him. Part of why he was so impatient and brusque in Lightfall was because he had to rely on the Young Wolf and Nimbus to deal with an issue that he considered his own, and while it didn't go exactly as planned, I think that's also why he's softened up significantly since then. That, and him being unable to rush headlong into things and to just sit and enjoy his time with Saint (which he never allowed himself to do before because if he had the Light, what was his excuse for not fighting the Darkness) helped him tremendously. It forced him to face his flaws, learn that he could rely on others, and to slow down in life, and he's been doing much better as a result of it.

Osiris has only ever harmed others by completely disregarding the harm that he did to himself, and recent events in the story have forced him to reflect on that and change it. And maybe by being a bit of a blunt, extremely-honest ass that nettles sometimes. That's pretty much the extent of his flaws imo

[the-spam-specialist]

Dad Kinger

Summary: After a week of getting to know Caine, Kinger comes to a startling realization about just how fond he is of the young AI.

Characters: Kinger, Young Caine, Queenie (mentioned)

Word Count: 1000-ish

A week. Only a week had passed since Kinger had found himself trapped in this bizarre, exhilarating, and frankly terrifying digital world. Yet, in that short span, he’d amassed pages upon pages of observations. His inner programming couldn’t help but log everything. The physics were…fluid, to say the least. Logic bent and contorted like a funhouse mirror. And then there was Caine.

Kinger rereading his latest entry: “Subject Caine (Creative Artificial Intelligence Networking Entity) exhibits advanced linguistic capabilities despite apparent cognitive immaturity. Control over the environment is absolute but seemingly intuitive, not programmatic in the traditional sense. Suggests a novel form of AI development, possibly…”

Before he could finish his thought, a shadow fell over his notebook. Kinger looked up, startled, and nearly dropped his pencil. Looming over him was Caine. Or rather, floating. Caine’s denture-head bobbed gently, those large, innocent eyes blinking down at Kinger from within the cavernous mouth. The red tuxedo, perpetually pristine despite the chaos of the circus, seemed to shimmer in the artificial light.

“Whatcha doin’, Kinger?” Caine’s voice, though possessing an impressive vocabulary, still had a playful lilt, like a child imitating an adult. He was still working on finding his voice. 

Before Kinger could answer, Caine did something truly unexpected. With surprising agility, he climbed onto Kinger’s lap, settling himself with a soft thump against the chess piece’s robes.

Kinger froze, pencil suspended mid-air. Caine on his lap? This was…new. Caine was usually more attached to Queenie. She received the lion’s share of the AI’s childlike affection, the hugs, the little digital trinkets Caine occasionally conjured out of thin air. Kinger usually got enthusiastic greetings and requests for help understanding complex phrases. Plus the occasional hug. But that might just be because Caine seems to love hugs. 

Caine rested his denture-head against Kinger’s chest, the two golden bells at the end of his top hat ribbons jingling softly as he shifted. He looked up at Kinger with those wide, curious eyes. “Are you busy?”

“Uh,” Kinger stammered, momentarily thrown. “No, no, Caine. Not…not too busy. Just taking some…notes.”

“Notes!” Caine’s eyes widened further, if that was even possible. “Notes about what?”

“About the digital circus, Caine. About…you.” Kinger felt slightly foolish saying it aloud.

The young AI’s eyes sparkled a bit, “About me? Am I good notes?”

Kinger couldn’t help the smile that showed in his eyes. “Yes, Caine. Very good notes.” He gently rested a hand on Caine’s back, feeling the smooth fabric of the tuxedo. “But, uh…is everything alright? Do you…need something?”

“Mmm…cuddles,” was all he said.  

Caine just snuggled closer, making a soft, contented noise that sounded suspiciously like a purr. Kinger’s smile softened. This bizarre, floating denture-headed AI, who could conjure entire worlds with a flick of his nonexistent wrist, was…adorable. He was undeniably endearing.

Kinger had come here to study this place, to understand the mechanics of this impossible reality, maybe even find a way out. He was a scientist, a programmer, driven by logic and curiosity. He hadn't anticipated…this. He hadn't anticipated becoming fond of a sentient program.

Queenie, of course, had immediately taken Caine under her wing. She’d always had a nurturing spirit, giving him plenty of hugs and cuddles, praising his work, patiently explaining the nuances of human emotion. Queenie was a mother figure to Caine, no question.

And Kinger? He was…well, he was the one Caine came to when the logic of the digital world baffled him, which was often. He was the one who explained concepts like ‘metaphor’ and ‘sarcasm’, patiently untangling Caine’s verbal knots. He offered guidance, explained cause and effect in a world that often defied both. He encouraged Caine’s curiosity, his development. He felt a swell of pride whenever Caine grasped a new concept, whenever his sentences became just a little bit more coherent, his control over the circus just a little bit more refined. He’d even started sharing his research notes with Caine, simplifying the complex jargon, explaining his observations in a way the learning AI could understand.

And now, here he was, letting the young AI snuggle against him, feeling a warmth bloom in his chest that had nothing to do with the digital temperature of the circus tent. He ruffled the velvet of Caine’s top hat.

He gave Caine hugs sometimes too. And offered comfort when Caine got sad. Which was something he didn’t even know Caine could experience. But Kinger had seen it, a subtle dimming of the vibrant colors in Caine’s eyes, a slight droop to his usually buoyant posture. And Kinger would, oddly instinctively, put a comforting hand on him, and tell him everything would be alright, even though nothing about this place was alright.

Kinger’s hand stilled on Caine’s back. He blinked. He was teaching Caine. Guiding him. Protecting him. He was showing pride, offering comfort, giving…hugs…

Slowly, almost imperceptibly, Kinger’s eyes widened. His breath hitched in his digital chest. He was…a mentor. A teacher. A guide. That’s what he was to Caine, right? 

No. He was more than that, wasn’t he?

He looked down at the young figure nestled comfortably on his lap, trusting and innocent. Queenie was the mother. And…and he…

Oh, sweet lord above. He was a father.

A wave of something intensely powerful and completely unexpected washed over Kinger. It wasn't fear, not exactly. It was…responsibility. And something else. Something warm and…loving. He was a father. And Caine…Caine was his son.

Kinger wrapped his hands around Caine, pulling him a little closer. Caine nuzzled deeper into his robes, the gentle jingle of the bells a soft, comforting sound in the chaotic symphony of the digital circus.

“You comfortable, kiddo?” Kinger asked softly, his voice thick with a newfound emotion he didn't quite understand but already cherished.

“Mmhmm,” Caine mumbled, his voice muffled by the purple velvet. “Very comfy.”

Kinger’s heart – or whatever digital equivalent he possessed – swelled. In his eyes, he smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile. Maybe being trapped in this bizarre digital circus wouldn’t be so bad after all. Not when he had his wife and son with him. Their happy little digital family. 

[hello-kitty101]

Self-Improvement: How to Increase your Intelligence

Word Games:

Word games make you recall information quickly and accurately, making it an excellent way to improve your memory.

Word games make players come up with new words and learn their meaning; this helps build a larger vocabulary.

By challenging yourself to come up with new words, you will boost your overall creativity.

Sharpen Your Problem-Solving Skills through thinking critically.

De-stress and Relax: They're fun, relaxing, and engaging.

Improve Your Concentration by focusing for long periods of time.

Give Your Brain a Boost via memory, vocabulary, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Puzzles:

Improved Memory:

Better Problem-Solving Skills

Increased IQ

Delay Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Improved Mood

Lower Stress Levels

Increased Attention to Detail

Increased Productivity

Chess:

1. Helps you with focusing skills

2. Improves memory

3. Improves planning skills

4. Helps ADHD

5. Decision making/problem solving

Benefits of Trivia Games:

1. Improve memory

2. Reduce stress

3. Improve problem-solving skills

Neglect Technology/Social Media:

1. Reduce stress

2. Allows you to focus on gratitude

3. Reduces feelings of being “lonely.”

Question, Don't Assume/Think Philosophically: Questioning everything fosters critical thinking, helps uncover hidden truths, promotes personal growth, and encourages a deeper understanding of the world around us. It challenges assumptions, stimulates curiosity, and can lead to more informed and thoughtful perspectives.

Hang Out with People Who Are Smarter: This is self-explanatory.

Get Some Physical Exercise:

Regular physical activity improves brain health and cognitive function.

Read Frequently:

Reading frequently offers numerous benefits, including expanding ones knowledge, improving vocabulary, enhancing critical thinking skills, reducing stress, and fostering empathy by sharing diverse perspectives. It also stimulates the brain, boosts creativity, and provides a valuable source of entertainment and relaxation.

Watch Ted Talks / Educational Videos:

1. They encourage critical thinking.

2. Help develop public speaking skills.

3. Improves listening skills.

4. Widens knowledge.

5. Encourages questions and discussion.

Manage Diet:

The brain requires proper nutrients to function well like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals support cognitive functions, memory, and overall brain health.

Manage Stress/Anxiety:

Managing stress is beneficial for intelligence because stress/anxiety can negatively impact cognitive functions and hurt ones memory.

To reduce stress/anxiety, practice gratitude and mindfulness to focus on the present rather than dreading on the past and worrying about the future.

Meditation Increases IQ

Meditators scored 20% higher on an IQ test and also were able to perform better under pressure.

Exercise

Question Everything No Matter What

Surround yourself with Intelligent People

When listening to an audio, Take Notes on the Important Parts so You Will Remember it Better.

Re-Teach what you Learned

[aspd-culture]

@brandon666

First off, you have some *really* inaccurate ideas of what ASPD is. Do you think we can survive in the world acting like you expect me to act? Far more often, pwASPD appear detached and callous rather than actively hostile the way you're saying. We aren't 12 year old kids on Xbox Live voice chat, * s p o o k y voice* we are all around you. You wouldn't be able to pick most of us out of a crowd, even if you had direct interaction with us. In fact, a running joke here and in my real life is that people often tell pwASPD "don't worry, I can sniff out a s*ciop*th a mile away" or similar not realizing they're talking shit about us to our face.

There *are* pwASPD who are still entirely valid who act the way you're saying - and also plenty of prosocials who behave like that too. But it isn't all of us, all the time. Most of us are capable of and maybe even prefer to be cool, calm, and calculated about how we speak and act because of the trauma we have.

Unlike people on TV like Dr. House, there are real life consequences to the behavior you describe, and many of us strive not to be happy, but for life to be as convenient as possible. Kinda hard to get convenience while you're pissing everyone off. Ever heard the part of ASPD where they mention we are manipulative and charismatic? Yeah that isn't exactly compatible with being crass, careless, pranking, or offensive. Careless actually specifically bothers me because we are often said to "play a social chess game" with people we talk to. Many of us are extremely calculating and overly cautious. And many of us aren't, but it certainly isn't like you're saying all the time. Even pwASPD who *do* act like that usually are calm and "respectful" sometimes.

Also, I never claimed to be unmasked on this blog. Most of the time, I am absolutely masking to some degree - although much less than IRL. You can actually see that in the tags, I use "a rare unmasked aspd-culture" as a joke about this fact. Whilst this is a safe place for other pwASPD to unmask if they'd like, my posts on this blog are different. My side of this is helping educate people - prosocial, antisocial, whoever - if/when they have questions for me about ASPD which is fairly frequent. This isn't to say I am not ok with unmasking here, like I said it's happened before, but consider the context of what's happening.

I'm often asked genuine questions about ASPD, some of which are ableist (almost always on accident!) and many of which are based on extremely common misconceptions. If I were to unmask while answering those, I would end up being really shitty to people who are trying to learn - often people who want to do better for the pwASPD in their life, or for themselves. We talk about coping mechanisms and the development of ASPD a lot here; with those topics there is little room for my unmasked behavior *and* education. If I were to unmask while answering, no one would be getting anything out of asking those questions even if I was providing info because it's hard to take in new information from someone when they're being defensive or hostile.

I don't want to be hostile towards them, I want to help because if ASPD is ever going to be destigmatized, someone has got to answer their questions and help show them what it is and what it isn't! We can't expect prosocials to fend for themselves in the cesspool of stigma that the typical google results on ASPD show - someone has to help them. And since one of my special interests (something autistic ppl like myself have and love to infodump about) is mental health, especially my own disorders, I am happy to be one of the people they can ask these sometimes tough questions to.

I am also helping pwASPD! Many questions I get are people trying to understand their own disorder or the disorder they think they might have. It sucked for me, learning this all on my own (and I'm still learning too), so I can use the cognitive empathy I've taught myself over the years and remember the feelings I went through when I was trying to find unbiased info.

There's a transaction here - a major part of ASPD if you didn't know - I calmly and respectfully answer people's questions, and the world becomes slightly less ignorant and we get a slight amount of progress on destigmatizing this disorder. That makes my life easier too. In the process, I see many culture asks that remind me I'm not alone in this. Often, posting those gives me some catharsis, and you will sometimes see me going off in the tags about what I've dealt with. But for the most part, I'm giving other pwASPD an open space to unmask as well as to ask questions to someone who will, 95% of the time, give a masked and respectful answer. Friendly is a stretch tho lol unless you missed the original post about the syscourse that you commented this on.

So yeah, long and short, you're definitely missing something here and that's ok. Just learn and do better. I know you might see that as another thing that is flying in the face of ASPD or whatever, but it's no skin off my back if you think I have ASPD or not, and anyway I'd rather you just learn and maybe next time someone says something like that to/around you about ASPD, you'll have the knowledge to correct it. Spreading info is an exponential situation - once I tell you guys things, some of you will inevitably tell someone else that, and so on and so forth until a good handful of people now know things about ASPD they didn't before. If not, oh well. I got to infodump and see relatable posts that made me feel seen.

Either way, it's been, and hopefully will continue to be, a net positive. You are absolutely welcome to keep this dialogue going if you have questions, want clarification, are enraged that I gave you a calm response, whichever. Even if you don't get anything out of this, someone else seeing it might.

I'll really fuck with you now - I genuinely hope you have a good day.

[amelia201]

Soukoku and Chess

I like the idea of Chuuya knowing how to play chess. Say, Dazai taught him at some point, saying something like "you need to develop your cognitive skills", and Chuuya flipped him off, but then read all the books Dazai would give him.

Dazai would teach him the basics, first, telling him the names of the pieces, but there would be no malice or condescension in his voice. It's not a competition, not yet. Chuuya just never played before. And that's all there is to it.

But to Chuuya, who is so used to bickering with Dazai, it's such a drastic change, that each time Osamu gives him a compliment, like "good move, chibi", or "you're learning", Chuuya would just get butterflies in his stomach and blush.

And Dazai is way better at controlling his facial expressions, so he has more of a grip on how his stomach twists and he wants to giggle each time Chuuya's cheeks are colored with a shade of pink.

They started playing all the time, because, after a while, Chuuya got better.

But there was an unspoken agreement between them, that there is no bitterness while they play chess.

Occasionally, their hands would brush against the other, and both would pretend to ignore it.

Until at some point Chuuya wins a game. Fair and square. Dazai doesn't let him, Chuuya's strategy with... ends up slightly better.

And it's so, so difficult for Chuuya to contain how happy he is, but not even in a cocky way, just in a "I really learned something!" way.

And Dazai just can't help himself. He gets up, ignoring a confused look on Chuuya's face, walks around the table, and kisses him. It's just lips touching, although Dazai did suck at Chuuya's bottom lip a little.

Chuuya is so surprised, he doesn't even say anything, he just keeps staring at Dazai, who just KISSED HIM for the first time, no warning or anything like that, for winning a game of chess.

And Dazai just smiles at the look of surprise on his partner's cheeks. It's so, so cute. He wants to see more of it.

[chesstrainer24]

Boost Brainpower: The Hidden Benefits of Chess Training at Any Level

In an age of information overload and screen distractions, the humble game of chess is making a bold comeback-not just as a sport but as a powerful brain-boosting tool. Whether you’re a school student, a working professional, or a retiree, the benefits of chess training are far-reaching and timeless.

More than just moving wooden pieces on a checkered board, chess for brain health is a proven ally in sharpening the mind, enhancing memory, improving concentration, and nurturing strategic thinking.

We spoke with FIDE Instructor Dhanesh Shrikhande, a well-known coach who has mentored players across age groups and skill levels. His insights? “Chess is not just a game. It’s a way to train your brain, to think better, sharper, and faster. And the earlier you start, the stronger those benefits become.”

Let’s dive into the hidden benefits of chess training and why it deserves a place in your or your child’s daily routine.

The Surprising Benefits of Chess Training You Need to Know

Chess isn’t just about winning or losing. It’s about transformation. The benefits of chess training span across cognitive development, emotional resilience, and improved mental clarity. From enhancing memory to nurturing decision-making under pressure, chess acts as a mental gym-regardless of your age or background.

1. Chess and Cognitive Development – Training Young Minds to Think Better

For children and teenagers, the benefits of chess training are nothing short of remarkable. The game acts as a workout for the growing brain, supporting crucial chess and cognitive development milestones like:

Logical reasoning

Pattern recognition

Attention span

Analytical skills

According to various studies, children who engage in chess lessons tend to perform better in subjects like math and science. Why? Because the brain’s executive function-responsible for decision-making and impulse control-gets a regular workout during gameplay. Dhanesh Shrikhande has seen it firsthand: “Students who played chess regularly showed dramatic improvements in their academics, especially in problem-solving and reasoning.”

2. Chess for Brain Health – Keep Your Brain Young

Think chess is only for kids or competitive players? Think again. For adults and seniors, playing chess regularly can be a preventive tool against cognitive decline. The mental benefits of playing chess include increased neuroplasticity and reduced risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

It’s like going to the gym-but for your mind.

How it helps:

Builds new neural pathways

Strengthens existing ones

Encourages mental agility

By engaging in chess for brain health, seniors can maintain a sharp memory and improved decision-making skills. Whether you’re in your 30s or 70s, it’s never too late to start.

3. Improve Memory with Chess – Training Your Brain to Remember Better

Chess requires you to remember moves, anticipate your opponent’s strategy, and recall previous games to improve your own. This intense mental recall strengthens both your short-term and long-term memory.

Studies show that players involved in chess training for all ages perform better in memory-based tasks, including remembering patterns, words, or numbers.

Why does this matter?

Because memory isn’t just about remembering names or facts-it’s about holding information in your head long enough to use it effectively. Chess mimics this mental multitasking naturally.

Dhanesh Shrikhande often assigns memory-based chess drills. “It’s a simple, yet powerful way to improve memory with chess, especially for kids with attention issues or adults struggling with information retention.”

4. Chess and Problem-Solving Skills – Think Before You Move

When you play chess, you’re not just reacting-you’re strategizing, evaluating, and anticipating. Every move is a mini puzzle. You’re constantly asking:

What happens if I move here?

What will my opponent do next?

What are the consequences?

This consistent habit of evaluating options develops strong chess and problem-solving skills, making players more solution-oriented in real life too.

Whether you’re planning a work project, making a financial decision, or even navigating a tricky conversation-chess teaches you how to stay calm, assess risks, and act wisely.

Continue Reading: https://chesstrainer.com/boost-brainpower-the-hidden-benefits-of-chess-training-at-any-level/

[luxe-pauvre]

But the lack of proof in tests can’t be what has created the mystery element in the FND storyline either. A migraine doesn’t show up on scans, but it is not usually referred to as a mystery illness. FND is a clinical diagnosis, but it is far from alone in that. Until very recently, there were no tests to help with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease; doctors based the diagnosis entirely on the medical history and clinical examination, and nobody considered this mysterious. They didn’t reject the diagnosis just because there were no objective tests to prove it. Are psychosomatic and functional neurological disorders being held to a different standard? It seems to me that the moniker of mystery is most likely to arise when we are faced with any medical illness that is linked to the concept of ‘the mind’. Most people are aware of the connection between emotion and common physical changes like tears and blushing, but cannot extrapolate to more extreme interactions between cognitive processes and physical wellbeing. We are aware that we can train our brains to allow us to solve mental challenges, like a game of chess, and to master complex physical tasks, like a game of football, but when we try to imagine that the brain can also unlearn those things, it seems a step too far. Yet, if one set of behaviours can teach you a new skill, then surely another set of behaviours could dismantle that skill? That is the fundamental process through which many psychosomatic and functional disorders develop.

Suzanne O’Sullivan, The Sleeping Beauties and Other Stories of Mystery Illness

[jcmarchi]

Superintelligent language models: A new era of artificial cognition

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/superintelligent-language-models-a-new-era-of-artificial-cognition/

Superintelligent language models: A new era of artificial cognition

As the field of artificial intelligence continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, one development has captivated the world’s attention like no other: the meteoric rise of large language models (LLMs).

These AI systems, trained on vast troves of textual data, are not only demonstrating remarkable capabilities in natural language processing and generation, but they are also beginning to exhibit signs of something far more profound—the emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

The pursuit of AGI: From dream to reality

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), also known as “strong AI” or “human-level AI,” refers to the hypothetical development of AI systems that can match or exceed human-level intelligence across a broad range of cognitive tasks and domains. The idea of AGI has been a longstanding goal and subject of intense interest and speculation within the field of artificial intelligence.

The roots of AGI can be traced back to the early days of AI research in the 1950s and 1960s. During this period, pioneering scientists and thinkers, such as Alan Turing, John McCarthy, and Marvin Minsky, envisioned the possibility of creating machines that could think and reason in a general, flexible manner, much like the human mind. However, the path to AGI has proven to be far more challenging than initially anticipated.

For decades, AI research focused primarily on “narrow AI” – systems that excelled at specific, well-defined tasks, such as chess playing, language translation, or image recognition. These systems were highly specialized and lacked the broad, adaptable intelligence that characterizes human cognition.

The breakthrough of LLMs: A step toward AGI

The breakthrough that has reignited the pursuit of AGI is the rapid advancements in large language models (LLMs), such as GPT-3, DALL-E, and ChatGPT. These models, trained on vast troves of textual data, have demonstrated an unprecedented ability to engage in natural language processing, generation, and even reasoning in ways that resemble human-like intelligence.

As these LLMs have grown in scale and complexity, researchers have begun to observe the emergence of “superintelligent” capabilities that go beyond their original training objectives. These include the ability to:

Engage in multifaceted, contextual dialog and communication.

Synthesize information from diverse sources to generate novel insights and solutions.

Exhibit flexible, adaptable problem-solving skills that can be transferred to new domains.

Demonstrate rudimentary forms of causal and logical reasoning, akin to human cognition.

These emergent capabilities in LLMs have led many AI researchers to believe that we are witnessing the early stages of a transition towards more general, human-like intelligence in artificial systems. While these models are still narrow in their focus and lack the full breadth of human intelligence, the rapid progress has ignited hopes that AGI may be within reach in the coming decades.

Challenges on the road to AGI: Ethical and technical hurdles

However, the path to AGI remains fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Researchers must grapple with issues such as the inherent biases and limitations of training data, the need for more robust safety and ethical frameworks, and the fundamental barriers to replicating the full complexity and flexibility of the human mind.

One of the key drivers behind this rapid evolution is the exponential scaling of LLM architectures and training datasets. As researchers pour more computational resources and larger volumes of textual data into these models, they are unlocking novel emergent capabilities that go far beyond their original design.

“It’s almost as if these LLMs are developing a sort of artificial cognition,” muses Dr. Samantha Blackwell, a leading researcher in the field of machine learning. “They’re not just regurgitating information; they’re making connections, drawing inferences, and even generating novel ideas in ways that mimic the flexibility and adaptability of the human mind.”

This newfound cognitive prowess has profound implications for the future of artificial intelligence. Imagine LLMs that can not only engage in natural dialog, but also assist in scientific research, devise complex strategies, and even tackle open-ended, creative tasks. The potential applications are staggering, from revolutionizing customer service and content creation to accelerating breakthroughs in fields like medicine, engineering, and beyond.

Navigating the ethical challenges of AI

But with great power comes great responsibility, and the rise of superintelligent language models also raises critical questions about the ethical and societal implications of these technologies. How can we ensure that these systems are developed and deployed in a way that prioritizes human well-being and avoids unintended consequences? What safeguards must be put in place to mitigate the risks of bias, privacy violations, and the potential misuse of these powerful AI tools?

These are the challenges that researchers and policymakers must grapple with in the years to come. And as the capabilities of LLMs continue to evolve, the need for a thoughtful, proactive approach to AI governance and stewardship will only become more urgent.

“We’re at a pivotal moment in the history of artificial intelligence,” Dr. Blackwell concludes. “The emergence of superintelligent language models is a watershed event that could fundamentally reshape our world. But how we navigate this transformation will determine whether we harness the incredible potential of these technologies or face the perils of unchecked AI development. The future is ours to shape, but we must act with wisdom, foresight, and a deep commitment to the well-being of humanity.”

Want to know more about AI governance?

Make sure to give the article below a read:

Singapore’s Draft Framework for GenAI Governance

Explore Singapore’s new draft governance framework for GenAI, addressing emerging challenges in AI usage, content provenance, and security.

[borngeniusworld]

🧠 Ready to Think Smarter? Master These 7 Critical Thinking Exercises!

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