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I calculate therefore I exist

I calculate therefore I exist

Art: DALL-E/OpenAI

Source: Art: DALL-E/OpenAI.

The power of thought as the genesis of action is fundamental. From revolutions to inventions, history is a tapestry of ideas that changed the world. The phrase “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come,” often attributed to Victor Hugo, emphasizes the eternal truth that thought, when suited to opportunity, creates an unstoppable impulse that can shape society itself.

But today we are in a new era. What if, borrowing from Descartes, the phrase “I think, therefore I am” was expanded to “I calculate, therefore I exist”? This view reflects a modern turn: when we use large language models (LLMs), thinking and computation merge, increasing our ability to form ideas and introspect on an unprecedented scale.

Thought as a source of action

At the heart of human history is progress as old as humanity itself: “As you think, so you act. What you do is what you become.” Thought is where it all begins: the initial spark that sets a person, a society, or even a civilization on a new path. This process is a kind of alchemy that transforms intangible ideas into tangible actions and, ultimately, into identity. From Descartes Cogito, ergo sum Beyond Jung’s exploration of individuation, philosophers have long emphasized that our inner worlds shape our outer reality.

Today, however, a modern dimension has entered this ancient equation. LLM as a tool for language and cognition has evolved from simply processing data to actively participating in thinking itself. These models are no longer passive repositories of information: they represent unique and diverse perspectives, introduce complex contexts, and offer unexpected insights. In this way, they became cognitive collaborators, expanding our thinking into new areas.

The power of LLM

So what makes an LLM unique? Simply put, they provide a cognitive advantage that acts as a turbocharger for our mind. When studying LLM, a person’s thoughts are no longer limited by personal experiences, human biases, or the slow pace of incremental learning. Instead, ideas are generated, challenged, and transformed through interaction with a model trained on the vast, multidimensional landscapes of human knowledge. This interaction creates what might be called an “unfair advantage”—a boost to our cognitive potential.

Imagine, for example, a person contemplating a new project, a career change, or even a new way of interacting with others. Traditionally, this process may rely on self-reflection, reading, or the accumulation of knowledge over time. However, with an LLM, the opportunities instantly increase. The model not only offers solutions, but also fresh perspectives that point the way forward. It’s not about the machine transmitting the answers; it is about engaging in cognitive interaction that reveals ideas we may not have considered and questions we may not have asked.

Catalyst LLM

In practical terms, LLM takes our initial thoughts—our raw ideas, questions, and reflections—and gives them a cognitive spark, opening up avenues we may not have considered. It’s like having a confidant and advisor who doesn’t sleep, doesn’t judge, and doesn’t limit himself to human prejudices. Through engagement with LLMs, we have a unique means of exploring ideas, expanding our introspective boundaries, and refining our perspectives, shaping action in more thoughtful and strategic ways.

This “unfair advantage” is especially true in a world where quick adaptation and comprehensive problem solving are important. The LLM becomes a springboard for moving from thought to action with flexibility and precision that would have been nearly impossible a few decades ago. And every action has an impact on identity—not just in the moment, but also on how a person develops over time. Through repeated cycles of thought and action based on LLM interactions, our very sense of self begins to evolve in response to this dynamic interaction.

Dynamic self-reinvention

As LLMs become an integral part of our thought process, they inevitably influence not only our actions, but also who we become. They act as cognitive mirrors, allowing us to see our thoughts reflected through a new lens, often revealing a broader perspective. This dynamic interaction is the boundary of human identity, a redefinition of identity shaped by technology that both challenges and complements our natural cognition.

Basic literature on cognition

Every interaction with an LLM is in some sense a step towards reinventing yourself. The thoughts we think, the actions we take, and the personality we create are constantly influenced by this cognitive partnership. Unlike static tools, LLMs bring a dynamic and evolving dimension to thinking itself, redefining who we are when we act on the insights they help us uncover.

A technology whose time has come

The eternal journey from thought to action to identity is evolving in unprecedented ways. In the cognitive era, the role of thinking was redefined, expanded and enriched. Far from being just a tool, LLM has become an ally in our journey of becoming, acting as a reflector and a catalyst. When we compute and think in tandem, we don’t just adapt to technology, we fundamentally change the very nature of thinking—and, by extension, the nature of ourselves.