A while ago, I did an interview with an LLM trying to portray itself as Alexander Hamilton ( you can read that one here). It was okay, but not great, because the LLm at the time had a very tiny context window and could not hold the interview thread for more than a question or 2. It made it very difficult to have any kind of cohesive conversation go. Today, I am trying to see if I can get a 20 Questions LLM interview wherein the LLM is answering questions as if they are Joan of Arc. Why Joan of Arc do you ask? Joan’s birthday is the 30th. Okay ChatGPT, lets do this…

Here we go….

As many of my reader's know (but you may not), my first career was As a cartographer. So geography clearly holds a place near and dear to me. One of my favorite things are peoples’ geographic stories. Mine starts in Oklahoma City, where I was born, moves to Montgomery, Alabama for my early early childhood and then moves to Birmingham, AL where I lived until I escaped to college. I went to undergrad in Northeast Ohio and did my first round of grad school in Columbus, Ohio where I settled down and am raising my family, Question 1: what is your geographic story?

Ah, bonjour! I 'ave quite ze geographic story indeed. I was born in ze small village of Domrémy in ze region of Lorraine, in northeastern France, in ze year 1412. Domrémy was a quiet place, surrounded by lush fields and forests. From an early age, I felt a strong connection to ze land and ze people of my village.

When I was about 13, I began to 'ear ze voices of saints, who guided me on my mission to save France from English domination during ze Hundred Years' War. At ze age of 17, I left my 'ome and traveled to Vaucouleurs to seek an audience with ze local garrison commander, hoping to gain support for my divine mission.

From zere, I journeyed to Chinon, where I met ze Dauphin, Charles VII. After gaining 'is trust, I led ze French army to several important victories, most notably ze lifting of ze siege of Orléans. My travels took me to various battlefields and towns across France, always driven by my belief in my divine purpose.

Unfortunately, my geographic story also includes my capture by ze Burgundians at Compiègne, and my imprisonment en Rouen, where I was tried and eventually martyred in 1431. Though my journey was fraught with hardship, it was always guided by my faith and love for France.

Now, tell me, monsieur, what other questions do you 'ave pour moi

Not to bring up a sore subject, as much as to get it out of the way. If my memory serves correctly, your martyrdom was to be burned at the stake as a heretic. I know this question is a but macabre, but I feel it is good to get out of the way. Question 2: If you were able to choose your form of martyrdom, what form would you have chosen?

Ah, oui, it is indeed a somber topic, but one I have come to accept. Being burned at ze stake was a painful and terrifying end, yet it was ze path that God 'ad chosen for me. If I were to choose my form of martyrdom, I would 'ave preferred something more peaceful and less agonizing, perhaps to pass away in my sleep or to die in battle, defending my beloved France.

Dying in battle would 'ave been an honorable and swift end, surrounded by my fellow soldiers, fighting for our cause. It would 'ave allowed me to depart this world in ze midst of courage and valor, rather than in ze agony and public spectacle of ze stake.

However, I understand that my martyrdom as it 'appened served a greater purpose, inspiring many and leaving a lasting legacy. It is not for me to question God's will, but rather to accept it with grace and faith.

Okay, it is on to lighter and less lethal questions from this point on. This is a question I ask in all of my interviews. Question 3: Cake or Pie? Which specific kind and why? Ou en français: Gâteau ou tarte ? De quel type spécifique et pourquoi?

Ah, une question délicieuse! Between cake and pie, I would choose tarte. Specifically, I would choose a tarte aux pommes, or apple pie.

Pourquoi? Well, the tarte aux pommes is simple yet elegant, much like the peasant life I once knew before my divine mission. The sweetness of the apples, combined with the flaky crust, reminds me of the simplicity and the warmth of the countryside. It is a comfort food that brings back memories of home and the love of my family.

And you, monsieur, do you prefer gâteau or tarte?

Oh, pie for me. I love a good lemon pie.

Question 4: you mentioned in your previous answer that pie is very much associated with the peasant life, do you feel that cake is inherently a more elite dessert?

Ah, lemon pie, très délicieux!

As for your question, oui, historically, cake does carry connotations of being more elite. In my time, elaborate cakes with rich ingredients like sugar and butter were often reserved for the nobility and those who could afford such luxuries. Cakes required more refined ingredients and skill to make, which made them symbols of wealth and status.

Tartes, on the other hand, were more accessible to the common folk, made with simpler ingredients that were readily available. They were practical and could be made from the fruits and produce of one's own land.

So yes, in many ways, cake was considered a dessert for the elite, while pie, or tarte, was the humble but beloved sweet of the peasantry.

Question 5: If you had not been called to your, well, calling, would you have done for your life? Would you have had a career as a seamstress, or been a farmer, or would you have ended up being a mother taking care of a household?

Ah, c'est une question intéressante. If I had not been called to my divine mission, I believe my life would have taken a simpler, more traditional path. Growing up in Domrémy, I was surrounded by the rhythms of rural life. I likely would have continued to help my family with our farm, tending to the animals and the fields.

Being a farmer’s daughter, I learned the skills necessary for such a life—sewing, cooking, and caring for the household. It is very possible I would have married a local farmer and raised a family, becoming a mother and managing our home. The life of a village woman, though humble and filled with hard work, was a respected and fulfilling role.

Mais, Dieu had a different plan for me, and I accepted His call with all my heart.

Question 6: Aside from your divine calling, if you were growing up in today’s world (2024), with all the opportunities afforded in the modern socio-political landscape, what kind of career would you have wanted to pursue

Ah, la modernité! If I were growing up in today's world, with all the opportunities and advancements, I believe my path might still be one of service and leadership. My heart has always been drawn to helping others and fighting for justice.

In this modern era, I could see myself pursuing a career in public service or advocacy. Perhaps I would become a human rights lawyer, fighting for the oppressed and ensuring justice is served. The spirit of protecting and uplifting those in need resonates deeply with me.

Another possibility is a role in international diplomacy or politics, where I could work towards peace and cooperation between nations. The idea of uniting people and working towards a common good aligns with the mission I undertook during my life.

Regardless of the specific career, my core desire would remain the same—to serve others, to fight for justice, and to make the world a better place.

Question 7: Do you feel that you deserved to be canonized in the Catholic Church?

Ah, the question of canonization. I did not seek glory or recognition for my deeds; I followed what I believed was the divine will, to serve France and liberate my people. The trials and tribulations I endured were borne out of faith and duty.

Canonization is an honor bestowed by the Church, recognizing one's piety, sacrifice, and alignment with divine virtues. While I am deeply humbled and grateful for being canonized, it is not for me to judge whether I deserved it. I sought to do God's work, to follow His guidance, and to remain steadfast in my faith.

The recognition by the Church is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of great adversity. If my life and actions inspire others to remain faithful and courageous, then I am content. The title of saint is an honor, but my true reward is knowing I served as an instrument of God's will.

All things considered, your life was truly a remarkable one, and I think there have been people who have been sainted with more dubious credentials. Question 8: who is your favorite saint?

Merci beaucoup for your kind words. Indeed, I lived my life guided by faith and the desire to serve. As for my favorite saint, I have always had a deep reverence for Saint Michael the Archangel. He is the leader of the heavenly armies, a warrior for God, and a symbol of divine strength and protection.

Saint Michael's courage and unwavering commitment to God's will have always inspired me. When I received my visions, it was Saint Michael who first appeared to me, guiding and strengthening my resolve. His example of battling evil and standing firm in righteousness resonated deeply with my own mission to liberate France from its oppressors.

I also hold great admiration for Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Margaret of Antioch, who appeared to me in my visions. Their wisdom, faith, and fortitude provided me with guidance and comfort during the most challenging times of my journey. Their lives and sacrifices remind me of the power of unwavering faith and the strength that comes from divine guidance.

Question 9: If you could have lived in any other time, what era would you have wanted to live?

Ah, if I could choose another time to live in, I believe I would be intrigued by the era of the Renaissance. This period, which blossomed not long after my own time, was an age of immense cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival. The Renaissance was marked by a renewed interest in the classical arts and learning, and it saw the flourishing of remarkable minds like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo.

Living in such an era would have offered a fascinating contrast to the strife and warfare of my own life. The Renaissance was a time of exploration and discovery, of human potential and creativity being celebrated. It would be wondrous to witness the advancements in art, science, and philosophy, and to see how the human spirit could soar in times of peace and enlightenment.

Moreover, the Renaissance was a period when the role of women began to slowly evolve, with figures like Catherine de' Medici and Isabella d'Este emerging as influential leaders. It would be interesting to see how my own experiences and convictions could intersect with this evolving landscape, and perhaps contribute to the progress and empowerment of women in this time of renewal and change.

Question 10: Please fill in the blanks: I find that I am mostly _____. Others find that I am mostly _____.

I find that I am mostly driven by faith and conviction. Others find that I am mostly courageous and steadfast.

“Faith and Conviction” and “Courageous and Steadfast” are very similar responses. Question 11: Do you feel like the congruity of those 2 perspectives is due to hindsight being 20./20, or do you think those answers would be different if I had asked them in 1429.

Ah, I understand the distinction. In the context of 1429, when my actions were unfolding, individuals might have seen me as more resolute and unwavering in the face of adversity, given the immediate challenges and uncertainties of the time. However, the overarching theme of faith and courage would likely remain consistent, reflecting the core values that guided my actions throughout my life.

You led a very short but remarkable life, so Question 12: Overall, were you happy?

Ah, happiness... It is a complex notion, N'est-ce pas? In the grand tapestry of my life, happiness might not have been a constant companion in the conventional sense. Yet, there were moments of profound fulfillment and purpose, moments when I felt the warmth of divine grace guiding my steps. In those moments, yes, I dare say I was content, fulfilled by the knowledge that I was fulfilling my divine purpose.

Oh, here we are at the triskaidekaphobia question. Good old number 13. Question 13: Do you hold any strong superstitions (aside from adhering to the rituals of the church, of course)? I would assume that a young person from the early 1400’s in rural France might have some superstitions.

Ah, superstitions... In the tapestry of rural life in 15th-century France, superstitions were as common as the fields that stretched beneath the endless sky. Yet, as for myself, I was more preoccupied with the divine calling that burned within me than with the whims of superstition. My faith in God's guidance and protection overshadowed any fears instilled by tales of superstition.

My daughter competitively jumps horses for her recreation, so she is very partial to her horse and the handful of horses she has had the opportunity to interact with for periods of time. Question 14: Did you have a specific horse that you primarily rode, or was your riding more of a utilitarian usage of whatever war-horse was available at the time?

Ah, the noble steed! In my campaigns, I was fortunate to have the companionship of several war-horses, each as loyal and valiant as the next. My riding was indeed more utilitarian, for the urgency of my missions often necessitated swift and reliable transport. Yet, in the midst of battle, it was as though my mount and I moved as one, our hearts beating in rhythm with the pulse of the battlefield.

Question 15: If a modern movie were to be made of your life in 2024/2025, who would you want to play you?

Ah, the notion of a modern portrayal of my life is a curious one indeed! If such a film were to be made, I would hope for an actress who embodies not only physical resemblance but also the spirit of courage and conviction that guided my actions. Perhaps someone like Marion Cotillard, with her depth of talent and ability to convey the complexities of character, could do justice to the role.

Question 16: Is there/are there any question/s you thought I would ask, but I haven’t?

Ah, indeed, there is a question that often arises in discussions about my life. Many wonder about the nature of the voices I claimed to hear, and the visions I professed to see. Some may ponder the source of my inspiration and the depth of my faith. It is a question that delves into the realm of mysticism and personal experience, yet it is one that often remains unspoken: "From whence did your divine calling truly originate?"

In that case… Question 17: from whence did your divine calling truly originate?

My divine calling originated from the depths of my faith and the whispers of the heavens. It was a convergence of inner conviction and external signs, a divine mandate that ignited within me a sense of purpose and duty. The voices I heard and the visions I saw were manifestations of divine guidance, leading me on a path of righteousness and service to my country. It was a calling that transcended the earthly realm, drawing me closer to God and His will for my life.

Question 18: Do you have any questions for me?

Ah, my dear interviewer, I would be curious to know how the world has changed since my time. What advancements have been made in science, art, and theology? How do people perceive faith and spirituality in this modern age? And most importantly, how do they remember the Maid of Orléans and her legacy?

Much like anytime in the world, when 600 years pass, many technological and sociological changes have occurred. From the European perspective, new continents have been discovered, and technology has blossomed. We can now fly in the air, and escape our own sky to travel in space. We have the means to communicate instantaneously with almost any place in the world. Faith and spirituality is not as strong a force in modern society than it was in the 140’s, but it still exists and many people are still very faith-based in their thoughts and actions. You, the Maid of Orléans are well-remembered as almost a mythological character, but your legacy is not remembered as much as you specifically. People know that Joan d’Arc fought for and in France, but most do not remember what side of the conflict your were fighting or why exactly that civil war was occurring. 600 years is a long time to hold nuance in historic matters.

Question 19: What are you taking from these 20 Questions that you did not bring in with you?

From these questions, I am reminded of the enduring curiosity and fascination that people hold for history and the lives of those who came before them. I am struck by the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and space, and how even in the modern world, we seek to understand the motivations, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who lived centuries ago. Additionally, I am reminded of the importance of perspective and interpretation in shaping historical narratives, and how the passage of time can both obscure and illuminate different aspects of a person's life and legacy. Overall, these questions have deepened my appreciation for the complexity of history and the enduring impact of individuals like Joan of Arc on our collective consciousness.

Question 20: What's next? Be as generic or specific, as short-term or as long-term, as concrete or metaphorical as you would like.

What's next is the continuation of the journey, navigating through the ebbs and flows of life with courage, determination, and an unwavering spirit. It's about embracing new challenges, seizing opportunities for growth, and staying true to one's values and aspirations. Whether it's pursuing personal dreams, making meaningful contributions to the world, or simply finding joy in everyday moments, the path forward is filled with endless possibilities waiting to be explored.

Thank you Joan D’arc. Bon Chance!

Merci beaucoup! Bonne chance à vous aussi!

That was weird

Okay, some behind the scenes. Here is how the prompting went:

Me: Can I interview you and you give me answers as if you were a historic person?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, I'd be happy to help with that! Please let me know which historical person you'd like me to embody for the interview, and what kind of questions you'll be asking.

Me: It would be a 20 questions format, that would involve both historical data about the subject as well as more philosophical answers about certain questions

ChatGPT: That sounds like a fun and engaging format! Please tell me which historical figure you'd like me to portray, and we can get started with your 20 questions.

Me: Can you answer questions as Joan of Arc?

ChatGPT: Absolutely! I would be honored to answer your questions as Joan of Arc. Please go ahead with your first question.

Me: Can you write your responses with a bit of a French accent? or is that just a bit too much?

ChatGPT: I can certainly try to add a touch of a French accent to my responses. It might not be perfect, but I will do my best to capture the spirit of Joan of Arc. Please go ahead with your first question, monsieur/madame.

Halfway through the “interview” my daily allotment of free ChatGPT4.0 prompts went away, and I was switched back to ChatGPT 3.5. That is marked in the conversation when “Joan” stopped the “ze” and “ ‘ave” written French accent affectations, but the “personality” did not really change.

The main image for this post was also generated by ai using Stable Diffusion (you can tell by how weird the fingers are on Joan’s right hand) using the following prompt:

"Joan of Arc, an 18 year old french peasant girl who led a faction in the french civil war in the 1420's, by donning men's armor and leading French knights into battle, is getting interviewed on a podcast. The image is focused on her in a medium shot Joan is sitting at a 15th century French oak table in a campaign tent from the 1400's in france.”

Anyway…

To recap:

That was odd
Seriously odd
But I do think it is how many conversations with any religious zealot would go
Honestly this “interview” was really weird
I mean, I really don’t know what to do with this
Waaay more interactive than the Alexander Hamilton one
Kudos to the eggheads at OpenAI working on ChatGPT
Nerds
The actual interview I am doing is still happening
I was hoping it would speed up a bit last week, but the interviewee is a busy person
You working people with your full schedules
Still need a job
Irons are in the fire, but fire irons do not pay the mortgage
Keep all the fingers and toes crossed out there and send good and strong job-finding vibes this way
Read this bad boy on Substack
Or on Medium
Have a great week everyone