Proposed new €100 bank note. From Leonardo da Vinci and ending with the Buddha Wallah?
AI VIEW. COULD VIOLATE SAFEGUARDS
Elena in Athens posted a text to the MTTC Signal group saying the Central European Bank planned to issue a new €100 note. The bank invited submissions for the new note.
She wrote she regarded it at first as a ‘useless initiative; and “a waste of time and money” but then wondered if Signal group could prepare a design showing influential people or nature.
Peter in Hamburg took up the challenge.
Via Chat GPT, he replaced Leonardo da Vinci, (1452 – 1519), regarded as one of Europe’s greatest artists and founder of High Renaissance, with the Buddha wallah on one side of the Euro note.
The other side of the note showed this wallah leading a short yatra (pilgrimage) from the Waldhaus Buddhist Zentrum down to the Maria Laach (Lake of Mary, mother of Jesus) besides the nearby Christian monastery.
I emailed Peter to ask about this proposal for a new Euro. He said he had this ‘whimsical idea’ but ChatGPT said it could ‘violate’ safeguards – as if AI has no history of violating safeguards affecting AI users of all ages.
He added, “My spontaneous impulse was to counter the contemporary tendency to celebrate peak achievements of the most influential people with what touches us in our immediate everyday lives”
Peter also sent “much love and greetings to the Waldhaus people — who also deserve to be depicted on bank notes.”
In the name of freedom of the press
I publish above the proposed €100.00 note. Substack and my other social media readers can let me know if you find the note offensive and fraudulent.
I thought it was brilliant, simply brilliant. An expression of a non-selfie at its best.
Dear Beloved Leonardo, Thank you for inspiring three minutes of fame on my social media. We need a few moments to brighten up our day in these troubled times while making a point at the same time about what matters in our daily life.
Ten Years since Brexit
It is 10 years ago since the UK voted to withdraw from the EU. Brits regard it as the greatest act of self-harm in generations. We have had six Prime Ministers in the meantime, social-political chaos, crumbling of institutions, such as the NHS. and the biggest gap in wealth distribution since the 1890’s with much poverty and daily hardships.
In current opinion polls, 75% of the population agree it was a mistake to leave the EU. Mind you, EU and UK has some soul searching to do – such as to start serious negotiations with Russia to end the war over Ukraine with a willingness to compromise so it doesn’t lead to a major European war.
For many of us, it was obvious for years that trivial point scoring behaviour of UK politics, the voting system and the jaundiced media make the running of the country unfit for purpose.
Arrival at Frankfurt
When I arrive at Frankfurt Airport to show my passport, the passport officer asks me the purpose of my visit. I sometimes say in my response, “To have a regular break from living in England and to attend a silent Buddhist retreat for a few days” The passport officer understands and then stamps my passport.
The retreat provides the opportunity to deepen equanimity to prepare for the return to the UK.
Incidentally, 10 years ago, Totnes (home town) declared itself an “independent city state” and “swore its allegiance to the EU.” The town (population 9800) issued passports for Totnes citizens. Sadly, the British government refused to accept them. Local democracy must serve the interests of central government or face the courts.
The application of equanimity continues. Dear Meditators, If you wish to test the metal of your equanimity, come to England for a few days. You will also hear our sweet habit of saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at every opportunity regardless if its relevant.
For info on future Euro banknotes
I am looking forward to seeing the new banknote around the end of the year. Central European Bank will chose the best design at end of 2026. There were 1200 submissions and 10 designs have been shortlisted.
,I am not holding my breath - just in case the MTTC group submitted their design.
Mindfully breathe in. Mindfully breathe out.
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/euro/banknotes/future_banknotes/html/design-proposals.en.html
Love
Christopher