Scott Alexander reimagines Coleridge's 'Kubla Khan' as a modern TripAdvisor review of Xanadu, blending classical poetry with contemporary tourism. Longer summary

This post is a creative writing piece by Scott Alexander, reimagining Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem 'Kubla Khan' as a modern-day TripAdvisor review. The poem humorously describes a tourist's visit to Xanadu, now commercialized with entry fees, guided tours, and attractions like white-water rafting and an IMAX theater. It maintains much of the original poem's structure and imagery while infusing it with contemporary tourism elements. The piece ends with a playful 5/5 rating, mimicking a typical online review format. Shorter summary

A fictional G.K. Chesterton essay defends AI risk concerns against criticisms, arguing that seemingly fantastical ideas often become reality and that contemplating the infinite leads to practical progress. Longer summary

Scott Alexander presents a fictional essay in the style of G.K. Chesterton, responding to criticisms of AI risk concerns. The essay argues that dismissing AI risk as fantastical is shortsighted, drawing parallels to historical skepticism of now-realized technological advancements. It refutes arguments that AI risk believers neglect real-world problems, citing examples of their charitable work. The piece emphasizes the importance of contemplating the infinite for driving progress and solving practical problems, suggesting that AI, like other seemingly fantastical ideas, may well become reality. Shorter summary