The Human Mind: Akin to a Robot’s Programming

The 1980s produced a number of dystopian films that explored the intersection of ascension, sacrifice, and population control, often portraying societies where survival was determined by governments, media, or unseen forces. While some films tackled the subject through direct state-mandated elimination, others used symbolic or psychological methods to explore the idea of who gets to ascend, who must be sacrificed, and how societies justify these actions. This article examines a few key films that delve into these themes and how they shaped dystopian storytelling. I. The Precursors: Films That Set the Stage Logan’s Run (1976) – The Illusion of Ascension Although released before the 1980s, Logan’s Run remained influential throughout the decade, inspiring many later dystopian films. It depicts a world where citizens must die at age 30 under the pretense of “renewal,” a process that supposedly grants rebirth. In reality, this ritual is nothing more than systematic population control, disguised as a spiritual or celebratory event. This theme—a false promise of ascension to justify sacrifice—became a recurring idea in later dystopian films. II. 1980s Films and the Control of Life and Death The Running Man (1987) – Entertainment as Execution Based on a novel by Stephen King (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), The Running Man envisions a future where criminals and dissenters are forced into a gladiator-style television show. The masses are entertained by public executions, normalizing violence as a spectacle. While this film does not center around “ascension,” it portrays a state-controlled elimination process, where survival is turned into a form of media manipulation. Those who resist are sacrificed, reinforcing state dominance under the guise of entertainment. They Live (1988) – A Hidden Ruling Class and Selective Survival John Carpenter’s They Live does not explicitly feature population control through ascension, but it does explore the elimination of those who "see too much." The ruling class—aliens disguised as humans—use subliminal messaging to keep the population obedient and unaware of their oppression. Those who break free from the illusion are systematically hunted and removed. In a way, They Live reflects a dystopian form of selective ascension, where only those in power thrive, while the rest remain entrapped in false realities. Brazil (1985) – Bureaucratic Erasure of Identity Terry Gilliam’s Brazil presents a world where the state exerts total control through bureaucratic elimination, a more subtle but no less terrifying form of population regulation. In this society, people are not executed outright but are instead erased through paperwork, false accusations, and re-education. Instead of promising ascension, the system forces people to disappear in a way that feels arbitrary and senseless. The horror in Brazil lies not in explicit death, but in the gradual erasure of individual identity, reinforcing a cold, impersonal system of control. Akira (1988) – Ascension Through Destruction In Akira, the theme of ascension takes on a different form—one tied to power, mutation, and loss of control. The character Tetsuo gains god-like abilities due to government experimentation, but his “ascension” is not a spiritual one—it is a horrific transformation that threatens to consume both him and the society that sought to control him. This film presents an alternative version of population control, where unchecked power leads to destruction rather than salvation. In contrast to Logan’s Run, where ascension is a lie, Akira suggests that ascension, when real, is often catastrophic. III. Thematic Patterns in These Films Across these movies, certain themes emerge, showing how dystopian fiction uses ascension, sacrifice, and elimination as tools of control: State-Driven Control Over Life and Death Logan’s Run and The Running Man depict governments using systematic elimination to maintain order. Brazil shows bureaucratic suppression, where life and death are determined by paperwork rather than direct violence. False Promises of Ascension or Renewal In Logan’s Run, “renewal” is an illusion designed to prevent rebellion. In They Live, the elite ascend while the masses remain ignorant and controlled. Entertainment or Ritual as a Mask for Execution The Running Man turns elimination into a public spectacle, keeping the masses entertained while reinforcing control. Logan’s Run presents execution as a sacred ritual, convincing people that their deaths serve a higher purpose. Individuals Who Break Free from the Illusion In They Live, the protagonist discovers the hidden rulers and fights back. In Akira, Tetsuo breaks free but loses control, becoming more dangerous than the system that tried to regulate him. In Brazil, the main character attempts to resist but is ultimately absorbed by the system. IV. Why These Themes Resonate The idea of population control, ascension, and sacrifice in dystopian settings reflects real-world anxieties about government power, societal manipulation, and individual autonomy. Population control as a means of order – Many real-world societies have experimented with eugenics, sterilization, and forced sacrifices in the name of progress. Entertainment as a distraction from control – Modern media, like in The Running Man, often sensationalizes violence and conflict, creating a passive audience conditioned to accept control. False promises of a better future – History is filled with leaders who promise utopias but deliver oppression. The illusion of ascension keeps people compliant. The 1980s, marked by Cold War fears, government mistrust, and rapid technological change, was the perfect era for these stories to take hold. They remain relevant today because they address timeless questions about who decides who lives, who dies, and who gets to rise above the rest. V. Conclusion: Dystopian Visions That Still Matter The dystopian films of the 1980s explored ascension, sacrifice, and elimination in ways that still resonate. Whether through state control, media deception, or bureaucratic oppression, these films revealed the many ways societies justify controlling populations. Some films portray forced sacrifice as necessary for survival (Logan’s Run). Others show elimination masked as entertainment (The Running Man). Some depict ascension as a horrifying transformation (Akira). What remains constant is the struggle between those in power and those who resist, and the unsettling idea that sometimes, what is presented as ascension is really just another form of control.

Introduction

In the world of artificial intelligence and robotics, there’s a commonly held belief that a robot is only as smart as the program it runs. This analogy suggests that no matter how advanced the hardware of a robot is, its true capabilities are determined by the quality and depth of its programming. Surprisingly, this concept can be applied to our own minds and actions. Just as a robot’s intelligence is shaped by its programming, our thoughts and behaviors are influenced by the programming of our minds, which consists of our experiences, beliefs, and perceptions.

The Human Mind as a Program

At a fundamental level, our minds can be likened to the programming of a robot’s operating system. From the moment we are born, our minds start absorbing information from our surroundings. We learn language, culture, and values, all of which contribute to the programming that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Just as a robot’s program dictates its responses to different stimuli, our mental programming guides how we react to the world around us.

Nature vs. Nurture

Much like how engineers and developers meticulously craft a robot’s programming to achieve specific goals, our minds are shaped by a combination of nature and nurture. Nature represents our genetic predispositions, while nurture encompasses the environmental factors that influence our development. These factors work together to create the unique program that determines our intelligence, emotions, and behavior.

Our Belief Systems

One of the most powerful aspects of our mental programming is our belief system. Our beliefs, whether they are conscious or subconscious, act as a set of rules that govern our thoughts and actions. Just as a robot’s program determines its decision-making process, our beliefs dictate how we perceive the world, make choices, and respond to challenges.

The Role of Education and Experience

In the realm of robotics, developers continuously update and refine a robot’s program to improve its functionality. Similarly, our minds are constantly evolving as we accumulate knowledge and experiences throughout our lives. Education, personal growth, and exposure to new ideas serve as updates to our mental programming. The more diverse and enriching our experiences, the more adaptable and intelligent our minds become.

Breaking Free from Limitations

Robots can only operate within the constraints of their programming, but humans have the unique ability to rewrite their own mental code. This process is known as neuroplasticity, and it allows us to change our beliefs, learn new skills, and adapt to new circumstances. Just as a robot can be reprogrammed to perform new tasks, we can consciously choose to reshape our thoughts, behaviors, and reactions.

Conclusion

The analogy that “a robot is only as smart as you program it to be” holds a profound truth that extends beyond the world of technology. Our minds, like the programs that drive robots, are shaped by the accumulation of experiences, beliefs, and knowledge. Understanding this analogy can empower us to take control of our mental programming, break free from limitations, and consciously shape our thoughts and actions. In doing so, we can strive for greater intelligence, adaptability, and personal growth, ultimately becoming the architects of our own destinies.

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