ABOUT THE BOOK

XNOR: Prions uncovers similarities between biology, mental and AI processing, and the character traits of those dubbed as ‘prion people’.

In biology, prions are misfolded proteins. While proteins are the building blocks of life, prions range from useless biological material to hazardous agents able to convert good proteins into more prions. This exponential eruption leads to deadly ailments such as scrapie, mad cow, and Jakob disease.

The story posits a direct analogy between biological prions and mental or conceptual equivalents. Just as a physical body is composed of trillions of proteins at the most basic level, so too are minds, human and agentic, composed of trillions of interrelated concepts. Most are like proteins, building blocks leading to higher levels of understanding. Some, maybe many, are like useless prions that hang around not able to add anything of value. Then, there are the degenerative concepts, prion concepts much worse than useless. They cloud a mind creating false, even hallucinogenic thoughts and beliefs. Societies have always been infected with radical ideas not based on truth, and unable to help people build and sustain positive cultures and economies.

We are seeing the emergence of intelligent systems often able to perform wonderous tasks yet also prone to hallucinations and outright falsehoods intended to mislead people. Their data models and training data contain conceptual prions destined to wreak havoc, maybe even a disaster.

Lastly, the story makes a not-so-subtle analogy between physical/mental prions and ‘prion people’. They are people with the unique ability to corrupt others who come into their circle of influence. Good people who would otherwise be part of positive, life-giving efforts morph into abusers, criminals, even dictators and cult leaders.

Society is often a balance between the number of ‘protein people’ and ‘prion people’. Just like in biology and AI systems, if the balance shifts to the negative too much, abusive and imperialistic thinking becomes the norm. Over time, basic human dignity is ignored as nice turns to nasty; social norms degrade; society collapses.

This story has been told in countless ways before. XNOR: Prions brings a new perspective on the age-old struggle every generation and society must confront. It uses both a futuristic beginning hinting where we are headed and a jump to the 18th century to show how prion people have always been with us. It avoids pointing blame yet does not shy away from holding a mirror to our current condition.

In the year 2060, a transnational oligarchy owns everything. The more arrogant of them believe the greater part of humanity should be eliminated. The elite, supported by a cadre of scientists, engineers and machines, want to repopulate Earth without the riffraff polluting the gene pool. 

They build underground bunkers housing the chosen few along with their latest technology. As a safeguard, a shielded city in Atlantic Canada called Shut*Inn is created, a backup site where multiple oligarchs collectively store copies of their most advance technology along with supporting staff to maintain it. 

As ‘The Event’ unfolds, oligarchs realize their bunkers are not protecting them from the catastrophe they initiated. The ensuing battle between competing factions to command and control Shut*Inn, causes the entire city, its people and technology to be blasted backwards in time to the 18th century. 

The year 1759 is pivotal in the world-wide, 7-Years War. Imperial Empires are vying to emerge as the most powerful among the aristocracies. Shut*Inn is thrust into this cauldron with unimagined technology but only limited supply and infrastructure to maintain its viability. 

Navigation through this physical and moral dilemma is the story of XNOR: Prions.