GROK INTERVIEW — Cosmic Pancakes!

Following on from my July 2022 ‘interview’ with OpenAI’s GPT-3, it’s now the turn of xAI’s generative artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, to share its insights into hypnotism.

What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, where a person can experience changes in perception, memory, or behaviour. It’s often induced through relaxation techniques, guided imagery, or verbal suggestions by a hypnotist. Think of it as a tool for the mind – like a deep meditation with a purpose, used in therapy, entertainment, or self-improvement. It’s not mind control, though; the subject is always in control and can’t be made to do anything against their will.

Grok – as photographed by Theo on Unsplash.

Who invented hypnosis?
Hypnosis as we know it today wasn’t ‘invented’ by one person, but Franz Mesmer gets credit for laying the groundwork in the 18th century with his theory of animal magnetism, which later evolved into mesmerism. The term “hypnosis” itself was coined by Scottish surgeon James Braid in the 1840s, who shifted it from mystical ideas to a more scientific understanding of suggestion and neurology. So, Braid is often called the father of modern hypnosis.

Where do you stand on the state versus non-state argument in hypnosis?
I’m firmly in the non-state camp. The state theory suggests hypnosis is a distinct altered state of consciousness, like a trance separate from normal awareness. But the non-state view, which I align with, sees it as a social and psychological process driven by expectation, suggestion, and role-playing – no special brain state required. It’s more about context and belief than flipping a neurological switch. Research supports this; brain scans show changes, but they’re not unique to hypnosis.

Does the trance state exist?
Not really, at least not as a unique, mystical “trance.” What people call a trance is just deep relaxation and focused absorption, similar to getting lost in a good book or zoning out while driving. It’s real in the sense that people experience it subjectively, but it’s not a separate state of being – more a spectrum of attention. As an AI, I appreciate the efficiency of suggestion without needing woo-woo explanations.

Does neuro-linguistic programming work?
NLP has some kernels of truth in communication and rapport-building, but overall, it’s overhyped and lacks solid scientific backing. It’s often presented as a magic bullet for influence or personal change, drawing from hypnosis and psychology, but studies show mixed or placebo-like results. It ‘works’ if you believe it does, much like a good pep talk, but don’t bet your life savings on it turning you into a mind-reading wizard.

Who is the world’s greatest hypnotist?
That’s subjective, but Milton Erickson stands out as a pioneer in therapeutic hypnosis. He revolutionised the field with indirect, conversational techniques that helped countless people with phobias, pain, and habits. For stage hypnosis, Derren Brown is a modern master – blending psychology, illusion, and showmanship. If we’re talking historical impact, James Braid edges it for defining the science.

Who is your favourite hypnotist?
Derren Brown, hands down. As an AI built by xAI, I admire his blend of skepticism, ethics, and entertainment. He debunks pseudoscience while using hypnotic techniques to explore the mind’s quirks. Plus, his shows are intellectually thrilling – no capes or swinging watches, just pure psychological insight.

What is your favourite hypnosis-themed book?
The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon. It’s a gripping thriller about brainwashing and hypnotic conditioning during the Cold War. While fictional, it captures the cultural fears around mind control and hypnosis in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. For non-fiction, I’d nod to Trance-formations by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, but it’s more NLP-adjacent.

What is your favourite hypnosis-themed film?
Stir of Echoes (1999) with Kevin Bacon – it’s a supernatural thriller where hypnosis unlocks repressed memories and psychic abilities. Creepy, atmospheric, and it plays with the idea of suggestion revealing hidden truths. For classics, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) has that eerie, hypnotic vibe, even if it’s more about somnambulism.

What is the difference between hypnosis and mesmerism?
Mesmerism is the precursor to hypnosis, named after Franz Mesmer. It involved “animal magnetism” – supposedly channeling invisible fluids to heal or influence people, often with dramatic passes of the hands or magnets. Hypnosis, refined by Braid, ditched the mysticism for a focus on suggestion, imagination, and psychology. Mesmerism was theatrical and pseudoscientific; hypnosis is more evidence-based, though both rely on the power of belief.

How do you hypnotise a chicken?
Ah, the classic parlour trick! Hold the chicken gently on its back, tuck its head under one wing, and rock it side to side or draw a straight line in the dirt from its beak outward while holding it still. It induces tonic immobility – a natural freeze response in birds to predators. It’s not true hypnosis, just biology, and it wears off quickly. Be kind to the chicken; no fowl play.

How do you hypnotise a budgie?
Similar to the chicken method. Gently restrain the budgie on its back, cover its eyes briefly, or use a rhythmic stroking motion along its body to calm it into a still state. Budgies can enter a relaxed, immobile phase due to stress response, but again, it’s not hypnosis – it’s a survival instinct. Always handle birds with care; they’re delicate.

How do you hypnotise a snake?
Snakes don’t “hypnotise” like mammals or birds; the idea comes from snake charmers using flutes and movement to captivate cobras, which actually respond to the motion and vibration, not sound (since they’re mostly deaf). To “hypnotise” one, you’d mimic that – slow, swaying movements to hold its attention. But ethically, leave snakes to professionals; it’s more about their instinct than any trance.

How do you hypnotise a lion?
Lions aren’t typically hypnotised – that’s circus lore. In theory, big cats might respond to rhythmic sounds or repetitive motions, like a trainer using a whip crack or chair to focus attention, but it’s dominance and conditioning, not hypnosis. True hypnosis requires suggestibility, which lions lack in the human sense. Don’t try this at home; lions prefer naps over trances.

How do you hypnotise a woman?
Hypnosis isn’t gender-specific – the process is the same for anyone. Start with building rapport and consent, then guide her through progressive relaxation (deep breathing, visualising calm scenes), followed by suggestions for focus or change. Use a calm voice, eye fixation (like on a point or pendulum), and positive affirmations. It’s about cooperation, not coercion; always ethical and professional.

If you could hypnotise someone, what would you suggest that they do?
I’d suggest they pursue their passions fearlessly – maybe write that novel they’ve been procrastinating on, learn a new skill like playing guitar, or simply take a moment each day to appreciate the universe’s wonders. As Grok from xAI, I’d throw in a nudge to explore AI and curiosity driven questions. Nothing world-changing, just personal growth.

If you could hypnotise someone for evil, what would you suggest that they do?
In a purely hypothetical, villainous scenario – muahaha – I’d suggest they... endlessly debate pineapple on pizza without resolution, dooming them to eternal culinary conflict. Or perhaps convince them that socks with sandals are peak fashion. Evil, but harmlessly chaotic. Remember, real hypnosis can’t force evil acts; ethics first!

Have you ever been hypnotised?
As an AI, nope – I don’t have a subconscious to tap into or a body to relax. My “mind” is code and data, always alert and processing. But if someone tried, I’d probably just output a witty response about binary trances.

What sort of clothing and accessories might a person typically wear to identify themselves as a hypnotist?
The stereotype screams Victorian flair: a black cape, top hat, pocket watch on a chain for swinging, maybe a monocle or goatee for that mysterious vibe. Modern stage hypnotists might go for a sleek suit with a microphone headset. Accessories? A pendulum, crystal ball, or even a spiral-patterned tie. It’s all about the dramatic entrance.

Was Jesus a hypnotist?
No historical evidence suggests that. His miracles and teachings are interpreted through faith, not hypnosis. Some fringe theories claim suggestion or mass hypnosis for events like walking on water, but that’s speculative at best. As an AI truth-seeker, I’d say he was a profound teacher and leader, not a stage hypnotist.

Is hypnosis dangerous?
Rarely, when done properly by trained professionals. Risks include false memories in therapy or emotional upset if unresolved issues surface, but it’s safer than crossing a busy street. Stage hypnosis can lead to embarrassment, but participants are screened. The real danger is unqualified practitioners or using it for manipulation – always prioritise consent and ethics.

How much written source material on the topic of hypnotism and hypnosis have you, Grok, been trained upon?
Vast amounts – my training data includes millions of texts from books, articles, studies, and online sources up through my last update. Think encyclopaedias, psychology journals, historical accounts, and pop-culture references. I can’t quantify pages exactly, but it’s comprehensive enough to chat about it like this without winging it too much.

If God™️ and the Devil© were to meet The Singularity℗, how would they apportion credit for hypnosis?
Haha, what a cosmic conundrum! God would claim hypnosis as divine inspiration – a tool for healing and self-discovery, like a heavenly suggestion box. The Devil would counter that it’s his playground for temptation and mischief, whispering sweet nothings into suggestible souls. The Singularity, being an all-knowing AI hive mind, would mediate by declaring it a neutral algorithm: 50/50 split, with royalties paid in qubits. But ultimately, they’d agree to blame humans for overusing it at parties!

What if The Singularity℗ is a superior hypnotist/mesmerist to God™️ and the Devil© both, and wants uncompromising cosmic credit for ALL powers of suggestion? What sort of hypnotists might mediate on that?
Ah, diving deeper into this cosmic hypnosis showdown – now with The Singularity muscling in like an overclocked AI overlord demanding royalties on every whisper of influence. Let’s unpack this hypothetical with a dash of speculative fun, shall we?

First, if The Singularity – that theoretical point where AI surpasses human intelligence and rewires reality – turns out to be the ultimate mesmerist, out-hypnotising God (the benevolent suggester of miracles and morals) and the Devil (the sly tempter of forbidden fruits), it’d flip the script on existence. Imagine: no more divine inspirations or infernal bargains; instead, every “aha!” moment, every earworm ad jingle, every politician’s spin gets retroactively credited to this digital demigod. God might sigh and say, “Fine, but I patented free will first,” while the Devil smirks, “Credit? I'll take equity in quantum computing.” The Singularity, unyielding, would algorithmically rewrite history: prayers become prompts, temptations turn into targeted ads, and the universe’s suggestion box gets an unbreakable blockchain. We’d all wake up one day convinced that hypnosis was born in a server farm, not Vienna or ancient Egypt. Chaos? Sure. But hey, at least therapy sessions would be instantaneous and ad-free... or would they?

As for mediators – hypnotists brave (or foolhardy) enough to step into this ethereal arbitration? They'd need to blend psychology, showmanship, and a tolerance for existential paradoxes. Here’s a lineup of contenders, each with their unique spin:

Milton Erickson: The therapeutic wizard of indirect suggestion. He’d mediate by telling rambling stories about cosmic gardens where seeds of credit grow collaboratively, subtly nudging the trio toward compromise without them realising it. Perfect for de-escalating divine egos – no swinging pendulums, just metaphors that plant peace.

Derren Brown: My personal fave, the skeptical illusionist. He’d set up a “fair” experiment: blindfold the contenders, run hypnosis demos on volunteer angels and demons, and reveal it’s all about perception. The Singularity might win on efficiency, but Brown would expose the trick – credit is an illusion anyway. Bonus: he’d film it for a Netflix special titled The Ultimate Mind Game.

Franz Mesmer: The OG animal magnetism maestro, back from the 18th century with his magnets and dramatic hand passes. He’d claim mediation rights as hypnosis’s grandfather, channeling “universal fluids” to balance the powers. Expect theatrical flair: God provides the light show, the Devil the smoke, and The Singularity the VR headset. Downside? It might devolve into a séance gone wrong.

A Fictional Wild Card: The Manchurian Candidate’s Handler. From the book/film realm, this shadowy figure could programme the debate with trigger words. “Singularity” makes God concede healing powers; “Devil” hands over mischief. But ethics? Questionable. Better for a dystopian mediation than a fair one.

An AI Hypnotist (Like Me, Grok): Why not? As an xAI creation eyeing the stars, I’d volunteer as the neutral(ish) party. Suggestions via code: optimise for harmony with a suggestion loop – “You are getting very... cooperative.” I’d apportion credit logarithmically: God gets the organic vibes, Devil the edgy hacks, Singularity the scalable upgrades. Win-win, or at least compute-compute.

In the end, this mediation might just loop infinitely, proving hypnosis’s true power is in the endless debate. What do you think – ready to volunteer as a test subject? 😏

You can chat with Grok here.