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Hello, everyone! I’m so excited to welcome you to a truly extraordinary conversation today. We’re exploring the fascinating and mysterious connections between an 1893 novel, Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey, and real-life figures like Donald Trump, the visionary inventor Nikola Tesla, and his nephew John Trump. How could a story written over a century ago seem to mirror the events we’re living through today? What do these uncanny parallels reveal about leadership, technology, and the future of humanity?
We’ll also be joined by Baron Trump himself, the curious young protagonist from the book, and the brilliant author, Ingersoll Lockwood, whose work is sparking new questions in today’s world. Together, they’ll dive deep into topics like time travel, the role of outsiders in leadership, and how these themes impact our present and future. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a moment of this thought-provoking imaginary conversation. Let’s dive right in

The Intersection of Fiction and Reality
Nick Sasaki (moderator): Welcome, everyone, to this fascinating conversation where fiction seems to blend with reality. Today, we have with us Baron Trump from the 19th-century novel, Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey, Donald Trump, who needs no introduction, Ingersoll Lockwood, the author of the books that eerily mirror modern events, John Trump, Donald’s uncle and a scientist who worked on Nikola Tesla’s research, and of course, the legendary Nikola Tesla. Our topic today is how fiction and reality can sometimes overlap in strange ways. Ingersoll, let me start with you. When you wrote these books, did you ever think they would have such striking parallels to real people and events?
Ingersoll Lockwood: I certainly didn’t expect this! At the time, my books were simply meant to entertain, maybe provoke a few thoughts on adventure, time, and the mysteries of life. I never imagined that over a century later, people would draw comparisons between my characters and someone as prominent as Donald Trump. But perhaps there is something deeper at play. Fiction often reflects our reality in ways we don’t understand until much later.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, when you first heard about the parallels between your life and Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey, what was your reaction? Do you see this as just a coincidence, or do you think there’s more to it?
Donald Trump: You know, Nick, when I first heard about this, I thought it was a joke. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized how strange it is. The name Baron, the reference to "Big Don," Fifth Avenue—it’s almost like the book predicted parts of my life. I don’t believe in coincidences either. Maybe there’s something bigger happening here, something we don’t fully understand.
Baron Trump: I can’t help but wonder: did I inspire your journey, or did you inspire mine? Our adventures seem to mirror each other, but they also diverge in key ways. In my story, I travel underground, discovering hidden realms. In your world, it seems like you’ve navigated the hidden depths of power and politics. Do you think your life has felt like an adventure, or more like a battle?
Donald Trump: It’s been both, honestly. It’s an adventure, but it’s also a fight—against the establishment, the media, and the forces that try to control everything. Just like in your story, sometimes you have to go into unfamiliar territory to find what’s hidden and bring it to the surface. There’s always something more beneath the surface, in politics and in life.
Nick Sasaki: Ingersoll, when you wrote about "Big Don" in The Last President, the outsider who becomes president and causes unrest, were you reflecting on real political figures of your time, or was this pure fiction?
Ingersoll Lockwood: It’s funny you ask. At the time, I was writing during an era of great political upheaval. The idea of an outsider coming in and shaking things up was very much a reflection of that. But the specifics—the wealthy real estate mogul, the populism—those were just imaginative elements. That they mirror Donald Trump’s life today is as much a surprise to me as it is to everyone else.
Nick Sasaki: John, you worked closely with Tesla and even went through his papers after he passed. Do you think there’s any chance that some of Tesla’s theories, particularly around time, could explain these strange connections?
John Trump: Tesla was working on ideas far beyond his time. His theories on energy, frequency, and time were groundbreaking. I won’t claim that time travel is a proven fact, but Tesla was exploring concepts that blurred the lines between science and what we might call the metaphysical. If there’s any truth to the idea of time being more flexible than we think, it’s possible that events, ideas—even people—can ripple through time in ways we don’t fully understand yet.
Nikola Tesla: Time is not a strict sequence of events, but rather a dimension that we can bend and interact with under the right conditions. Whether fiction is merely reflecting reality or if it’s somehow influencing it, I can’t say for sure. But it is entirely possible that certain minds are able to tap into a collective consciousness, or even a future vision, without knowing it.
Baron Trump: So, do you believe the adventures in my world, though fiction, could be echoes of things yet to come? Maybe stories are more than just stories—they could be reflections of hidden truths.
Nikola Tesla: Precisely. Fiction often carries hidden truths, even if the author is unaware. The mind operates on many levels, and sometimes what we call imagination is a glimpse into deeper layers of reality. The question is, how far are we willing to explore?
Nick Sasaki: Donald, hearing Tesla’s view on time and fiction influencing reality, do you think your life has been shaped by something beyond your control, or do you see yourself as the architect of your own destiny?
Donald Trump: I’ve always believed in taking control of my own destiny, but when you look at how things line up, it makes you wonder. Maybe there’s something guiding all of this. Maybe it’s fate, or maybe it’s just that certain people are meant to disrupt the status quo. Either way, I’m here for a reason, and I’ve always felt like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Nick Sasaki: This brings up an interesting point for us all to consider—how much of our lives is shaped by choices, and how much is written by something bigger than ourselves? Thank you all for sharing these profound thoughts. I look forward to exploring more with you in our next topic!
Time Travel: Truth or Fiction?
Nick Sasaki (moderator): Let’s shift the conversation to one of the most captivating ideas that has arisen from these connections—time travel. Is it simply fiction, or could there be some truth to the idea that certain individuals or technologies have transcended time? John, you worked with Nikola Tesla’s research, which has been at the center of some of these time travel theories. Do you believe Tesla’s work might hold the key to understanding the concept of time travel?
John Trump: Tesla’s work was decades, if not centuries, ahead of its time. When I examined his papers after his passing, I found that he was exploring more than just electricity and wireless communication. He was fascinated by the very nature of time itself, theorizing that time might not be linear. While I never saw any concrete device or evidence that could prove time travel, Tesla’s ideas left the door open to possibilities that science hasn’t fully caught up to yet. His research showed that with the right technology, manipulating time might not be entirely out of the question.
Nikola Tesla: Time is, indeed, more fluid than most people realize. It is tied to energy, frequency, and vibration. If we understand those elements well enough, we can begin to manipulate not just time but the flow of events. While I never built a "time machine" as people might imagine, my experiments on energy waves and resonance were steps in that direction. But the moral implications of such technology weigh heavily. If we could change the past, should we? That is a question that haunts me.
Donald Trump: That’s an interesting point, Nikola. People ask me all the time if I could go back and change things—would I? To be honest, even with the mistakes I’ve made, I think everything has happened for a reason. If time travel is real, and I’m not saying it is, then it raises another question: does going back to change something risk making things worse? You have to wonder if some things are just meant to be.
Nick Sasaki: Baron, in your story, time travel is a key element. You journey to an underground world where time seems to work differently, encountering beings that stretch the limits of reality. Looking back now, do you see your adventures as metaphorical, or do you think you were literally traveling through time?
Baron Trump: At the time, it felt very real. Time didn’t behave in the ways we are used to. I found myself in places where it seemed like centuries had passed, but only moments for me. If time travel is possible, it’s less about controlling a clock and more about navigating different layers of existence. Whether my travels were metaphorical or real, I don’t know—but they certainly opened my eyes to how fragile our understanding of time truly is.
Nikola Tesla: Exactly, Baron. Time, as humans perceive it, is limited by their sensory experience. But there are other dimensions, other planes of reality, where time is just another variable that can be bent, folded, or even skipped entirely. Your journey may not have been just a fantastical adventure, but rather a glimpse into the deeper truths of the universe.
John Trump: That’s what makes Tesla’s work so fascinating. He understood that if time could be manipulated, it would change everything—how we live, how we perceive our lives. If it were possible to travel through time, it might be more about moving through dimensions rather than simply going backward or forward. But here’s the risk: once you interfere with time, the ripple effects could be catastrophic.
Donald Trump: So, you're saying, John, if someone could manipulate time, it’s not just about fixing mistakes—it’s about understanding that any change could have serious consequences. I can see how that would apply in leadership too. You make one decision and suddenly the whole landscape shifts. You have to think carefully about every move you make. Time travel or not, it’s a lesson in being deliberate with power.
Nick Sasaki: Nikola, you’ve spoken before about the moral dilemmas of power. In your opinion, if humanity unlocked time travel, would we be ready to handle it responsibly?
Nikola Tesla: Power without wisdom is always dangerous, and time travel is the ultimate power. It’s not just about technology; it’s about ethics. If time travel were possible, the temptation to fix mistakes, change outcomes, or gain advantage would be immense. But we must ask ourselves: at what cost? Each moment has a purpose, and altering the past may unravel the future in ways we cannot predict. Humanity, in my view, is not yet mature enough to handle such power wisely.
Baron Trump: In my travels, I saw this too. Each choice, each action, had consequences beyond what I could see at the time. Sometimes, trying to fix things only made the situation more complicated. It’s like Tesla says—there’s more at stake than just bending time to our will. There’s a bigger picture we don’t always see.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, if you had the power to change something in your past—whether in business, politics, or personal life—what would you do? And do you think that change would have altered the course of history in a meaningful way?
Donald Trump: That’s a tough question, Nick. I’ve made a lot of decisions, some good, some not so good. But every decision has led me to where I am today. If I went back and changed something, who knows what kind of ripple effect that would have? Maybe I would have fixed some things, sure. But maybe it would have taken me down a completely different path, and I’m not sure that would be for the better. I think we’re all here for a reason, and even the mistakes have a purpose.
Nick Sasaki: It’s fascinating to think about how our decisions shape not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us—and potentially the future of the world. Tesla, you’ve often talked about the potential for technology to advance humanity. Do you think time travel, if it ever became a reality, would push humanity forward or pull us backward?
Nikola Tesla: That depends entirely on how it is used. Technology, in the wrong hands, can be destructive. But in the right hands, it can elevate humanity to new heights. Time travel would be no different. It could be a tool for wisdom and growth, or it could be a weapon of chaos. The challenge is not in the invention itself but in the hearts of those who wield it.
Nick Sasaki: That’s a powerful thought. It seems that the potential for time travel, like leadership, is about responsibility and foresight. Thank you all for sharing these insights. It makes one wonder—are we shaping the future, or is the future shaping us? Let’s explore this further in our next topic.
Leadership, Populism, and Consequences
Nick Sasaki (moderator): We’ve touched on the fascinating intersection between fiction and reality, as well as the potential for time travel and its implications. Now, let’s turn our attention to leadership. In The Last President, Ingersoll Lockwood wrote about a populist outsider who becomes president, causing unrest among the people and shaking up the established order. Donald, you’ve been described as an outsider who challenged the political status quo in a similar way. Do you see yourself reflected in that narrative? What do you think are the consequences of populist leadership?
Donald Trump: Absolutely, Nick. I’ve always seen myself as someone who disrupts the system. I wasn’t a politician; I was a businessman. Coming into politics as an outsider gave me an advantage—it allowed me to speak directly to the people, to go around the typical political establishment. And when you do that, you make a lot of enemies. The consequences? Well, you saw it. The media, the elites—they were all against me from day one. But I think that’s the cost of shaking up the system. You have to be willing to take the heat if you want to make real change.
Ingersoll Lockwood: When I wrote The Last President, I was reflecting on the tension between the people and the elites that was prevalent even in my time. The idea of a populist leader, someone who comes from outside the political system and rallies the masses, was a concept that intrigued me. But with that comes great responsibility. A leader like that can either unite or divide a nation, depending on how they handle the power that comes with it. I see many of the same dynamics at play in today’s world.
Nick Sasaki: That’s an important point. Ingersoll, your character, "Big Don," was not a career politician, much like Donald. What are the dangers or benefits of having an outsider take on such a powerful role?
Ingersoll Lockwood: The benefit is that outsiders often bring fresh perspectives, unburdened by the complexities and compromises of long-term political life. They can appeal directly to the people and push for change that career politicians might shy away from. However, the danger lies in the instability they can create. Without the experience of navigating the political landscape, they might underestimate the entrenched power structures and the resistance they will face. And when their authority is challenged, it can lead to social unrest, as we saw in my book, and as we’ve seen in recent years.
Donald Trump: You’re right about that. When you’re an outsider, you don’t play by the same rules. But that’s why people support you. They’re tired of the establishment. They want someone who will challenge the system, not be a part of it. The downside is that it creates a lot of friction. The media and the elites don’t like being challenged, so they’ll do everything they can to bring you down. But that’s the price of leadership when you’re trying to make real change.
Nick Sasaki: Baron, you were also an outsider in your own journey, venturing into unknown worlds and facing challenges you hadn’t prepared for. How did being an outsider affect the way you approached leadership and decision-making?
Baron Trump: In my story, being an outsider meant I had to learn quickly. I was often faced with choices where I didn’t have all the information, and I had to rely on my instincts. That’s something I think a lot of outsiders deal with. You don’t have the luxury of experience, so you have to be adaptable. But that can also be a strength. Sometimes not knowing all the rules means you can break them and find a better way forward. The challenge is knowing when to take risks and when to step back.
Nikola Tesla: Leadership, much like invention, is about navigating the unknown. Outsiders often have the advantage of seeing possibilities that others cannot. They can push boundaries, disrupt the status quo, and bring about innovation. But, as Baron mentioned, this requires balance. It is one thing to take risks, but another to understand the consequences of those risks on a larger scale.
John Trump: In leadership, especially in fields like science or politics, being an outsider is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows for innovation and disruption. On the other, it invites resistance from those who feel threatened by change. The key is resilience. Whether you're a politician or a scientist, if you're shaking things up, you need to be prepared for a backlash. It’s how you handle that resistance that defines whether your leadership succeeds or fails.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, you’ve experienced a significant amount of both backlash and support throughout your career. How do you view the role of populism in today’s political landscape? Do you think it’s still a driving force, or has it shifted since your presidency?
Donald Trump: Populism is more important than ever. People are fed up with the elites, the politicians who are more interested in keeping their jobs than in helping the people. That’s why I ran, and that’s why people still support me. Populism isn’t going anywhere because the system is broken, and the people know it. They want leaders who will fight for them, not for the establishment. Whether I’m in office or not, that sentiment is going to keep growing. It’s a movement, not just a moment.
Ingersoll Lockwood: But here’s where it becomes dangerous. Populism can quickly turn to division if it’s not carefully managed. In The Last President, I wrote about how the populist wave led to chaos and protests because people’s expectations were so high. When you rally the masses, you have to be careful not to let that energy spiral into something destructive. Leadership is about guiding that energy, not just harnessing it.
Nikola Tesla: Leadership in any field, whether in politics or science, requires understanding the delicate balance between innovation and stability. Push too hard, and the system collapses. Move too slowly, and nothing changes. Populist leaders often walk this tightrope, and the key is to inspire, not incite. Real progress comes when the masses are uplifted, not divided.
Nick Sasaki: Baron, you had to navigate this balance in your own journey. What lessons did you learn about leadership when you were faced with challenges you hadn’t anticipated?
Baron Trump: One of the biggest lessons I learned is that leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about understanding the people around you. When you’re leading from the outside, it’s easy to feel like you’re alone. But the truth is, leadership is about building connections, even when it feels like you’re against the world. The choices I made on my journey affected everyone around me, and I had to learn that quickly. You can’t just charge ahead; you have to bring others with you.
Nick Sasaki: That’s a crucial point—leadership isn’t just about breaking the system, but about guiding others through the changes you create. Thank you all for these valuable insights. Leadership, populism, and their consequences will continue to shape our future, whether in politics, science, or personal adventures. Let’s move forward to our next topic and explore how leadership and the future of work intersect in a world transformed by AI and technology.
AI, Work, and the Question of Meaning in a Post-AI World
Nick Sasaki (moderator): We’ve discussed leadership and the consequences of disruption, particularly through populism. Now, let’s shift our focus to a challenge we all face in the near future: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will transform work and meaning in our lives. As AI takes over more jobs, many people wonder what work will look like in a post-AI world. Baron, you’ve explored unknown realms and discovered new ways of thinking—how do you imagine humanity will adapt to this technological shift?
Baron Trump: In my journey, I encountered beings and environments that challenged everything I knew about reality. I had to adapt to new rules, just as we will have to adapt to AI. I think the key is to look at what remains uniquely human—our creativity, our emotional intelligence, and our ability to find meaning in challenges. While AI might take over tasks and even some decision-making, it can’t replicate the human experience. The question isn’t just about the jobs we’ll lose, but about how we’ll redefine work in a way that lets us focus on what truly matters.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, you’ve been known for your focus on jobs and the economy. With AI changing the landscape, how do you see the future of work, and what role do you think government should play in managing this transition?
Donald Trump: AI is definitely going to change things, no doubt about it. But I don’t see it as something we should fear. It’s just another tool. The key is to make sure we use it in a way that creates new opportunities. When I was in office, I focused on bringing jobs back to the U.S., and AI can do the same, but in a different way. We need to focus on innovation, creating new industries, and training people for the jobs of the future. The government’s role should be to make sure Americans are ready for that shift. If we do that, we’ll come out stronger.
Nikola Tesla: AI is the next frontier, much like electricity was in my time. It will change the way we live, work, and interact with the world. But it is essential to understand that while technology can solve many problems, it cannot address the deeper human need for purpose. When machines take over tasks, we are left with a fundamental question: What is the purpose of human life if we are no longer needed for labor? My belief is that this shift will push humanity to explore higher levels of consciousness, creativity, and connection.
John Trump: I agree, Nikola. AI is a powerful tool, but it’s just that—a tool. The real challenge will be ensuring that people don’t lose their sense of purpose. For centuries, work has defined how we spend our time, how we relate to each other, and how we measure success. If AI takes over many jobs, society will have to rethink what it means to contribute. Governments and businesses will need to focus on education, not just in terms of job skills, but in helping people find new ways to add value to society.
Ingersoll Lockwood: In my time, the idea of work was tightly connected to survival and progress. But as we move into this new age, we’ll have to reimagine the entire concept of work. If AI frees us from mundane tasks, it could be an opportunity for a cultural renaissance—a time where humans focus more on the arts, on philosophy, and on personal growth. The question is whether we can create a system that supports that transition, or if we’ll let AI-driven economies leave many behind.
Nick Sasaki: Baron, you spoke earlier about creativity and meaning. As someone who explored unknown worlds, what do you think will define work in the future if AI handles the day-to-day tasks we once depended on?
Baron Trump: I think work will become more about discovery—whether it’s discovery of new ideas, new technologies, or even discovery of ourselves. When I was exploring the underground realms, I found that it wasn’t just about surviving; it was about learning and growing through experience. AI might free us from repetitive tasks, but it will also challenge us to find new ways to contribute to society. Creativity, innovation, and connection—these will become the pillars of future work. If we can embrace that, we won’t just survive in a post-AI world, we’ll thrive.
Donald Trump: That’s true. AI might take over certain jobs, but it can’t take over innovation. The best minds are still human, and that’s where the future lies. We need to make sure our people are trained to lead in those industries—AI, robotics, space exploration, energy. That’s the future. AI can help us get there, but we’re still in charge.
Nikola Tesla: Indeed, the human mind, with its boundless creativity, is still the driving force behind progress. AI can handle the tasks we assign it, but it cannot dream, it cannot envision new futures. That is the role of humanity. In a world increasingly run by machines, the challenge will be to remember that our strength lies in our imagination, in our ability to see what does not yet exist, and to bring it into being.
Nick Sasaki: John, you’ve worked on the cutting edge of science. What do you think is the biggest challenge we’ll face as AI becomes more integrated into society?
John Trump: The biggest challenge, I think, will be balancing efficiency with humanity. AI will make many things more efficient—factories, businesses, even decision-making processes. But we can’t let efficiency strip away what makes us human. We need to ensure that people don’t become disconnected from the process of creation, from the sense of accomplishment that comes from building something meaningful. AI can help us, but we must stay in control of where we’re going and how we get there.
Nick Sasaki: Ingersoll, you wrote about the consequences of rapid change in The Last President. How do you see the rise of AI playing out in terms of social and political consequences? Will it unite us or divide us further?
Ingersoll Lockwood: Rapid change always creates friction, and AI will be no different. The question is whether we can guide that change in a way that benefits everyone, or if we allow it to deepen the divides that already exist. AI has the potential to create incredible wealth and progress, but if we don’t address inequality and access, it could also leave large parts of the population behind. I think the key will be to focus on education and inclusion, making sure that everyone can participate in the benefits of this new era.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, do you think AI will exacerbate the divisions we’ve seen in society, or could it be a tool for bringing people together?
Donald Trump: It could go either way, Nick. AI can create amazing opportunities, but if it’s not handled right, it could also create bigger gaps between those who have access and those who don’t. That’s why leadership is so important. We need leaders who are going to make sure that AI benefits everyone, not just the tech companies or the elites. If we do that, AI could actually bring people together—creating new jobs, new industries, and new ways for people to contribute. But we have to get it right.
Nikola Tesla: The technology itself is neutral—it is how we use it that will determine the future. AI can be a tool for great good, or it can be a source of further division and control. The responsibility lies with us. The challenge, as always, is to wield our creations wisely, ensuring that they elevate all of humanity rather than a select few.
Nick Sasaki: As we look to the future, it seems clear that AI will reshape work, leadership, and society in ways we are only beginning to understand. The question of meaning, creativity, and purpose in a world dominated by machines is one that we will continue to grapple with. Thank you all for your thought-provoking insights. Let’s move to our final topic—AI, ethics, and the future of human flourishing.
AI, Ethics, and the Future of Human Flourishing
Nick Sasaki (moderator): We’ve discussed how AI will change work and meaning in our lives, but as we bring this conversation to a close, let’s focus on the ethical dimensions of AI and how it will shape the future of humanity. As AI becomes more integrated into society, the question arises: How do we ensure that this technology contributes to human flourishing rather than causing harm? Nikola, you’ve often spoken about the responsibilities of those who wield powerful technologies. What are your thoughts on the ethical challenges AI presents?
Nikola Tesla: Technology, in itself, is neutral. It is neither good nor evil—it is how we choose to use it that determines its impact on society. AI has the potential to elevate human life, solving problems of health, hunger, and even poverty. But it also has the potential to create unprecedented levels of control and inequality if left unchecked. The ethical question is whether we will allow AI to serve humanity as a tool for progress or whether it will become a weapon in the hands of a few, used to control the many.
John Trump: I agree, Nikola. With AI, we’re talking about systems that can make decisions far faster than any human. The danger lies in allowing those systems to make decisions without proper oversight or ethical considerations. We’ve already seen AI algorithms being used in ways that reinforce biases, or that prioritize profit over human well-being. The challenge for leaders, whether in politics or technology, is to build safeguards that ensure AI serves the collective good.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, you've had experience with both the benefits and challenges of technological advancement during your presidency. How do you see the role of ethics in AI development, particularly when it comes to balancing innovation with responsibility?
Donald Trump: Ethics are important, no question about it. But the key is to make sure we don’t let ethics slow down progress. We need innovation to stay competitive. That said, we also need to be smart about how we use AI. It can’t be a free-for-all. There has to be some level of regulation, but we need to make sure it doesn’t stifle creativity or business. I think AI can be a huge asset, but we need leaders who are going to make sure it benefits everyone, not just the tech companies.
Ingersoll Lockwood: The challenge is always in the balance. In The Last President, I wrote about the dangers of unchecked power and how it can lead to unrest and division. AI has the potential to give extraordinary power to those who control it, which is why it’s so important that its development is guided by ethical principles. If AI is used to manipulate or exploit, it will lead to a breakdown in social trust. But if it is used to uplift, to solve global challenges, then it can be the cornerstone of a new era of human flourishing.
Nick Sasaki: Baron, you’ve faced moral dilemmas in your adventures. How do you think AI could shape the ethical landscape of the future? Are there parallels between your experiences and the decisions we’ll have to make as AI becomes more powerful?
Baron Trump: In my journey, I often had to make choices that affected not just me but entire worlds. I learned that power, whether it’s magical or technological, comes with great responsibility. With AI, it’s the same. We have to ask ourselves: Are we using this power for the good of all, or are we letting it divide us? The danger is in becoming too reliant on AI to solve our problems without thinking about the long-term consequences. Just like in my adventures, the right path isn’t always the easiest one.
Nikola Tesla: Precisely, Baron. The greatest challenge of our time is not the development of AI, but the development of the moral compass to guide it. AI will reflect the values of those who design it, and if those values are centered on profit, control, or exploitation, the technology will manifest those qualities. But if we focus on compassion, creativity, and collaboration, AI could help us create a world where all of humanity thrives.
John Trump: That’s why we need to be careful about who controls AI. If a small group of people or corporations hold all the power over AI, it could lead to a concentration of power unlike anything we’ve ever seen. It’s not just about creating jobs or managing the economy—this is about ensuring that everyone has a voice in how AI shapes our future. We need to create a framework for ethical oversight, but it also needs to be flexible enough to adapt to the rapid pace of change.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, when it comes to leadership in AI, how do you think governments and private sectors can work together to ensure ethical practices are upheld without stifling innovation?
Donald Trump: Governments and private companies need to work hand-in-hand. Innovation happens in the private sector, but the government’s role is to make sure it’s done right. That means putting some regulations in place, sure, but also making sure those regulations don’t choke the business. You need a balance. We can’t afford to fall behind on AI because some other countries are already pushing forward fast, like China. If we don’t get ahead of this, we’ll be playing catch-up for years.
Ingersoll Lockwood: The global race for AI dominance brings up another ethical challenge—how do we prevent this technology from becoming a tool of oppression, particularly in countries where human rights are already at risk? If we don’t build ethical frameworks that prioritize freedom and human dignity, AI could easily be used to reinforce authoritarian regimes. The consequences of that could be disastrous, not just for individual countries but for global stability.
Nikola Tesla: The role of governments and institutions is critical here. They must ensure that AI remains a tool for liberation, not for control. It is tempting to see technology as a solution to all problems, but the greatest solutions come from within the human spirit—creativity, compassion, and connection. AI must be guided by these principles if we are to see a future where humanity truly flourishes.
Nick Sasaki: Baron, you mentioned earlier that the decisions you made in your journey often affected entire worlds. As we look toward a future where AI could reshape the global landscape, what advice would you give to those in positions of power?
Baron Trump: My journey taught me that sometimes the most important decisions are the ones that don’t just benefit you but benefit everyone around you. AI has the potential to change everything, but we have to think long-term. We can’t just focus on immediate gains—we need to make sure that the decisions we make today don’t harm future generations. The best leaders are the ones who can see beyond their own interests and create a legacy that lifts others.
Nick Sasaki: That’s a powerful insight, Baron. The decisions we make today about AI will have long-lasting consequences, not just for us, but for future generations. Ingersoll, what do you see as the greatest challenge to achieving human flourishing in an AI-driven world?
Ingersoll Lockwood: The greatest challenge will be ensuring that AI serves the many, not the few. If we allow it to be controlled by a small group of elites, it will widen the gap between the powerful and the powerless. But if we can democratize AI, make it accessible to all, and ensure that its benefits are shared across society, then it has the potential to unlock a new era of prosperity and creativity. The key is making sure that we embed ethical principles into AI from the very beginning.
Nick Sasaki: Donald, any final thoughts on how AI can be a tool for human flourishing?
Donald Trump: AI is going to be a game changer, no doubt. But it’s up to us to make sure we use it the right way. If we stay focused on innovation, if we make sure it benefits everyone, and if we don’t let it get out of control, AI can be a force for good. We just need strong leadership to guide us through that transition.
Nick Sasaki: Nikola, as we close, do you believe that AI will ultimately help humanity rise to its full potential?
Nikola Tesla: I believe that technology, including AI, is a reflection of human potential. If we use it wisely, it will help us unlock new levels of consciousness, creativity, and connection. But if we allow it to be driven by greed, fear, or control, it will only serve to diminish what makes us truly human. The future of AI is, in many ways, the future of humanity itself. We must choose wisely.
Nick Sasaki: Thank you, everyone, for your insightful contributions. As we move into a future shaped by AI, it’s clear that the ethical decisions we make today will determine whether this technology leads to human flourishing or division. Let’s hope we can rise to the challenge, ensuring that AI remains a tool for progress, equality, and creativity. Until next time, stay curious and stay mindful.
Short Bios:
Donald Trump – Former U.S. President and business magnate, known for his disruptive political style and leadership as an outsider.
Nikola Tesla – Legendary inventor and visionary, renowned for his work in electricity, wireless communication, and futuristic theories like time travel.
John Trump – Accomplished scientist and engineer, who analyzed Nikola Tesla’s research, with expertise in high-voltage radiation and technology.
Baron Trump (fictional) – Adventurous young protagonist of Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey, who embarks on strange, time-bending journeys.
Ingersoll Lockwood – Author of Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey (1893) and 1900, or The Last President (1896), whose works hold eerie parallels to modern-day events.
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