[Crossing the Date Line Commentary] While AI can imitate Studio Ghibli, does it truly understand the soul of Hayao Miyazaki?
- byVic
![[Crossing the Date Line Commentary] While AI can imitate Studio Ghibli, does it truly understand the soul of Hayao Miyazaki?](/news/15053/cover.jpg)
讀後心得
Recently, a "Ghibli-style" trend has emerged in the community, with many people uploading photos to ChatGPT to generate whimsical images, sparking lively discussions. These images evoke profound insights about life, reminding me of my late close friends and mother, encouraging me to cherish the limited time we have. Although AI can replicate styles, it cannot capture the soul and emotion in the creative process. Creation is not just an external expression; it originates from a unique perspective shaped by life experiences. As a creator, I firmly believe in the importance of expressing one's true self and hope to use automated tools to help other soulful individuals transform their stories into visible works. Even with advancements in AI, we must maintain our passion for creation and exploration, remembering that only we can leave our mark on life.
Recently, there has been a wave of "Ghibli style" trend on social media, with many people uploading photos to ChatGPT to generate a series of images full of childlike wonder and memories. "This is too real!" "It brings back childhood memories!" "How is this generated? Do I need to pay?" Excited discussions filled the social networking sites. As I scrolled through those saturated-toned, warmly composed Ghibli style images, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion, thinking of those who are no longer in this world. This seemingly "reproducing" technology made me gain a deeper understanding of the limited nature of life. A few colleagues who once worked with me flashed through my mind; they were around my age yet left this world too early due to accidents or illnesses. And my mother, who had passed away when I was young. At that moment, I deeply understood for the first time: how fleeting life is, and the need to cherish it. This also reminded me of the episode in "Black Mirror" about storing human consciousness; if one day this becomes reality, would those who once lived briefly and departed with regrets still hold the same value as now? If we could "backup" at any moment, would we still treat each relationship and creation sincerely? Perhaps it is precisely because these people are gone that I care more about whether "these seemingly similar things" can truly recreate the touching moments in memory.
People say these images "look like Hayao Miyazaki," but if you observe closely, is it really so? AI may imitate the style of Studio Ghibli, but it cannot replicate the soul in the creation. Looking at these images, I recall the excitement I felt when I first saw "My Neighbor Totoro"; it represents the summer adventures every child yearns for. It also reminds me of the contradictions and struggles between humanity and nature in "Princess Mononoke" — there is no true justice and no singular evil. These are the emotions that are lacking in the images produced by AI: genuine stories and memories, a soul interspersed with warmth and reflection, and questions about society, environment, and humanity. This is the core of its creative soul — refusing to simplify the world, embracing multiple perspectives within chaos.
I believe that the soul of creation originates from the unique life experiences of the creator, which then produces a one-of-a-kind point of view. Nowadays, the fast pace of algorithms and social media often makes us rush to conclusions. We are eager to seek answers and key points but overlook the depth of the process and discourse. We focus on categorizing, simplifying, and labeling, yet isn't the true value of creation derived from that "uncategorized" soul? This reaffirms my conviction that the core of creative soul is not about "whether it looks like," but rather "what you want to convey."
For me, part of creation is not for traffic and conversion rates but because "if I don't say this, I will regret it." Aware of the limitations of life, I strive to live without regrets, whether it is through independently developing products, chasing dreams, starting a business, or managing social media. I have also written many "practical" articles, such as how to find a job, write a resume, freelance, and conduct market research. I understand that this is the content readers expect, but the creations that make me the happiest often stem from observations and reflections on life. These articles express the voice I've always wanted to convey, though they may not be what readers want to see, such as "Walking to work, eating with my hands, and having poor English – so what? — Lessons from my Indian colleagues in the United States" and "Everyone is strong: my friends." These are writings I consider "must be documented before I die" because these life experiences have truly transformed me, and I hope that kindred spirits can find some inspiration or feel a sense of companionship from them.
Every time I receive a message saying, "Because of your article, I tried my first side hustle," or "I finally started doing what I love," I realize this is the meaning of my writing. These words are not for conversion but are proof of my life — to let the world know how I once lived. We aren't meant to replicate souls with AI, but rather to help souls be seen.
In recent years, due to my creation and background as a software engineer, I have begun to explore automation and AI tools. This is not to become an AI engineer or out of fear of being left behind by the times, but because I realize there are too many "soulful individuals" in the world who have not been able to express themselves. Some people have keen observations and rich experiences, yet are not good at writing, don't understand typography, or cannot edit and navigate social media. They don't lack voices; they simply lack the skills and environment to express themselves. I hope through automation to turn the "creation process" into a replicable and scalable system. I want to develop a writing assistance tool that helps creators transform the soul in their minds into works that can be seen by the world because I was once that person who struggled to express myself. Through extensive reading, writing, and experimentation, my voice gradually took shape. I am aware that there are still many souls that have yet to be heard.
I am not afraid of the advancements in AI; what worries me is that we may no longer feel curious about the world or excited about creation. I fear that we become unwilling to express ourselves or build deep connections with others; during the rush to achieve goals, we forget the joys that come from stumbling, trial and error. AI can mimic styles and write excellent articles, but it cannot create from your past failures, the tears you shed, the joy shared with friends, or the courage to continue amidst loneliness.
Instead of worrying about being replaced by AI, we should return to the essence of creation. Creation is an extension of life; while AI can mimic your style, the traces of what you have lived can only be left by you.