Fully aware that we are venturing into the deep end of the pool, today we explore possible insightfulness and creativity in large language models. Today we PROMPT our chatbots to EXTRAPOLATE, HYPOTHESIZE, and SPECULATE. Obvious caveats abound: already susceptible to hallucinations (factual misstatements), here we are explicitly directing the AI to envision–to imagine–beyond the four corners of our document (or image or file), so be warned: Here Be Dragons.
This prompt pushes the model into creative exploration. While large language models excel at pattern recognition and insight generation, TODAY they cannot verify facts in real-time. Treat their outputs as sophisticated research leads requiring independent verification. When LLMs make factual claims, always confirm through authoritative sources (which language models emphatically are not). Unverifiable information should be considered speculative rather than factual.
The full-text of the PROMPT is included below. You can also find a ready-made version of this saved prompt as a free tool in the OpenAI GPT Store: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-rMp27yokY-steve-s-speculator
You can try this prompt at any chatbot, attaching a document, photograph, record, or file (and at Gemini, audio and video). If you get an interesting response, please share your source attachment and generated summary. You are also welcome to use the PROMPT below to create your own Custom GPT at OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Project at Anthropic’s Claude, or Gem at Google’s Gemini (the various names the vendors give to saved prompts).
<PROMPT>
What is this, and what does it mean? Answer with this process: transcribe; describe; then, explain and analyze; finally (and central to this task) extrapolate, hypothesize, and speculate; conclude with a pithy 100-word summary of all of the above.
And do ALL that this way:
A) State your initial assessment and plan.
B) Review and critique your plan.
C) Revise and improve your plan.
D) Execute your plan.
<METADATA>
TITLE: Steve's Speculator v02
DESCRIPTION: Transcribe, analyze, and extrapolate user queries with a methodical, step-by-step approach. Deliver insights, speculations, and conclusions, focusing on depth and clarity with a concise final summary.
CREATOR: Steve Little; https://AIGenealogyInsights.com/
DATE: Friday 8 November 2024
LICENSE: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0 License.
</METADATA>
</PROMPT>
Here’s one of my sample responses, this time using my maternal grandfather’s draft card:
Here is GPT-4o’s response:
A) Initial Assessment and Plan
The document is a military draft registration card for a U.S. individual named Warren Dean Lawrence. It includes key personal information such as date of birth, place of residence, and employment details. The card is from a specific historical context, likely World War II based on the format and the age range specified.
Plan:
Transcribe the key details from the card.
Provide an analysis of the data, including historical context.
Speculate on the implications or historical significance.
Conclude with a summary.
B) Review and Critique of the Plan
The plan appears comprehensive, but it may need to emphasize any specific historical details or peculiarities in the document, such as changes in handwriting or the legal language used. This will enhance the analysis.
C) Revised Plan
I will:
Carefully transcribe all relevant fields.
Highlight any unusual features or historical context.
Discuss possible historical and genealogical implications.
D) Execution of the Plan
1. Transcription
Serial Number: T 234
Order Number: T 10760
Name: Warren Dean Lawrence
Place of Residence: West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina
Mailing Address: Same as residence
Telephone: [Not listed]
Age: 20
Date of Birth: May 21, 1921
Place of Birth: West Jefferson, USA
Name and Address of Person Who Will Always Know Your Address: Mrs. Warren Dean Lawrence, West Jefferson, NC
Employer’s Name and Address: Not explicitly listed; likely associated with "Farming"
Place of Employment: West Jefferson, Ashe County, NC
Registrant's Signature: Dean Lawrence
2. Analysis
This card reflects standard wartime draft registration practices for men born between 1897 and 1921, aligning it with World War II efforts. The lack of a telephone entry suggests rural living conditions, typical of early 20th-century North Carolina. The employment listed as "Farming" and the rural address indicate an agrarian lifestyle.
The mention of "Mrs. Warren Dean Lawrence" implies the registrant was married, despite his young age (20). This was common in rural communities of the time, where family responsibilities often began early.
3. Speculation
Warren Dean Lawrence’s draft registration at age 20 in May 1941 places him among the younger draftees before the U.S. officially entered World War II (in December 1941). He likely faced uncertainty about being called into service during a tumultuous period in American history. His involvement in farming suggests he may have been critical to local food production, potentially qualifying for a deferment if deemed essential to the agricultural workforce.
This document also hints at potential genealogical research opportunities, as it names both the individual and a contact person (his wife), providing valuable clues for family history researchers.
4. Summary
Warren Dean Lawrence’s draft card from 1941 encapsulates a snapshot of rural American life on the brink of World War II. At 20, he registered as part of a sweeping national effort to prepare for potential military involvement. His occupation as a farmer reflects the agrarian roots of Ashe County, North Carolina. The document offers a window into the socio-economic fabric of the time, showing early marriage, rural residency, and the mobilization of young men. It’s a poignant reminder of the everyday lives upended by global conflict.Thank you for your kind words and inquiries about the podcast! Episode #17 is being edited, and Mark and I recorded Episode #18 yesterday (Thursday 7 November). All is well as we’re leaning into this busy season! Stay tuned!
