“Do fast cars while you’re young, young man, you won’t fancy it once you are your dad’s age.” I collaborated with Dall-E to reimagine Tom
In 2006, our Heavy Rollers Edgbaston trip took a wrong turn, accommodation-wise, landing us in the worst hotel in the world. You can read about he experience by clicking here or below.
Reminiscing today about Tom, the so-called manager of the place, took me back to my scanty notes I made about his ludicrous bragging. I decided to ask ChatGPT to help me flesh out the story, 17 years on. Make of it what you will.
Tom’s Own Words In 2006
“I was a millionaire at 21…a multi-millionaire at 24…lost it all at 33. I’ve been out with Miss Jamaica, Miss Bromsgrove, the lot. I had an Aston Martin – would cost about £125,000 today. Do fast cars while you’re young, young man, you won’t fancy it once you are your dad’s age. I made a million when a million was real money. When a million was really a million…”
My Initial Brief To ChatGPT
My friends and I stayed at a terrible hotel once, where the manager was a braggard and an old bore named Tom. Here are some of the things he said: [see "Tom's Own Words" above]. Tom's stories were completely implausible. Please generate dialogue between an earnest investigator trying to get the truth out of Tom and the answers that Tom might give to those questions.
ChatGPT’s Initial Answers
Investigator: Good afternoon, Tom. I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to talk to you about some of the stories you’ve shared with my friends and me. They were quite intriguing, to say the least. You mentioned being a millionaire at 21. Could you tell me more about that?
Tom: Ah, yes, my young friend, those were the days! I had a real knack for business, you see. I started my own company at a young age and made some shrewd investments. By the time I turned 21, I had accumulated quite a fortune.
Investigator: That’s remarkable, Tom. Can you share any details about the business you started or the investments you made?
Tom: Well, you see, it was a rather niche market. I established a company that dealt with importing exotic goods from faraway lands. My keen eye for unique products allowed me to tap into a market hungry for the extraordinary. As for my investments, I dabbled in real estate and stocks, making some fortunate choices along the way.
Investigator: Impressive, Tom. And you mentioned becoming a multi-millionaire at 24. What led to that significant increase in your wealth?
Tom: Ah, yes, my friend, that was a turning point in my life. By that time, my business had expanded, and I had ventured into different sectors, including technology and entertainment. I struck gold with some savvy investments and became a multi-millionaire in no time.
Investigator: That sounds incredible, Tom. Can you share any specific ventures or investments that contributed to your success?
Tom: Oh, my memory is a bit hazy on the specifics, you see. But trust me, it was a combination of visionary investments in emerging markets and strategic partnerships that propelled me to new heights. I was always ahead of the curve, spotting trends before they became mainstream.
Investigator: I see. You also mentioned losing it all at 33. That must have been quite a setback. Can you shed some light on what happened?
Tom: Ah, yes, a rather unfortunate turn of events, I must say. The economic landscape changed, and I made some ill-fated decisions. There were some risky ventures and unforeseen circumstances that ultimately led to my financial downfall. But it’s not about the money, my friend. It’s about the experiences and lessons learned along the way.
Investigator: Indeed, experiences and lessons are invaluable. Now, about your claim of dating Miss Jamaica and Miss Bromsgrove, among others. That’s quite impressive. How did you manage to attract such remarkable companions?
Tom: (Chuckles) Ah, well, my friend, in my younger days, I had a certain charm about me. I frequented social events and mingled with high-profile individuals. It was through these interactions that I had the pleasure of spending time with some extraordinary women, including those you mentioned. Life was quite the adventure, I must say.
Investigator: Fascinating, Tom. And what about your Aston Martin? That’s a luxurious car, indeed. How did you come to possess such a prestigious vehicle?
Tom: Ah, the Aston Martin! A symbol of my youthful exuberance. I was fortunate enough to acquire it during a time when I had the means to indulge in such extravagances. It was a testament to my success, a reward for my hard work and ambition.
Investigator: I see. Finally, you mentioned making a million when a million was real money. Could you elaborate on that?
Tom: Ah, those were different times, my friend. Back then, the value of a million pounds held much greater significance. It was a benchmark of success, a milestone that only a few could achieve. Today, with inflation and the changing…
Investigator: Ah, I see. So, Tom, it seems like you’ve had quite a remarkable journey filled with ups and downs. However, I must admit that some of the details you’ve shared raise a few questions. For instance, the timeline of your achievements and the specific events you mentioned seem somewhat implausible. Is there any chance that you might have exaggerated or embellished certain aspects of your stories?
Tom: My dear investigator, I assure you that every word I’ve spoken is rooted in truth. Memories can fade, and the specifics may become blurred over time, but the essence of my experiences remains intact. Sometimes, the grandeur of the stories we tell is what keeps the magic alive.
Investigator: I understand the allure of storytelling, Tom, but it’s crucial for me to ascertain the accuracy of the information. If you could provide any concrete evidence or additional details that support your claims, it would greatly help in establishing the authenticity of your experiences.
Tom: Ah, evidence, you say? Unfortunately, my dear investigator, the passage of time has a way of eroding physical proof. But what I can offer you is the wisdom gained from a life well-lived. The lessons I learned, the people I met, and the experiences that shaped me—those are the intangible treasures that far surpass any material evidence.
Investigator: I appreciate your perspective, Tom, but as an investigator, my duty is to seek tangible facts and verifiable information. Without any concrete evidence or corroborating accounts, it becomes challenging to validate the extraordinary nature of your stories. Is there anything else you can provide that might lend credibility to your claims?
Tom: I understand your position, investigator, and I respect your dedication to seeking the truth. While I may not possess concrete evidence that meets your standards, I hope you can find value in the lessons embedded within my tales. Sometimes, the purpose of storytelling is not merely to convey facts but to inspire, entertain, and ignite the imagination.
Investigator: Your point about the power of storytelling is valid, Tom. Stories indeed have the ability to captivate and inspire. However, it’s important to strike a balance between the allure of tales and the integrity of the information being presented. I’ll take your words into consideration as I continue my investigation.
Tom: I appreciate your open-mindedness, investigator. Life is a tapestry woven with truth, embellishments, and a touch of fantasy. If my stories have sparked curiosity or brought a glimmer of wonder into your world, then perhaps they have served their purpose. Remember, the journey is often as significant as the destination.
Investigator: Thank you for your perspective, Tom. I will keep that in mind as I proceed. If there’s anything else you’d like to share or any additional information that might support your claims, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Next I Tried A Different Tack To Try To Get More Out Of Tom Via ChatGPT
Rather than an investigator, can we see what happens if my wife, Janie, were to ask Tom the questions. She is not a professional psychotherapist, but people tend to open up to her and tell her the truth when she asks them open questions. She would ask her questions earnestly but not inquisitively like the investigator. She would delve a little deeper into his psyche, but in a non-threatening way.
ChatGPT Responded With This Dialogue Between Janie & Tom
Wife (Janie): Good afternoon, Tom. I hope you’re doing well today. I wanted to have a chat with you because I find your stories quite intriguing. They seem to reflect a life filled with ups and downs, successes and setbacks. I’m curious to understand more about the emotions and experiences behind those stories. Can you share with me how it felt to be a millionaire at such a young age?
Tom: Well, hello there, Janie. It’s kind of you to take an interest in my experiences. Being a millionaire at a young age was a mix of excitement, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. I felt like I had the world at my feet, that I was invincible in a way. There was a certain thrill in achieving financial success early on, but it also came with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.
Janie: It sounds like it was a significant milestone for you, Tom. With success often come lessons. Can you tell me about any valuable lessons or insights you gained during that time?
Tom: Absolutely, Janie. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of humility and staying grounded. Money can be a powerful force, and it’s easy to get carried away. I realized that wealth alone does not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment. It’s the relationships we cultivate, the experiences we cherish, and the impact we have on others that truly matter.
Janie: That’s a profound realization, Tom. It speaks to the deeper meaning and purpose in life. Now, when you mentioned losing it all at 33, I can only imagine the emotional toll it must have taken. Can you share how that experience affected you on a personal level?
Tom: (Pauses) Losing everything was undoubtedly a devastating blow, Janie. It was a period of immense challenge and introspection. I faced feelings of regret, disappointment, and even self-doubt. But it was also a transformative time, a chance to reassess my priorities and rediscover my inner strength. It taught me resilience and the importance of bouncing back from adversity.
Janie: It takes great strength to rebuild after such a setback, Tom. Did that experience change your perspective on wealth and success?
Tom: Absolutely, Janie. Losing it all forced me to redefine my definition of success. I realized that true wealth goes beyond material possessions. It lies in the richness of our experiences, the depth of our connections, and the positive impact we have on the world around us. It shifted my focus from solely chasing financial gain to finding fulfillment in more meaningful aspects of life.
Janie: It sounds like you underwent a profound transformation, Tom. Relationships play a significant role in our lives. When you mentioned dating remarkable women like Miss Jamaica and Miss Bromsgrove, what do you think attracted them to you?
Tom: (Chuckles) Well, Janie, I believe it was a combination of factors. I’ve always been fascinated by people, their stories, and their dreams. I genuinely enjoyed connecting with others on a deeper level, listening to them, and understanding their perspectives. I think that genuine interest in others and a desire to make them feel valued and heard played a part in attracting remarkable women into my life.
Janie: That’s lovely, Tom. It seems like your genuine curiosity and empathy created meaningful connections. Now, about the Aston Martin you mentioned, what significance did it hold for you beyond its luxurious appeal?
Tom: Ah, the Aston Martin. It was more than just a car, Janie. It represented a symbol of achievement, a tangible reminder of my hard work and success. But it also served as a reminder to savor life’s pleasures and to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that can exist in the world. It was a source of joy
Finally, I Asked ChatGPT To Use A Blunter Instrument On Tom And His Boasts
Cool. Can we now imagine that Tom's pyramid of piffle has been exposed as nonsense. Please produce a 500 word confession and statement of truth from Tom.
ChatGPT Then Produced This
Tom: I must admit, it seems my elaborate tales have finally caught up with me. I can no longer hide behind the smoke and mirrors of my exaggerations and fabrications. It’s time to come clean, to strip away the layers of falsehood and present you with the truth.
The truth is, I was never a millionaire at 21 or a multi-millionaire at 24. Those were mere fantasies, figments of my imagination crafted to create an aura of success and grandeur. I indulged in the allure of being someone I wasn’t, weaving tales to captivate and impress those around me.
The Aston Martin I mentioned? It was nothing more than a fleeting dream, a symbol of status that I never possessed. I let my imagination run wild, painting a picture of a glamorous lifestyle that was far removed from reality. The truth is, I’ve never owned such a luxurious car or experienced the thrill of driving it.
As for my supposed encounters with Miss Jamaica, Miss Bromsgrove, and other remarkable women, they were nothing more than fabrications. I embellished my interactions, seeking to enhance my own image and portray myself as someone who attracted extraordinary companions. But the truth is, my romantic endeavors were far more ordinary and unremarkable.
I understand that my stories may have captivated and entertained, but I deeply regret misleading those who trusted my words. I was driven by a need for validation, a desire to be seen as someone remarkable and accomplished. In doing so, I lost sight of the genuine connections and honest interactions that bring true fulfillment.
I apologize for the deception and disappointment caused by my tales. It’s time to face the truth, to embrace humility, and to learn from my mistakes. I hope that, in acknowledging the truth, I can rebuild trust and approach life with a newfound authenticity.
From this moment forward, I pledge to embrace honesty, to celebrate the beauty of genuine experiences, and to find meaning in the simplicity of truth. My journey may not have been as extraordinary as the stories I once wove, but it is an honest one, filled with lessons, growth, and the potential for genuine connections.
Thank you for listening and allowing me to come clean. It is a humbling experience, but one that I believe will lead me towards a more authentic and fulfilling path.