PHOTO: Alexandru Czimbor, an award-winning author, shares his unique perspective on the complex relationship between technology and humanity.
Exploring The Intersection Of Technology, Philosophy, And Human Nature Through Engaging Storytelling
Alexandru Czimbor discusses his literary journey, the influences behind his award-winning novels, and the intricate themes of technology and human consciousness.
Alexandru Czimbor stands as a luminous beacon in contemporary literature, merging the realms of technology and storytelling with an unparalleled finesse. An accomplished author and seasoned executive, his dual expertise enriches his narratives, inviting readers to explore the intricate interplay between human consciousness and artificial intelligence. Czimbor’s career, spanning over two decades within the Information Technology sector, finds harmonious expression in his novels, most notably in the award-winning The Soul Machines and Sentience Hazard.
His literary journey is marked by a profound exploration of philosophical and societal themes, reminiscent of his upbringing in Transylvania during the repressive regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu. This unique perspective imbues his works with a critical lens on the human condition, often reflecting on the historical and contemporary struggles between ideology and individuality. Czimbor’s ability to weave complex characters within richly imagined worlds has garnered him significant acclaim, a testament to his skill in crafting narratives that resonate deeply with readers.
The Soul Machines, an evocative blend of historical fiction and mystery, has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning prestigious awards such as the Literary Titan Gold Award and the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. Its successor, Sentience Hazard, further solidifies Czimbor’s reputation, delving into the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence—an area he approaches with both intellectual curiosity and personal insight.
This interview delves into Alexandru Czimbor’s motivations, experiences, and the nuanced themes that permeate his work, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer who deftly navigates the intersections of technology, philosophy, and human emotion. As we celebrate his achievements and visionary storytelling, it becomes clear that Czimbor is not only a voice of our times but also a prescient guide to the future interconnections of humanity and its creations.
Alexandru Czimbor’s masterful storytelling and profound insights into human nature elevate him as a truly remarkable voice in contemporary literature.
How did your upbringing in Transylvania during Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime influence the themes in your novels?
Ceaușescu came to power in 1965, leading a totalitarian government that combined the communist ideals with a cult of personality, strong nationalism, and political repression. Growing up in that environment, I learned to keep my thoughts, words, and actions separate. When I was old enough to understand more, my mother opened my eyes to the lies of the system. I became suspicious of the constant propaganda and of the pretense of teachers and others. I forced myself to distinguish between reality and hollow words. Having experienced life under this regime, I aspire to expose in my writing the hypocrisy of both far-left and far-right governments. I want to warn readers, especially those who take freedom for granted, mesmerized by the promises of a utopian society, that the dark side of human nature can push us back into the abyss of oppression at any time.
“The Soul Machines” intertwines historical truth with imagination. What inspired you to set this story in 19th-century Transylvania?
The end of the 19th century and at the dawn of the 20th century were shaped by extreme ideology. The idealization of the oppressed led to communism and nationalism paved the way for fascism. I noticed the unfortunate similarities between the societal turmoil of that time and the disturbance of our age. Once again, we witness the exacerbation of extreme thinking in politics, a deep division in society, and the acute loss of common sense.
Having experienced life under this regime, I aspire to expose in my writing the hypocrisy of both far-left and far-right governments. – Alexandru Czimbor
Transylvania was an ideal setting for this novel, both because I was born there and I know it well, and because it represents a melting pot of ethnic groups, including Romanians, Hungarians, Saxon Germans, and Gypsies. I wanted to illustrate how people of different origins, races, and social classes can coexist, despite all the life challenges. The Soul Machines is a call for a return to the political center and to the core values that unite us.
In “Sentience Hazard,” you explore the boundaries between human and machine. How does your background in computer science inform this narrative?
I became passionate about Artificial Intelligence in the ‘80s. My mother used to work for the Computing Center of the Romanian Post. One day, while visiting her, I was introduced to one of the first chatbots created at MIT, which had made its way into the computers available there. The idea of a virtual “person” with whom I could converse immediately captured my imagination. The desire to learn more about AI was one of the main reasons I pursued computer science. Since then, I have read extensively on the topic and gained a deeper appreciation and respect for the complexity of the human mind.
“I wanted to show both how far we are from true, human-like intelligence, and how machine intelligence… can have devastating consequences.” – Alexandru Czimbor
We are now experiencing an AI resurgence, due to the unexpected success of generative AI. Just like, as a child, I was lured by the illusion of a conscious being chatting with me, today we routinely anthropomorphize tools like ChatGPT. We speak of computer programs displaying “general intelligence,” “creativity,” “will,” or “consciousness.” With Sentience Hazard, I wanted to show both how far we are from true, human-like intelligence, and how machine intelligence, if unchecked or exploited by malicious actors, can have devastating consequences.
Your novels blend genres like fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction. How do you approach combining these elements in your storytelling?
I like to make my fiction as plausible as possible.
In The Soul Machines, I intertwined elements of mystery and a touch of fantasy with the realities of 19th-century Transylvania. My goal wasn’t to create a fantasy novel but to craft a believable story with exceptional characters driven by love, hatred, loyalty, and passion. The “machines” that amplify human emotions merely symbolize the corruption of our souls, while I built the story around the people influenced by them.
Sentience Hazard is more clearly defined as a specific genre, but in it, too, I aimed to present the development of AI and the global tension as they impact people’s lives.
Themes such as the rise of extreme politics and the conflict between religion and naturalism are present in your work. What draws you to these subjects?
Our propensity to create stories for phenomena that we can’t understand has always fascinated me. Religions are full of powerful stories, some of which should be taken literally and others figuratively. Over the last couple of centuries, we’ve made incredible scientific progress. We now find ourselves trapped in this perpetual dance between reason and faith. As humans, we are inexorably drawn to a belief system, whether based on the supernatural or on intellect. Once committed to it, we lose objectivity. I challenge my readers to question their beliefs, especially the ones they are most sure of, and to try to understand the perspectives of those they disagree with.
How has your experience in academia and the software industry influenced your writing process and the subjects you choose to explore?
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in many different environments—teaching, programming, entrepreneurship, management. I’ve launched software products and led teams providing software development services for large U.S. companies. This broad experience has allowed me to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, giving me a strong understanding of how people think, feel, and act. This helps shape my writing.
Your books have received several awards. How have these accolades impacted your career and approach to writing?
When I started writing, I hardly had any readers. I submitted my work to various writing competitions mainly to attract more. I am both surprised and overjoyed that my novels have placed highly in so many prestigious competitions. Literary awards certainly make me set a higher standard for myself.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who wish to blend complex themes into their narratives?
Authors who want to tackle complex topics should read across a variety of genres to widen their horizons. They need to understand the bigger picture, yet be able to focus on relevant details. They need to hone their inquisitive skills and choose their subjects carefully. Then, they should fully commit to the creative process.
