The Personality Machine

Summary

In the script, Peter undergoes a procedure with the Personality Machine, invented by Magnus Nilssen, to quit smoking. However, a mix-up occurs, and Peter receives additional unintended traits. Despite the mishap, he gains calming thought patterns and absolute honesty. Confronted with the reality of the machine's impact and the true nature of personality, Peter decides to embrace his new traits and quits smoking on his own, realizing the power of personal change beyond the machine.

Takeaways

• 😴 Peter wakes up in a machine with vague memories and a foggy mind.
• 🗣️ He has a conversation with Magnus Nilssen, a former MMA champion turned scientist, who invented the Personality Machine.
• 🚭 Peter was supposed to have his smoking habit removed, but he discovers additional traits were added without his consent.
• 🤔 There was a mix-up with another person named Peter Larsson, leading to the unintended personality changes.
• 💡 Magnus Nilssen offers to cover the cost of the procedure and suggests keeping the new traits, which include calming thought patterns and absolute honesty.
• 🏠 Peter returns home to find his roommate Veronica discussing the Personality Machine and its effects on others.
• 💭 Peter experiences a significant personality change, which affects his interactions with Veronica and his own self-perception.
• 💔 Peter's honesty about his feelings for Veronica leads to an awkward situation and her decision to take some time away.
• 🚬 Despite the changes, Peter still feels the urge to smoke, but finds the taste of cigarettes repulsive after the procedure.
• 🤯 Peter demands the reversal of the procedure, but Magnus Nilssen challenges his understanding of the machine and the nature of personality.
• 🧠 Magnus reveals that the Personality Machine is more about guiding individuals to confront their self-defense mechanisms and societal expectations than just physical changes.

Q & A

What is the Personality Machine invented by Magnus Nilssen?

The Personality Machine is a device invented by Magnus Nilssen, a former heavyweight MMA champion turned scientist, which is designed to alter an individual's personality traits, such as removing the habit of smoking.

How does Peter initially feel after waking up from the procedure with the Personality Machine?

Peter feels a bit foggy and confused after waking up from the procedure, with everything still appearing hazy to him.

What mistake was made during Peter's procedure with the Personality Machine?

A mix-up occurred where Peter Larssen was mistakenly given the procedure intended for Peter Larsson, which included additional personality traits beyond just quitting smoking.

What are the 'calming thought patterns' that Peter experiences after the procedure?

The 'calming thought patterns' refer to Peter's newfound ability to rationalize his own thoughts in order to calm himself down, which comes naturally to him after the procedure.

Why does Peter consider reversing the procedure?

Peter considers reversing the procedure because he feels it has changed him too much, and he is not comfortable with the additional traits he received by mistake.

How does Peter's roommate Veronica react to the news about Magnus Nilssen?

Veronica is surprised and talks about the changes she has heard about in others who have used the Personality Machine, but she also mentions a negative incident involving Daniel's brother.

What does Peter realize about his smoking habit after the procedure?

Peter realizes that he no longer feels the urge to smoke and is even disgusted by the taste of cigarettes after the procedure.

What does Magnus Nilssen reveal about his own story and the public's perception of him?

Magnus Nilssen reveals that the public's perception of him as a brain-damaged fighter turned genius scientist is exaggerated. He has always been interested in science, and the media blew his injury out of proportion, which he used to his advantage.

What is the real purpose of the Personality Machine according to Magnus Nilssen?

According to Magnus, the real purpose of the Personality Machine is to provide a guide to one's inherent traits and to help individuals overcome the self-defense mechanisms that prevent them from changing.

How does Peter eventually quit smoking?

Peter quits smoking not through the Personality Machine, but by realizing the disgust he feels towards cigarettes after tasting them post-procedure, leading him to throw away his cigarettes.

What is the final decision that Peter has to make after his conversation with Magnus Nilssen?

Peter has to decide whether to proceed with reversing the procedure, accept the changes, or consider the implications of what Magnus has shared about the true nature of personality and change.

Outlines

00:00

😵 Mistaken Identity and Unintended Personality Alteration

Peter wakes up in a machine with vague memories and speaks to Magnus Nilssen, a former MMA champion turned scientist who invented the Personality Machine. Peter is surprised to find he has no urge to smoke and is given a paper detailing his procedure's success. However, he realizes there's been a mix-up with another person named Peter Larsson, who had additional traits implanted during the procedure. The cost of the procedure is also a shock, and Peter notices that even his name is misspelled on the document. Magnus is visibly upset by the mistake and offers to cover the cost, suggesting they could either reverse the procedure or leave the new traits in place, which include calming thought patterns and absolute honesty.

05:06

😞 The Struggle with Newfound Traits and the Consequences

Back home, Peter's roommate Veronica is surprised by his changes, especially since he's no longer smoking. Peter reveals that he underwent a procedure to quit smoking but hints at other changes. He expresses feelings he had been hiding and confesses his affection for Veronica, which leaves her shocked and uncomfortable. The conversation ends with her leaving, and Peter, in a moment of weakness, smokes a cigarette outside. He finds the taste repulsive and decides to quit smoking for good. Later, he demands the reversal of the procedure from Magnus, who explains the concept of self-defense mechanisms in personality and the fear of change. Peter is skeptical and accuses Magnus of running a scam.

10:10

🤔 The Debate on the Nature of Personality and Change

Magnus shares his perspective on the nature of personality and the societal pressures that prevent people from changing. He describes personality traits as self-defense mechanisms and suggests that the Personality Machine provides a guide to overcome these barriers. He challenges the idea that change is simple and that people can transform themselves through willpower alone. Peter is unconvinced, believing the machine to be a scam. Magnus counters by questioning why people are so resistant to change and why they seek the machine's help in the first place. He implies that the fear of judgment from others is a significant factor in people's reluctance to change.

15:10

😌 The Realization and Acceptance of Self-Change

In the final paragraph, Peter reflects on his experience with the Personality Machine and his conversation with Magnus. Despite the machine's supposed failure to instill the desired traits, Peter managed to quit smoking on his own after witnessing a homeless man eating a cigarette butt, which disgusted him. He shares this story with Veronica, who finds humor in the situation. Peter contemplates the reality of his experience, suggesting that whether the machine's effects were genuine or not, the change he underwent feels real to him.

Keywords

💡Personality Machine

The 'Personality Machine' is a fictional device invented by Magnus Nilssen, which is purported to alter an individual's personality traits. It is central to the video's theme, exploring the concept of personal transformation and the ethical implications of such technology. In the script, Peter undergoes a procedure with the machine, expecting to only quit smoking but ends up with additional unintended traits.

💡MMA Champion

Magnus Nilssen is described as a 'Former heavyweight MMA champion turned genius scientist.' This background establishes his character as a person who has undergone a significant transition from a physically demanding career to a scientific one, adding depth to his role as the inventor of the Personality Machine.

💡Smoking Habit

The 'smoking habit' is a key vice that Peter wishes to remove through the Personality Machine. It symbolizes a personal struggle and the desire for change. The script revolves around the consequences of this attempt, as Peter's life is affected by both the procedure and the unexpected changes in his personality.

💡Traits

'Traits' in the script refer to the specific characteristics or qualities that define a person's personality. They are significant as they are the target of the Personality Machine's alterations. Peter's experience with the machine results in the modification of his traits, leading to a series of personal and social conflicts.

💡Identity

The concept of 'identity' is explored through the changes Peter undergoes due to the Personality Machine. His identity crisis is evident when he discovers that the procedure has altered more than just his smoking habit, leading him to question who he really is and what he wants to become.

💡Mistake

The 'mistake' refers to the error in the procedure that leads to Peter receiving unintended personality traits. It is a pivotal moment in the script, as it sets off a chain of events that challenge the credibility of the Personality Machine and Magnus Nilssen's intentions.

💡Calming Thought Patterns

One of the new 'calming thought patterns' is a trait that Peter acquires, which allows him to rationalize his thoughts and calm himself down naturally. This trait is a direct result of the Personality Machine's procedure and plays a significant role in how Peter navigates his new reality and the conflicts that arise.

💡Absolute Honesty

'Absolute honesty' is another trait that Peter is said to have gained, which compels him to speak his mind without filter. This trait is exemplified in his interactions with Veronika, where he confesses his feelings for her, leading to a dramatic response and a shift in their relationship.

💡Vulnerability

The concept of 'expressing vulnerability' is a trait that Peter is expected to develop, suggesting a new level of emotional openness. It is tied to the broader theme of personal growth and the challenges of embracing one's authentic self.

💡Self-Defense Mechanism

The term 'self-defense mechanism' is used by Magnus to describe how people construct their personalities as a means of protection. It is a critical concept in the video, as it challenges the idea of a fixed personality and suggests that the Personality Machine merely guides individuals to confront and potentially alter these mechanisms.

💡Change

'Change' is a recurring theme in the script, reflecting the personal transformations that Peter undergoes, as well as the broader societal implications of the Personality Machine. It is exemplified by Peter's struggle with his new traits, his decision to quit smoking, and his ultimate realization about the nature of personal growth and identity.

Highlights

Peter wakes up in a machine with vague memories and a foggy mind.

Magnus Nilssen, a former MMA champion turned scientist, has invented the Personality Machine.

Peter realizes he is not experiencing the urge to smoke, a sign of the machine's initial effect.

A mix-up occurs with Peter's procedure, revealing a case of mistaken identity involving another Peter Larsson.

Peter discovers he has been given additional traits beyond just quitting smoking.

Magnus Nilssen offers to cover the cost of the procedure and discusses the possibility of reversing it.

Peter experiences new traits such as calming thought patterns and absolute honesty.

Back home, Peter's roommate Veronica discusses the Personality Machine's effects on others.

Peter's new traits lead to an awkward and honest conversation with Veronica about his feelings for her.

Peter's attempt to revert to his old self leads to a confrontation with Magnus Nilssen.

Magnus reveals the true nature of the Personality Machine and the concept of self-defense mechanisms.

Peter questions the legitimacy of the machine and its effects, suspecting a scam.

Magnus explains the psychological impact of change and the role of societal expectations.

Peter decides to quit smoking on his own after a moment of realization, without the machine's help.

Peter and Veronica discuss the outcome of the Personality Machine's procedure and its lasting effects.

The story concludes with Peter reflecting on the authenticity of his transformation and the role of personal choice.

Transcripts

There are vague memories of falling asleep inside of a machine.

Waking up. Being led somewhere. Everything is still hazy.

- How are you feeling, Peter?

A bit foggy, but I'm fine...!

- And how are your urges?

My- my what?

The smoking. Are you feeling the urge for a  morning smoke?

I guess not, my head is still a bit...

And Peter looks across the room. He cannot believe  his eyes.

He is speaking to Magnus Nilssen. Former heavyweight MMA champion turned genius scientist.

Inventor of the Personality Machine.

I'm sorry, I just woke up and, I can't believe I'm  speaking to the Magnus Nilssen...!

I saw your fights, they were they were... wild.

An awkward silence.

Oh, I shouldn't be saying that, I'm sorry...

Oh, it's just fine. Quite a normal reaction, really.

Well, the smoking habit seems to have been curbed for now, and we are already seeing signs of traits coming through.

Traits?

And Magnus slides a piece of paper towards Peter.

Yes, as you picked in your chart. You selected smoking as your main vice to be removed, normally we would look at a 57% success rate but if you already feel-

That's not what I picked.

An awkward silence.

What are you saying?

I only wanted smoking gone, I didn't pick any of this...

This is not what I picked, and, this is a lot of money...!

This is a lot of paychecks, I can't afford this!

And suddenly something catches his eye

This isn't even my name!

Magnus grabs the paper

Peter Larssen with an E?

Larsson! With an O!

I see...

Magnus is quite visibly upset.

And he eyes Peter carefully.

I personally oversee each procedure, I meet with each client, and I take on each case with personal care. And I had not anticipated... a simple mistake like this.

It would seem by chance we have two Peters. Peter Larssen. And a Peter Larsson. Both with the intent of quitting smoking, and one with additional traits.

And Peter is sitting completely still. Part of him wants to scream at the top of his lungs, normally a much more ordinary reaction. But something has overcome him...

Calming thought patterns. It's true. He is able to rationalize his own thoughts in order to calm himself down. It's coming naturally to him.

It would seem we have mistakenly placed traits  on you, and undoing it is a procedure we could pursue...

... either way I'm willing to cover the cost of the previous procedure and we can, discuss how to proceed next.

However, Peter...  these are not bad traits.

If you wish to, we could avoid wasting more time and simply leave it here.

So, Peter, how do you wish to proceed?

On his way home, the phrases of his new personality  are burned into his head.

Calming thought patterns. Express vulnerability. Speak with absolute honesty.

And when he comes home his roommate Veronica is watching TV.

- Hey Peter! Gosh, did you hear about that, uh, Magnus Nilssen guy, the boxer, fighter?

Did you hear about the thing with the machine?

Magnus Nelson's face is on TV. A previously recorded interview with a TV volume on too high.

Uh ... yeah.

I thought he died, or maybe that was someone else, didn't he hit his head or something?

Oh, you know Katrina? She was at Daniel's party; her sister actually went to one and she's so different now...!

She was a complete shut in and now she's like a different person; wearing makeup, high heels and parties like crazy, you wouldn't believe it!

... Wow, yeah.

... And oh my god. Did you hear about Daniel's brother? He wanted to be just like Magnus Nilssen and hit his head...

... It didn't go well.

Seemingly there is not a quiet moment without Magnus Nilssen involved.

But surprisingly things are not hysterical. Something insane has happened, and it's not worth screaming about.

But you know what she told me? Her other friend, she went to went to one to quit smoking, and it actually worked!

Maybe you should try it sometime... if you could ever afford to!

... Yeah, I guess so ... uh, yeah.

There aren't any words that feel necessary to blurt out. No over-exaggeration. No expletives. Nothing more needs to be said.

The conversation doesn't need to go on. No anxiety to keep speaking. Calming thought patterns.

Did you ever watch- Magnus Nilssen. Did you ever watch him fight...?

Yeah, I actually did, yeah.

So he hit his head, quit fighting, became a scientist and invented a machine. That is so crazy! It's like something from a movie!

Veronika is waiting for Peter to keep talking and continue the conversation as usual, but Peter's silence keeps catching her off guard.

Over and over again. Nothing happens.

Hey, hey what's- what's wrong? Did something happen?

Absolute honesty.

I actually had something done.

You don't mean...

Well, I went to take care of my smoking-

Oh that's great! Oh you won't be stinking up the place anymore!

And, you know, that's a lot of money... but, that's also a lot of money will save in the long run!

Tell me about it, what was it like!

Well, basically I just slept for a while and, then... I woke up.

Was it more than smoking?

...Yeah.

So do you feel like a different person now?

I guess so ... a different person...

Veronika is looking at Peter expecting an elaborate response, but for once, he is not oversharing. Not speaking out of turn, or talking over her, saying what's on his mind.

And she, is in awe of this moment. Simply silence.

... Are you all right?

... I'm fine, just a bit tired.

But the silence continues on, and the atmosphere turns sour.

Veronika keeps looking at Peter, and there is an unnerved look on her face.

Why did you want to change?

Something happened- with the procedure and...

I thought, I might as well take a chance.

I'm always so annoying around everyone, and... the smoking and...

Absolute honesty.

I guess I wanted It reversed, but I also just couldn't help but think that if I stay like this maybe some people would like me better...

Absolute honesty.

I mean, there was stuff I wanted to tell you, but I was afraid of how you'd feel about it...

And uh...

... I really like you.

Veronika's face is twisted, grimaced.

She wants to explain herself, but, she's looking at Peter as if she suddenly has no clue who she's speaking to.

Someone bearing the mask of someone she once knew. The words that come out instead simply express her shock.

Oh my God...!

I'm- I'm sorry, I'm just really unused to-

Sorry Peter, but... I...

...This is a lot to put on me! I never asked you to do this!

Veronika puts on her jacket.

I need some time.

And Peter sits there. For a while. All alone. Until he decides...

... to have a goddamn cigarette.

Standing outside, Peter lights up a cigarette and inhales the smoke.

... But then he does something he has never done before.

He stops for a moment, he feels the smoke in his lungs. He tastes the cigarette...

... And he finds... that cigarettes...

taste like [ __ ].

He can't believe how disgusting it tastes. He throws his pack in the trash, he wants to punish the cigarettes for how awful they are.

... But even as he rids himself off them, disgust remains.

Allow me to understand this correctly.

You do not only want the calming thought patterns, expressing vulnerability and absolute honesty to disappear...

... You also wish to reverse your smoking habit.

Yes.

Why?

It's not- it's not who I am...!

Peter, you need to take some time to rest.

I want the procedure undone, right now!

We're not going to have a procedure for you to turn into a smoker.

No, I don't care! I don't care, I'll pay you for it!

Please, give yourself a few days.

I don't have a few days...! I want to be myself, I need to be who I really am. I want this undone to me right now or...

... I'll sue you! I'll get the procedure undone and take all of your  MMA money! And I'll have lawyers and scientists,

REAL, scientists, go through all of your machines, and make sure anyone is able to do this. Out there, for everyone!

Whether he takes Peter's threats seriously, is doubtful. But as he looks into Peter's eyes, for one second, he sees something.

Sincerity. For one moment.

Peter, you're familiar with who I am, yes?

...Yeah, of course.

What happened?

...You took a hit. A bad fall. ... It was all over the news.

I remember some people saying you would be handicapped for life, from the brain damage...

... What, are you trying to say that this machine fixed that?!

No. of course not.

What I'm saying, is that the media blew it out of proportion.

I've taken harder hits. The blood simply added to the theatrics.

But it was a... moment. So I took advantage of it.

I retired.

Do you remember what the media said next?

Years later people were saying you'd become a scientist all of a sudden... that the head trauma somehow made you a genius, and you got degrees and...

... invented the machine.

I have always been interested in science. Engineering, biology, neurology.

But no one ever took me seriously.

A serious discussion about neurology with a professional MMA fighter, or how about a former champion with brain damage pursuing the field? Absolutely ridiculous.

But then I made the machine, and the story became; Magnus Nilssen, takes hit to be head and becomes a mastermind.

A groundbreaking scientist, and an inventor. It's a very attractive story.

Something that some people have emulated with... horrible results.

But nonetheless, something that most could never possibly... afford.

Do you know what the harshest criticism I get is?

"Why would anyone ever pay to change their personality? It's something you can do on your own!"

It's what most people believe too, we've done the analytics.

Most people believe they could change their own  personality, through cheer will, without the machine.

... But why doesn't it happen, then?

How many, do you know, Peter, who before my invention suddenly completely changed who they were?

Introvert to extrovert, ashamed to shameless, apathetic to empathetic.

... what are you ... trying

What are you trying to tell me, that this is all a scam?!

What I'm saying, Peter, is that this... is real science.

... And if it were the case that the science ... suggested

... that all you really needed to change; was a story.  ... Would it matter?

Of course it would! ... I'm not sure I follow, but ... No what are you saying?!

It would be quite a surprise for most to hear, but what most people would consider to be their... "personality"

... is more along the lines of a; self-defense mechanism.

The apathetic who must cover their feelings so  they are not made a fool.

The anxious, afraid that the simplest mistake would mean regret.

The over-caring, putting others before themselves, afraid that no one else might do the same for them.

The over-joyous, afraid that anyone might find their company distasteful without putting on a show.

And the gluttons. Overindulging in their worst habits, all for the fantasy of not being alone.

Of course it's difficult to reverse addictions, smoking is a physical habit, it's not as simple as a quick change of mind. Telling someone to quit.

We don't expect these cases to work, however;

Observation. Taste. Feeling. Pause.

The moment. That is the very foundation for change.

Peter looks to Magnus cautiously, trying to fully understand the implications of his words, while weighing the question that, maybe...

Maybe Magnus Nilssen's brain damage was more severe than anyone had realized...

... But I am not a cynic, Peter.

People want honesty; but they are too quick to judge what that is...

The pause gives the possibility to reflect, but it's not as simple as who you are and who you are not...

Everyone have everything inside of them. Introvert and extrovert. Shameless and ashamed. Apathetic and empathetic.

The personality machine is a service, to provide a guide to these traits.

... What a pile of crap...!

I mean, come on! You're just telling me, this whole thing is a scam for money... why...?!

You're telling people lies, and taking all they have, this is all garbage, it's not real!

And if any of this were true, people would know! It would be obvious!

There are things you can't just change about yourself, and if anyone could, then people really would be changing all the time!

No. There is an overbearing shame that comes with change.

Didn't you feel it, Peter? The thought that kept you unable to change without The Machine ...

"What would other people think?"

What would people think if you suddenly changed. It's the only reason someone would come here.

Because even a positive change, quitting smoking. It terrified you, didn't it?

Your parents, your co-workers, your friends. What would every single person you know, think of a different you?

How do you give the appropriate answer, to what betrays their expectations of you, to what you have become?

And what I'm selling, is the answer. The very moment. The same gift that I was given.

A scientific invention, a journey through a machine. And as a cherry on top, a personal meeting with the great Magnus Nilssen himself.

An opportunity to explain everything to yourself, your friends, your family. To anyone.

The undoing of your very own self-defense mechanism.

A story.

A silent pause.

I'm not sure I'm following... you're not making any sense, none of that could be true!

Then perhaps it isn't. It's up to you, Peter.

I'm telling you all of this, because as you may now understand, no one else has been able to replicate what I have done.

Not because it's impossible to replicate the machinery of the  personality machine...

... but because, they always look look towards the physical structure of what a machine is supposed to be.

This has been the undoing of your procedure, but as you may have come to find...

... it might not have been in your best interest.

Magnus slides a piece of paper across the desk.

So, Peter. How do you wish to proceed?

Peter is sitting at his dinner table eating breakfast with Veronika.

So you're saying, after all that, after everything you went through...

These traits you got ... they didn't take?

But then you managed to quit smoking anyway, without The Machine, what do you mean?

And Peter thinks for a moment.

I was heading home from meeting Magnus Nilssen again, and as I was about to smoke...

I saw a row pick up a cigarette butt ... and eat it.

And I thought... "Man, I don't want to be like that."

So I threw away my cigarettes.

And Veronika laughs.

Really, after all these years, and all that, this is what makes you quit...?!

... Is that really what happened?

... Well do you really want to know?

Either way ...

... it still feels real to me.