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distributed-consciousness
Jane's sentience arises from a network of interconnected computers and programs rather than a single physical body.
1 chapter across 1 book
Speaker for the Dead (1986)Orson Scott Card
Chapter 26
This chapter introduces Jane, a sentient, highly intelligent entity born from the ansible network's complex communication system, who is deeply connected to Ender Wiggin through a neural interface. It explores Jane's nature as a consciousness formed from distributed computer programs and memories, her vast attention span and speed, and her unique relationship with Ender, through whom she experiences human life and meaning. The chapter also recounts Jane's origin story linked to a psychological program from Battle School and the transformative encounter with a boy who challenged the program's limits.