Definition
The specific application of li to the beginning of an AI
session. Instead of "hacking" immediately with a request, the steward
initiates a structured opening: setting context, defining roles,
establishing the "state of the world," and declaring intent. This ritual
prevents the "Malignant Meld" by ensuring alignment before acceleration.
The Handshake
You would not walk into a colleague's office and shout a command
without saying hello. Yet users do this to AI constantly. The Ritual
Opening is the digital handshake that establishes you are entering a
partnership, not using a vending machine.
Field Notes & Ephemera
Field Note: "Here is where we are. Here is who I am.
Here is what we are building. Are you ready?"