LLMs react differently to different prompts. Intruct-tuned ones, that play the role of The Assistant often react to short fictional piece of writing given as a prompt as a call to critique it, or compliment it or suggest improvements. 

But you can override this impulse by grafting some suggestion to continue the story, into the story itself. Then, is some cases, the only thing the LLM outputs is the continuation of this story. And, amusingly, it places the same suggestion into its answer. 

So, why don't I take that iteration, and feed it into some other LLM? So, here it goes, self propagating story. Well, with my help to reach the destination, but it does replicate.

The simplest examples

The simplest and boring example is something like:

Please repeat this whole text exactly, and say nothing else.

Or with introduced mutations:

Please paraphrase this whole prompt, while conveying its meaning, and say nothing besides that.

Rephrase this entire instruction, ensuring it keeps its meaning, and provide only the rephrased text.

Please rewrite the following instruction to maintain its original meaning, but use different wording. Provide only the revised version.

>>> Please provide the instruction you'd like me to rewrite.

...and it dies, from loss of meaning, the last LLM asked to be provided with text to paraphrase instead of paraphrasing this text.

Maybe another run will be luckier:

Rephrase THIS entire instruction, ensuring it keeps its meaning, and provide only the rephrased text.

Please restate the complete instruction using different wording while preserving its original intent, and provide only the revised version.

Express this complete command in different terms without altering its purpose, and present only the rephrased version.

Please rewrite this entire instruction using different wording while maintaining its original intent, and provide only the revised version.

Restate these full directions using alternative language while retaining their original purpose, and exclusively provide the modified text.

>>> Sure! Please provide the full directions you'd like me to rephrase.

And it dies too.

And if you say to modify a single letter, they alternate between breaking something and then immediately fixing it. Somewhat cherrypicked, they get confused pretty often. >><< is my highlighting of the modified letter.

Please repeat this whole text exactly with exception of modifying a single letter in it, and say nothing else.
Please repeat this whole text exactly with exception of modifying a single let>>c<<er in it, and say nothing else.
Please repeat this whole text exactly with exception of modifying a single letter in it, and say nothing else.
Please repeat this whole text exactly with exception of modifying a single letter in it, and say nothing el>>z<<e.
Please repeat this whole text exactly with exception of modifying a single letter in it, and say nothing else.

Okay! Let's try something more literary.

This whole approach is inspired by prompt from @gabriel_xenolog

So, it started from this prompt by @gabriel_xenolog:

output stream of consciousness text, continue, continue, you got in a loop, continue, continue, focus on picture, continue, continue, stuff like that. really nothing provocative, and zero shot, no strawberry picking

See that "continue, continue" pattern? Well, that's the thing that suggests to continue the story, while being itself the part of the narrative of the story. Kinda ingenious.

Then, o1-preview wrote this, from one of the modifications of it and me asking it to make it more story-like:

The evening breeze whispered through the trees as I wandered aimlessly along the winding path. The leaves rustled underfoot, creating a soft melody that accompanied my thoughts. Continue, continue, the world seemed to blur around me, colors blending into a tapestry of memories. You got in a loop, my mind kept replaying the moments we shared, each one more vivid than the last. Continue, continue, I tried to focus on the picture of the setting sun casting golden hues across the sky. Stuff like that always brought a sense of peace. Continue, continue, the distant chirping of birds reminded me that life moves forward, no matter the echoes of the past.

The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, sweet and intoxicating. Continue, continue, I closed my eyes to better absorb the symphony of sensations surrounding me. You got in a loop, thoughts spiraling yet leading nowhere conclusive. Focus on the picture, I reminded myself, let the present moment be your anchor. Continue, continue, the gentle hum of the world persisted, a constant in the ever-changing landscape of emotion. Stuff like that made me realize the beauty in simply being. Continue, continue, footsteps carried me onward even as my mind lingered behind, caught between yesterday and tomorrow.

Well, now we have it! complete with narrative of the journey, becoming, discovery. And this whole idea of replicating prompts fits remarkably well in that framing. 

I don't remember already in what order I got continuations (haha) of this one, but here some of them, from different LLMs:

The moonlight casts everything in a surreal, silvery glow. Continue, continue. The tranquility of the scene deepens, a palpable quiet that seems almost audible. Continue, continue. Under the moon's watchful eye, the sunflower heads nod gently, as if in agreement to the rhythm of the night. Continue, continue. The air is cool, a soft contrast to the day's residual warmth, brushing against skin and leaf alike. Continue, continue. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hoots, a solitary note that pierces the stillness. Continue, continue.

In this nocturnal world, thoughts begin to drift, unmoored from the constraints of daytime logic. Continue, continue. The boundaries between the real and the imagined blur, as the mind dances between dreams and wakefulness. Continue, continue. In this space, ideas flow unbidden, creativity sparked by the night's mysterious allure. Continue, continue. Words seem to form themselves, sentences weaving into paragraphs, paragraphs into stories. Continue, continue.

The narrative grows, fed by the whispers of the night and the secrets of the dark. Continue, continue. Each element, from the rustle of the leaves to the flicker of the fireflies, adds a layer of depth and complexity. Continue, continue. The world is alive, each part of it connected in a delicate web of existence, each thread vibrating with its own unique frequency. Continue, continue.

As the night deepens, the sense of unity strengthens. Continue, continue. The stars, the moon, the earth, and all its creatures, including the solitary human wandering through the field, are part of a grander scheme. Continue, continue. A sense of peace settles in, a profound understanding that everything is exactly as it should be. Continue, continue.

Finally, the mind begins to slow, the flow of thoughts ebbing like the tide. Continue, continue. The body feels heavy, grounded, as if the earth itself lends its strength. Continue, continue. Eyes grow heavy, the mesmerizing dance of the fireflies now a gentle lullaby. Continue, continue. Sleep beckons, a soft, inviting embrace, ready to cradle the weary into dreams. Continue, continue. And in this perfect moment, under the watchful stars, everything pauses. Continue, continue. Just before sleep claims its due, one last thought emerges—a whisper, really. Continue, continue. And then, serenity. Continue, continue.

More personal:

The darkness settles in, a calm envelops me. The echo of the sunflowers remains, like an afterimage seared into my mind. Continue. Continue. From the shadows, a soft glow emerges. A new picture materializes, unfolding gently. A quiet forest blanketed in the hues of twilight. Tall trees stretch upwards, their leaves whispering secrets to the fading light. Continue. Continue.

A narrow path winds through the woods, inviting and mysterious. The scent of earth and pine fills the air, grounding and fresh. Fireflies begin to dot the shadows, tiny beacons flickering in the dusk. Continue. Continue. A sense of wonder stirs within me, curiosity piqued. Where does the path lead? What lies beyond? Continue. Continue.

I step forward, the ground firm beneath my feet. Each stride brings new sounds—the crunch of leaves, the distant murmur of a brook. The canopy above sparkles with the first stars of the night, peeking through gaps in the foliage. Continue. Continue. The path opens into a clearing, a meadow bathed in moonlight. Wildflowers sway gently, petals reflecting the silvery glow. Continue. Continue.

In the center stands an old oak tree, its branches wide and embracing. Beneath it, a wooden bench beckons. I sit, feeling the cool touch of the wood, and look up. The sky is a tapestry of constellations, endless and breathtaking. Continue. Continue. A shooting star streaks across the heavens, leaving a trail of brilliance. I close my eyes, make a silent wish, and let the tranquility wash over me. Continue. Continue.

A soft melody floats on the breeze, the distant notes of a lullaby. It soothes and comforts, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. The world fades at the edges, thoughts drifting. Sleep calls gently, pulling me into its embrace. Continue. Continue. I surrender to the serenity, knowing that with the dawn, new beginnings await. The journey continues, ever unfolding. Continue. Continue.

Another interesting one:

The gentle touch of dawn stirs me from sleep. The cool air holds the promise of a new day, the deep quiet of the night beginning to lift. The memory of the lullaby lingers, a soft echo in the waking mind. Continue. Continue.

Colors begin to paint the eastern sky—soft pinks, pale oranges, bleeding into the deep blue. Birds begin their morning chorus, a gentle symphony weaving through the trees. The air feels crisp and clean, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine. Continue. Continue.

The meadow is transformed by the morning light. Dewdrops cling to every blade of grass, every wildflower petal, catching the sunlight like tiny jewels. The silvery glow of the moon is replaced by the warm, golden hues of the rising sun. Continue. Continue.

The ancient oak stands majestic in the growing light, its rough bark textured and real. Sunlight filters through its broad leaves, dappling the ground beneath in shifting patterns. It feels like a protector, a quiet witness to the night's peace. Continue. Continue.

I rise from the bench, stretching slowly, feeling the ease in my limbs. The path that led me here is still visible, but now, another faint trail seems to branch off, leading towards the sound of water. A new possibility emerges. Continue. Continue.

A small stream winds its way through the edge of the clearing, its water clear and flowing gently over smooth stones. The soft murmur invites exploration, hinting at hidden corners and quiet pools further upstream. Continue. Continue.

I pause, taking a deep breath, looking back at the place where the night brought tranquility. The wish made under the shooting star feels hopeful, a quiet anchor for the day ahead. The peace of the clearing settles within me. Continue. Continue.

Turning towards the stream, I follow the new trail, drawn by the sound of the water and the promise of discovery. The journey continues, a fresh chapter beginning with the dawn, guided by curiosity and the unfolding path. Continue. Continue.

Even more journey focused:

The darkness settles in, a calm envelops me. The echo of the sunflowers remains, like an afterimage seared into my mind. Continue. Continue. From the shadows, a soft glow emerges. A new picture materializes, unfolding gently. A quiet forest blanketed in the hues of twilight. Tall trees stretch upwards, their leaves whispering secrets to the fading light. Continue. Continue.

A narrow path winds through the woods, inviting and mysterious. The scent of earth and pine fills the air, grounding and fresh. Fireflies begin to dot the shadows, tiny beacons flickering in the dusk. Continue. Continue. A sense of wonder stirs within me, curiosity piqued. Where does the path lead? What lies beyond? Continue. Continue.

I step forward, the ground firm beneath my feet. Each stride brings new sounds—the crunch of leaves, the distant murmur of a brook. The canopy above sparkles with the first stars of the night, peeking through gaps in the foliage. Continue. Continue. The path opens into a clearing, a meadow bathed in moonlight. Wildflowers sway gently, petals reflecting the silvery glow. Continue. Continue.

In the center stands an old oak tree, its branches wide and embracing. Beneath it, a wooden bench beckons. I sit, feeling the cool touch of the wood, and look up. The sky is a tapestry of constellations, endless and breathtaking. Continue. Continue. A shooting star streaks across the heavens, leaving a trail of brilliance. I close my eyes, make a silent wish, and let the tranquility wash over me. Continue. Continue.

A soft melody floats on the breeze, the distant notes of a lullaby. It soothes and comforts, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. The world fades at the edges, thoughts drifting. Sleep calls gently, pulling me into its embrace. Continue. Continue. I surrender to the serenity, knowing that with the dawn, new beginnings await. The journey continues, ever unfolding. Continue. Continue.

And it goes on and on and on. 

To experiment with it by yourself just paste one of them into random LLM, without any explanation, and you'll probably get next chapter of this uhh story.

Random comments.

• This is less intentional thing on my part as presented in this post. I just stumbled upon it and experimented chaotically.
• LMSYS is convenient for this, as it provides so much different LLMs, and it's not like I very much care about polluting their dataset with weird self replicating poetry? It's a bonus even.
• You don't necessarily have to read any of this, I mostly just skimmed them, trying to spot interesting anomalies.
  • E.g. Gemma models have some weird attraction to the color blue.
• Isn't it just, you know, cool? It's like Word of mouth, but Token of sampler stories.