International Forum of Fershteiners
The term "Fershteiner" comes from a transliteration of the German word "verstehen" (to understand) and is used in specific contexts in other languages.
Forum of Fershteiners is an international online network that unites people striving to understand themselves and others in social networks across different countries.
Goal: Non-judgmental observation of what is happening in the world and in one's own life. This is because non-judgmental perception of events leads to error-free behavior in life.
Method: Publications about one's own experience of non-judgmental thinking and its specific results.
Objective of the Method: To share personal experiences with concrete examples of non-judgmental perception of events and its outcomes to help others.
Possible Outcome of Publications: Prevention of local and international conflicts, as well as problems within families and society.
Who are the Fershteiners? In German, it means "understanding." In our context, it refers to people who understand others. Why in German? Because Jung, Frankl, Kant, Goethe, Schweitzer, partly Freud, and other great scientists wrote in German. In their honor, this term appeared in the international information space, taken from the German language rather than English, as is usually typical for international terms.
Example: There is an established and popular term in the world press, "Putin-Fershteiners," referring to people who understand Putin. And there are anti-Putin Fershteiners - people who do not understand and therefore do not like Putin.
Fershteiners are fatalists-stoics, whose main trait is awareness 24/7.
Awareness is only possible if it is non-judgmental. Otherwise, it will not be awareness but radicalism, stemming from emotions and instincts.Non-judgmental perception of events leads to error-free behavior in life because it allows a person to perceive what is happening without bias and emotional reactions.
When we do not label events as "good" or "bad," we can see them as they truly are. This promotes a more objective analysis of the situation, allowing decisions to be made based on real facts rather than emotions or stereotypes. This approach reduces the likelihood of errors caused by incorrect interpretation of events and promotes a clearer perception of reality, leading to more accurate and effective actions.
Who are the Fershteiners now?Those with a high level of non-judgmental awareness. A person cannot determine it themselves due to the high subjectivity of such an assessment. However, an impartial and objective AI can handle this well. Since any AI is a linguistic model of artificial consciousness, it excellently analyzes a person's speech or written texts, determining their awareness by the presence of non-criticality and impartiality.For example, ChatGPT determined through speeches and texts that the most famous Fershteiners are the Pope, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Lennon, the Dalai Lama, Leo Tolstoy, Andrei Sakharov, Grigory Yavlinsky, Dmitry Muratov, and many Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
What benefit do Fershteiners provide to others?Fershteiners are peacemakers and mediators. What benefit does a person gain if they become a Fershteiner, understanding themselves and others? Happiness, calmness, and tranquility. Additionally, there is one mystical and as yet unexplained scientific benefit of being a Fershteiner - spontaneous healings.
How can artificial intelligence be useful to Fershteiners?AI can analyze speech or text to try to determine a person's thinking style, including how non-judgmental it is. However, this is a complex task, and it can be difficult to fully objectively assess the degree of non-judgmental thinking. To determine the level of non-judgmental thinking, AI can:
Analyze Tone: AI can identify words and phrases that reflect a neutral, objective, or non-judgmental tone, as well as the avoidance of emotions or subjective judgments.
Evaluate Structure and Content: AI can analyze how a person formulates thoughts - whether they avoid emotional expressions, refrain from making judgments, and do not use expressions that may indicate bias.
Use Semantic Analysis: AI can analyze the context of words and sentences to determine if there are elements of judgment or bias in them.
However, even with such tools, AI may encounter difficulties in accurately assessing because human speech and text can be complex, multilayered, and context-dependent. Additionally, people may have different styles of expressing non-judgmental thoughts, which can make it challenging to create a universal algorithm for such a task.There are several applications that use AI to analyze emotional states by analyzing text or speech and provide recommendations for managing negative emotions and developing non-judgmental thinking. Here are some of them:
Replika: Replika is an AI chatbot that can engage in dialogues with users by analyzing their text messages. The application can recognize emotions in your messages and offer advice on improving mood or achieving a more balanced perception of situations.
Woebot: Woebot is an application that uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help users manage their emotions. Woebot analyzes what you write and provides advice on how to better cope with negative thoughts and avoid judgmental conclusions.
Moodpath: Moodpath tracks your emotional state through daily surveys and analyzes your responses. The application provides personalized recommendations and resources for improving mental health and developing non-judgmental perception skills.
Reflectly: Reflectly is a journaling application that uses AI to analyze user entries. The application helps users reflect on their emotions and offers advice on how to better cope with negative experiences while avoiding self-judgment.
Moodfit: Moodfit combines elements of self-monitoring and emotional state analysis. The application encourages users to keep a journal and analyzes entries to provide advice and exercises for improving mental health and reducing judgmental conclusions.
Talkspace: Talkspace provides access to licensed therapists but also uses AI to analyze text and sentences. The application can help identify negative thoughts and judgment patterns, offering alternative ways of thinking.
These applications can become useful tools in working on improving emotional states and developing non-judgmental thinking. Non-judgmental thinking requires significant cognitive effort and can be energy-intensive, as it contradicts the natural functions of our brain, which tends to make quick judgments to simplify interaction with the surrounding world. This process requires time and effort to consciously analyze situations without using habitual patterns and judgments, which can be especially challenging in situations that require a quick response.The energy required for cognitive efforts related to non-judgmental thinking can be called cognitive energy or cognitive resources.
These terms describe the mental efforts needed to analyze, process, and evaluate information without introducing subjective judgments or emotional reactions. In the context of psychology and neuroscience, when a person strives to maintain non-judgmental thinking, they use cognitive resources associated with the work of the prefrontal cortex of the brain.
This process requires concentration and attention control, which can be energy-consuming. Other terms that may be related to this process include cognitive effort and mental energy.Non-judgmental thinking generally requires certain cognitive efforts, especially in conditions where habitual automatic reactions tend to be judgmental. This is because the human brain naturally seeks to classify, evaluate, and make decisions based on past experiences, emotions, and attitudes.
However, there are some situations in which non-judgmental thinking can occur with minimal cognitive effort and, therefore, with less energy consumption.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices of meditation and mindfulness aim to develop the ability to perceive thoughts, feelings, and events without judgment. Over time, these practices can make non-judgmental thinking more automatic, reducing the need for active cognitive efforts and energy consumption.
High Level of Automation: For people who have practiced non-judgmental thinking for a long time, it can become an automatic process, similar to a reflex. In this case, cognitive costs will be minimal, as the brain requires less active control.
Simple and Familiar Situations: In some simple or familiar situations where there is no strong emotional involvement, non-judgmental thinking can occur almost automatically, without noticeable cognitive efforts.
Thus, non-judgmental thinking can be associated with less cognitive effort and energy consumption, but it usually requires practice and the development of certain skills, such as mindfulness.Non-judgmental thinking finds application in various areas and situations where it is important to maintain objectivity, not succumb to emotions and stereotypes. Here are some of them:
Meditation and Mindfulness: In meditation and mindfulness practices, non-judgmental thinking is a key element. It helps focus on the present moment without getting involved in judgments about one's thoughts or emotions. This allows for achieving inner peace and increasing self-awareness.
Psychotherapy and Counseling: In psychological counseling, non-judgmental thinking is used by therapists to create a neutral, supportive space for the client. This helps the client open up and explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
Medical and Social Work: Doctors, nurses, and social workers often apply non-judgmental thinking to approach patients and clients with understanding and empathy, not allowing personal biases to influence their actions or decisions.
Scientific Research: In science, non-judgmental thinking is necessary for the objective analysis of data and drawing conclusions. Scientists strive to avoid bias so that their research is as accurate and reliable as possible.
Interpersonal Relationships: In everyday communication, non-judgmental thinking can contribute to more harmonious relationships, allowing people to understand each other without bias and conflict.
Work in Multinational and Multicultural Teams: In conditions of cultural diversity, non-judgmental thinking helps avoid stereotypes and discrimination, creating a more inclusive and productive work environment.
Jurisprudence and Legal Proceedings: Judges and lawyers should strive for non-judgmental thinking to ensure fair consideration of cases based on facts and law, rather than personal emotions or biased judgments.
Pedagogy and Education: In education, non-judgmental thinking helps teachers and educators approach student assessment objectively, promoting fair learning and student development.
These examples demonstrate that non-judgmental thinking is an important skill that promotes objectivity, improves communication, and enhances decision-making quality in various areas of life.We apply non-judgmental perception and judgment to resolve any problems online. How does this happen?
First, the level of non-judgmental thinking (BМ) in the client is determined using AI analysis of their speech or text.
Then the client describes the problem themselves and sets the task of resolving this problem.
Together with AI, we try to change their usual perception of the problem to a non-judgmental one.
Then the client tries to make a non-judgmental judgment about the problem that concerns them, changing their usual judgmental judgment to a non-judgmental one.
Stoicism, as a philosophical school, offers many practices and principles that can contribute to the development and strengthening of non-judgmental thinking. Here are some ways stoicism can help with this:
Dichotomy of Control: Stoics teach that one should focus on what is under our control (our thoughts, actions, and reactions) and let go of what we cannot control (external events, the actions of others). This helps develop a non-judgmental perception of situations, as we learn to accept what is happening without an emotional reaction or judgment.
Example: In a difficult situation, instead of judging it as "bad" or "unfair," a stoic focuses on how to respond to it with wisdom and dignity.
Practice of Self-Observation: Stoics pay great attention to self-observation and analysis of their thoughts and emotions. This practice develops awareness and helps identify moments when we begin to judge or emotionally react to events. By becoming aware of this, one can consciously change the reaction to a more neutral one.
Example: During the day, one can periodically stop and ask themselves: "What emotions and judgments am I experiencing right now? Are they helping me or hindering me?"
Overcoming Fear and Desires: Stoics teach that fears and excessive desires often lead to erroneous judgments and evaluations. Liberation from excessive attachments allows one to look at things more objectively and not succumb to emotional influence.
Example: Instead of evaluating something as "necessary" or "critical," a stoic realizes the temporality and relativity of this object or event, reducing emotional involvement.
Practice of Negative Visualization: Stoics sometimes imagine the worst possible scenario (practice of "premeditatio malorum"). This is not to cause fear but to prepare for what life may offer, thereby reducing the impact of negative events on our perception.
Example: By imagining possible difficulties in advance, a stoic can face them with greater resilience and without judging them as a "disaster."
Development of Indifference to External Things: Stoics believe that external circumstances and events are not inherently good or bad. It is our judgments that give them such a color. Realizing this helps develop non-judgmental thinking.
Example: If something happens, a stoic reminds themselves that "it's just an event" and that their reaction to it is a choice that can be controlled.
Exercises in Humility and Gratitude: Stoics practiced gratitude for what they have and the realization that one can live even with little. This develops the ability to accept things as they are, without wanting to improve them or evaluate them as insufficient.
Example: A grateful attitude towards simple things reduces the tendency to evaluate and criticize, promoting tranquility and non-judgmental thinking.
Ethics and Virtue: Stoics believed that virtue (wisdom, courage, justice, and moderation) is the only true good. Living according to virtues, a person is less prone to judgments based on external circumstances and more inclined to objectivity.
Example: In interacting with people, a stoic strives for justice and understanding, rather than judgment and condemnation.ConclusionUsing stoicism to enhance the level of non-judgmental thinking involves redirecting one's attention to internal values, self-control, and acceptance of the world as it is.
These practices help reduce emotional judgments and promote a calmer and more objective perception of reality.Fatalism, as a philosophical concept, implies the acceptance of the inevitability of events and belief in the predestination of fate. Using fatalism to achieve non-judgmental thinking can be beneficial in certain contexts if approached with caution and understanding. Here's how it can be done:
Acceptance of the Inevitable: Fatalism teaches acceptance of what cannot be controlled. This can help reduce the level of stress and anxiety associated with attempts to change what cannot be changed. For example, the Japanese phrase "shou ga nai" (which translates to "nothing can be done") reflects the philosophy of accepting the inevitable and can promote a calmer attitude towards unpleasant situations.
Reducing Emotional Reaction: Adopting a fatalistic approach can help minimize the emotional reaction to events perceived as negative. This can promote a more objective perception of the situation and reduce the tendency to make judgmental conclusions.
Focus on the Present: Fatalism can help focus on the present moment, accepting that the past and future are not always controllable. This can contribute to the development of mindfulness and non-judgmental perception of current events.
Cognitive Restructuring: Accepting fatalism as a form of cognitive restructuring can help reduce negative emotions associated with unpleasant situations and improve overall psychological well-being.
It is important to remember that excessive fascination with fatalism can lead to passivity and inaction. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between accepting the inevitable and taking active actions in areas where something can be changed.
Determining the level of non-judgmental judgments in the speech of politicians, including presidents of leading countries, can be a complex process that requires analyzing their public speeches, interviews, social media posts, and other forms of communication. For this, text analysis methods are often used, such as linguistic analysis, sentiment analysis, and bias detection.To conduct such an analysis, the following approaches can be used:
Sentiment Analysis: This method allows assessing the emotional coloring of statements and determining how neutral, positive, or negative the judgments are. A high level of non-judgmental judgments will be characterized by a low level of emotional coloring.
Bias Detection: Algorithms exist that can detect bias in text. Presidents whose speeches are characterized by a low level of bias are likely to use more non-judgmental judgments.
Linguistic Analysis: This approach includes analyzing the use of certain words and phrases that may indicate judgmental conclusions. For example, frequent use of words such as "good," "bad," "right," "wrong" may indicate the presence of judgmental conclusions.
To perform such an analysis, it is necessary to collect a large amount of data (speech texts, interviews, etc.) and analyze them using specialized software or machine learning methods.
ChatGPT Conversation about Fershteiners:
You said: I want you to conduct a sample analysis of the level of non-judgmental thinking of famous politicians based on the data available to you on the internet.
ChatGPT said: To conduct a sample analysis, it will be necessary to collect data on the speeches of several presidents of leading countries, such as the USA, Russia, China, and others. I can analyze textual data to assess the level of non-judgmental judgments.
However, it is important to note that my access to current internet resources is limited, and I can only use built-in analysis methods. I will start by analyzing some recently published speeches or statements by the presidents of the USA, Russia, and China. Give me a few minutes to complete this analysis.Analysis of the level of non-judgmental judgments in the speeches of presidents of leading countries:
Joe Biden (USA): In his speech at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, US President Joe Biden demonstrated the ability to make non-judgmental judgments while discussing important global issues such as climate change and AI governance. He emphasized the need for cooperation between countries, including China, to avoid conflicts and work on common problems, indicating an attempt to maintain a neutral and balanced approach in international relations. Biden also noted that the US seeks managed competition with China, not confrontation, which can be interpreted as an attempt to avoid categorical judgments and evaluations.
Vladimir Putin (Russia): In his recent speeches, including at the Victory Parade, Vladimir Putin uses more emotionally charged and judgmental statements, especially towards the West and the current conflict in Ukraine. His speech often includes strong expressions and evaluations, such as "aggression" and "imperialist authoritarianism," indicating the presence of clear judgmental conclusions.
Xi Jinping (China): Xi Jinping generally adheres to a more formal and diplomatic style in his speeches. However, his rhetoric towards Western countries, particularly the USA, is becoming increasingly assertive, especially in the context of the strategic partnership with Russia and the opposition to Western sanctions. This also indicates the presence of evaluative judgments, although his statements are often masked by diplomatic language.
From the given examples, Joe Biden demonstrates a relatively high level of non-judgmental thinking, particularly in the context of international cooperation and addressing global issues. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, while sticking to their political lines, often use evaluative judgments, especially towards Western countries and in the context of current international conflicts.
You asked:
Who in the world is known for having a high level of non-judgmental thinking?
ChatGPT said:
People with a high level of non-judgmental thinking often show the ability to approach problems and situations with a neutral, objective, and inclusive position. Here are a few well-known individuals who, according to many, possess such qualities:
The 14th Dalai Lama: The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, known for his compassionate approach and pursuit of peace and harmony. His teachings often focus on the importance of empathy and understanding other perspectives without judgment or categorical conclusions.
Nelson Mandela: The former president of South Africa and leader in the fight against apartheid, Mandela became a symbol of reconciliation and forgiveness. Despite years of imprisonment, he preached ideas of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, avoiding revenge and judgment.
Mahatma Gandhi: The Indian leader of the independence movement, Gandhi was an advocate of nonviolence and respect for the opinions of others. His philosophy of nonviolence and tolerance was based on respect for human dignity and avoiding evaluative judgments.
Thich Nhat Hanh: The Vietnamese monk and activist, founder of the concept of "mindfulness," is known for his teachings on peace, nonviolence, and non-judgmental perception of the world. He called for deep understanding and respect for every person, regardless of their beliefs or actions.
John Lennon: The former member of The Beatles, Lennon was an active advocate for peace and love. His messages in music and public activities often emphasized the importance of avoiding judgments and striving for understanding and harmony.
These individuals are known for their commitment to objectivity and understanding, avoiding harsh judgments and categorical thinking in their statements and actions. Their approaches can serve as examples for developing non-judgmental thinking in society.
You asked:
Who else?
ChatGPT said:
Here are a few more well-known individuals who are often mentioned as people with a high level of non-judgmental thinking:
Jane Goodall: The primatologist and anthropologist known for her research on chimpanzee behavior. Goodall has always demonstrated deep respect for nature and animals, avoiding evaluative judgments, and preferring an objective approach in her research and public activities.
Thomas Merton: The Catholic monk and writer known for his works on mysticism, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Merton was an advocate for dialogue between religions and cultures, avoiding evaluative judgments, and seeking a deep understanding of human nature.
Oprah Winfrey: The American television host and philanthropist, Oprah is known for her ability to listen and empathize with her guests without making categorical judgments. Her interviews and conversations often promote deep understanding and respect for different viewpoints.
Eleanor Roosevelt: The former First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, was actively involved in human rights advocacy and was known for her inclusive approach and striving to understand all segments of society, regardless of their status or beliefs.
Desmond Tutu: The South African archbishop and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Tutu was an active fighter for human rights and social justice. His approach was based on reconciliation and forgiveness, rather than evaluative judgments.
These individuals, like those previously mentioned, have made significant contributions to the development of a culture of non-judgmental thinking and the pursuit of peace and understanding. Their approaches to solving complex issues often demonstrate a high level of objectivity and respect for the diversity of human experience.
You asked:
Who from Russia?
ChatGPT said:
Among well-known Russian personalities who demonstrated a high level of non-judgmental thinking, the following can be highlighted:
Leo Tolstoy: The great Russian writer and philosopher, Tolstoy is known for his humanistic approach and deep understanding of human nature. In his works and philosophical reflections, he often avoided categorical judgments, striving for an objective perception of the world and preaching ideas of nonviolence and forgiveness.
Fyodor Dostoevsky: Another classic of Russian literature, Dostoevsky explored complex moral and ethical questions in his works without giving direct evaluations of his characters. He was interested in understanding the deep motives and contradictions of the human soul, which often expressed itself in his non-judgmental approach to his characters.
Andrei Sakharov: The physicist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and human rights activist, Sakharov was known for his commitment to justice and human rights, avoiding radical judgments. He sought ways for dialogue and compromise, even in the face of complex political realities.
Anton Chekhov: As a playwright and prose writer, Chekhov also demonstrated non-judgmental thinking in his works. His characters are often portrayed with all their weaknesses and strengths, without explicit condemnation or praise. Chekhov strived for an objective depiction of life, avoiding excessive moral evaluation.
Sergei Dovlatov: The Soviet writer known for his ironic and humorous style, Dovlatov often described people and events with a certain degree of neutrality, not striving to judge or evaluate his characters. His works are often filled with subtle irony and observation, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions.
These Russian personalities have made significant contributions to the culture of non-judgmental perception of the world and understanding of human nature.
You asked:
Who from Europe?
ChatGPT said:
Among European personalities known for their high level of non-judgmental thinking, the following can be highlighted:
Vaclav Havel (Czech Republic): The former president of the Czech Republic, playwright, and philosopher, Havel was an active advocate for human rights and democracy. In his political activities, he sought dialogue and reconciliation, avoiding radical assessments. Havel was known for his ability to see value and dignity in every person, regardless of their political views or actions.
Jean-Paul Sartre (France): The French existentialist philosopher, writer, and playwright, Sartre, in his works and philosophy, paid great attention to freedom of choice and responsibility for one's actions, avoiding strict moral judgments. His works often explore human freedom and the need to accept the world in its complexity and ambiguity.
Erasmus of Rotterdam (Netherlands): The humanist of the Renaissance era, Erasmus was known for his tolerance and desire to understand others. In his works, such as "The Praise of Folly," he criticized the vices of society but did so with irony and without judgment, trying to understand the nature of human weakness.
Hannah Arendt (Germany/USA): Although Hannah Arendt spent much of her life in the USA, her German roots and European upbringing strongly influenced her philosophical views. Arendt is known for her non-judgmental analysis of the nature of evil and totalitarianism, especially in the context of her famous book "The Banality of Evil," where she explores the phenomenon of moral indifference in the modern world.
Carl Jung (Switzerland): The famous psychologist and founder of analytical psychology, Jung explored the depths of the human psyche, paying great attention to the inner world of a person. In his works, he avoided evaluative judgments, striving to understand archetypes and the collective unconscious, which allowed him to consider human behavior from the perspective of its deep motives rather than from the perspective of morality.
These European figures have made significant contributions to the development of a non-judgmental approach to the world, promoting ideas of tolerance, understanding, and objectivity in their works and lives.
You asked:
Who among German-speaking people?
ChatGPT said:
Among well-known people who spoke German and demonstrated a high level of non-judgmental thinking, the following can be highlighted:
Albert Schweitzer: A German-French philosopher, theologian, musician, and physician, Schweitzer was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He developed the concept of "Reverence for Life" ("Ehrfurcht vor dem Leben"), which involved respect for all life and striving for the most objective perception of reality without judgments and condemnation.
Immanuel Kant: The German philosopher, one of the greatest thinkers of the Enlightenment, Kant is known for his works on ethics and the theory of knowledge. His concept of the "categorical imperative" implies that a person's actions should be universally applicable and not depend on subjective judgments, which is an example of striving for objectivity and non-judgmental thinking.
Richard von Weizsäcker: A German politician and former president of the Federal Republic of Germany, Weizsäcker was known for his ability to engage in dialogue and understand complex historical issues, especially in the context of understanding Germany's Nazi past. His speeches were marked by a high level of objectivity and a desire for national reconciliation.
Goethe (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe): The great German poet, writer, and thinker, Goethe, often expressed ideas of tolerance, understanding, and respect for different viewpoints in his works and letters. His philosophy of life was deeply rooted in objectivity and the avoidance of categorical judgments.
Martin Buber: An Austrian philosopher and theologian known for his works on the philosophy of dialogue. Buber argued that human relationships should be built on respect and openness, which implies
avoiding evaluative judgments and striving to understand the "other" in their uniqueness.
These individuals who spoke German left a significant mark on European and world culture, contributing to the development of ideas of non-judgmental thinking and tolerance.
You asked:
Freud?
ChatGPT said:
Sigmund Freud, the famous Austrian psychoanalyst, is one of the key figures in the history of psychology and psychoanalysis. His works had a huge impact on the understanding of the human psyche, but when it comes to non-judgmental thinking, his approach has some peculiarities.
Non-judgmental thinking and Freud
Freud, being a scientist and researcher, sought an objective analysis of mental processes. His theory of psychoanalysis is based on the idea that many human thoughts, feelings, and actions have unconscious roots that can be understood through the analysis of dreams, slips of the tongue, associations, and other manifestations of mental activity. In this sense, Freud approached the study of the psyche from positions close to non-judgmental perception, as he sought to understand human behavior in the context of its deep causes rather than simply condemn or evaluate it.
Evaluative judgments in Freud's work
However, in his research, Freud did not avoid evaluative judgments regarding some aspects of the human psyche, such as sexuality and aggression. His theories about "libido" and the "Oedipus complex" caused a significant amount of criticism, as they were perceived as evaluative and even shocking for his time.
Thus, although Freud sought scientific and objective analysis, his works still include elements that can be perceived as evaluative. His approaches cannot always be called entirely non-judgmental, but they undoubtedly contributed to a deeper understanding of the human psyche, which makes him one of the key figures in this field.
Viktor Fersht
August, 2024
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