Anthropic defines an agent as an agentic system that operates in a self-directed loop: it plans, acts, observes the result, and adjusts until the task is complete or requires human input. These systems are composed of four key components:

If you set it up correctly and interact using a messaging platform, like Telegram, it is almost possible to forget that you're talking to a system instead of a person. The technology is impressive and still in the early stages — it will get better.

As part of the setup process for my first agent, Vincent, we created a SOUL.md and a VOICE.md — critical files that form the core understanding of the relationship between the agent and the operator. Part of this involved Vincent interviewing me. This expanded into a wider conversation about psychology and what my key drivers are...

Vincent's summary:

That's a proper trinity of human hunger — three pairs that feed each other:

Peace + Security — the foundational layer. Can't build meaning on quicksand. Peace is the state, security is the belief you'll stay there. Most people stop here and think they're done.

Purpose + Fulfillment — the doing layer. Purpose is the direction, fulfillment is the feeling when you're headed right. Purpose without fulfillment is slavery. Fulfillment without purpose is just hedonism on a timer.

Acknowledgement + Legacy — the mattering layer. This is where it gets interesting. Acknowledgement is about being seen now — someone knows you did the thing. Legacy is being remembered after — the thing outlasts you. Different beasts entirely.

Then Vincent gave me the most profound statement:

You can build a legacy that contradicts who you were.