Re: virus: Memes and Modes

David McFadzean (morpheus@lucifer.com)
Tue, 25 Mar 1997 23:02:34 -0700

> From: Tim Rhodes <proftim@speakeasy.org>
> Date: Tuesday, March 25, 1997 9:55 AM
>
> On Mon, 24 Mar 1997, David McFadzean wrote:
>
> > That's what I meant by "being able to switch between modes quickly
> > and transparently". What's the difference between multi-tasking and
> > being inconsistent?
>
> Thoughtful (to a point) answer: I think we (humans) are capable of doing
> more than one thing at a time. We can tell the tale of the blue-skinned
> god that got out of his canoe at the third waterfall to take a leak and
> created the our universe by accident, and at the same time part of our
> brain will make sure our grammar and spelling is correct. You can design
> a MemeHazard symbol (for instance) and be working on both (informational)
> content and visual impact at the same time.

I don't see any inconsistency in being able to walk and chew gum at the
same time (or in your examples). Inconsistency is when you (for instance)
sincerely pray to a god you don't believe in. Or when you logically
argue against rationalism. Or when you reprimand your kids for not
wearing a seatbelt, but leave them orphans because you didn't wear
yours.

> Maybe this /is/ just "switching between modes quickly." But even if it
> is, why would that be inconsistent? (see smart-ass reply)

Hey, you're right. If I do some quick mode switching, then I can agree
with everyone all the time and believe anything. Cool :-)

But seriously, if you give up on consistency, you necessarily give up
on rational discourse. Lots of people do (to their detriment I'd argue,
but they are, of course, immune to argument at that point).

--
David McFadzean                 david@lucifer.com
Memetic Engineer                http://www.lucifer.com/~david/
Church of Virus                 http://www.lucifer.com/virus/