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August 21, 2006 at 4:46am
by Ian One down one to go ? Actually a fascinating planning whiteboard from Google, which probably says more about the “playful” working style at Google than any specific plans. [via Robot Wisdom]
Flight To New Reason
And the wall of death is lowered in Times Square.
No-one seems to care,
They carry on as if nothing were there.
The wind is blowing harder now,
Blowing dust into my eyes.
The dust settles on my skin,
Making a crust I cannot move in
And I'm hovering like a fly
Waiting for the windshield on the freeway.
When taking stock I noticed that I started this Blog 2 days after September 11th 2001.
The lines of thought here had been keeping me awake at nights long before 9/11 woke the world. Nothing in this Blog has anything directly to do with those events, but I'm not alone in being awoken to the power of the Blog by their information aftermath. Perhaps in some small way the idea that western rational arrogance, which dogs progress in so many aspects of life, can be influenced by my puny efforts to bring alternative philosophies into the mainstream. Many greater people than I have tried before and failed over three millennia, so I'm not holding my breath. If 9/11 brings anything new to this ancient debate, apart from its awful significance, it is the fact that the antidote to classical logic is sure as hell not a flight from reason.
That way lies only evil.
The words "creative destruction" can never again be used lightly.
The Lights Went Out On Broadway.
There's something solid forming in the air,And the wall of death is lowered in Times Square.
No-one seems to care,
They carry on as if nothing were there.
The wind is blowing harder now,
Blowing dust into my eyes.
The dust settles on my skin,
Making a crust I cannot move in
And I'm hovering like a fly
Waiting for the windshield on the freeway.
Fly On A Windshield.
Copyright Peter Gabriel 1974
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.
© 2010 Psybertron Asks.
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2 Comments
#1. alice again 08.21.2006
Hi Ian and Georganna,
In an email, georganna, mentioned the infinite recursion which is expressed in the art of Escher. It got me thinking about an experience I had when I was young and doing a lot of experimenting with drugs.
I used to “huff”(the current word) contact cement (which could explain a lot about my personality). When the chemical hit my brain I would go into a sort of trance where I would experience a dream which entailed dot like creatures ascending to what i was thinking was heaven (my catholic upbringing probably playing a role). They never got there, but just kept ascending.
I am wondering if that chemical (probably toluene) excites a part of the brain which likes the idea of recursion. I am wondering if you know about any studies, etc. or if this makes any sense to you.
Be kind, Alice
#2. Ian 08.22.2006
Escher and infinite recursion is an established thread here – Godel Esher Bach is the origin of my Hofstadterian “loopy world” view …
Solvent abuse, and dream interpretations, are not something I’m sure I can help you with Alice.
Practically, I don’t know the brain-physiology mechanisms triggered by solvents … maybe mainly anaesthetic ? But I expect Austin’s book has a chapter on it.
If I was interested in understanding the psychological effects, I’d probably start with Sue Blackmore … in the side-bar
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