RE: virus: Evidence vs. hearsay

Richard Brodie (richard@brodietech.com)
Wed, 17 Feb 1999 02:47:12 -0800

Wade wrote:

<<I have never been given a vicarious experience sufficient
to supply a living memory, or knowledge, about a thing or a feeling. I have to be burnt to _know_ something is hot.

So, what _is_ this 'technique' of which you speak, and of which I have no personal appreciation or knowledge, cannot practice, and have not been subjected to? (Or at the very least, have no memory of and cannot draw from?)>>

Nonsense. You know all about science without having performed all the experiments.

The techniques people use to build up their self-confidence are support groups, audio and video tapes, and so on.

<<And why do you think it works very well? Compared to what? >>

Lots of first- and second-hand experience. Compared to the "distinguish and discard" strategy that keeps us in Level 2.

<<If something has an analog with my own experiences, I know it. Otherwise,
it's just a story, and I forget it, or keep it in storage waiting for comfirmation. But the confirmation must be a feeling that is within me. >>

No argument here. For me, it was just a matter of being open enough to reconsider some of my cherished beliefs.

<<Now, I'll admit right up front that I am, in perhaps all ways, saying
that I don't get it.>>

I acknowledge your honesty and vulnerabitity.

Richard Brodie richard@brodietech.com http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/ Author, "Virus of the Mind: The New Science of the Meme" http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/votm.htm Free newsletter! Visit Meme Central at
http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/meme.htm