Re: virus: Language

Paul Prestopnik (pjp66259@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu)
Fri, 27 Mar 1998 14:03:34 -0500


Kristee wrote:

> again, but even more impossible is for me to "learn to hate". I have a
> choice in what I am taught, which is whatever my mind accepts is the most
> true in each case. I've disregarded many bogus doctrines in this way, and
> I will always choose open-minded dialogue over ignorant hatred. So this
> ~kjs

Do you believe that you have complete choice in what you are taught? I believe
that everything we hear and perceive does influence us. I guess we have some
ability to decide to "listen" or not (I'm assuming free will), but I thought
part of the idea of an infectious meme was that based upon previous memes that
live in our heads, other memes can be more or less successful. I know that it
seems we make choices, but I think in some situations we do not make conscious
decisions whether to accept what we perceive. We can try to act rationally at
all times, but I think everyone fails at times. These failings represent
reaction to a presented meme without our explicit consent.

-Paul Prestopnik