Re: virus: Language

nobody (hup@planet.eon.net)
Sat, 28 Mar 1998 01:22:45 -0700


Tim Rhodes wrote:
> Interesting. I wonder if the since the invention of language we might have come
> to rely on it as a way of understanding others to a greater and greater extent,
> to the possible detriment of our ablity to relate without words. (A good
> argument for having a pet, I think.)

I think so.

I have often found with very... bookish 'intellectuals' that they get
caught up in the words I am saying, rather than my meaning. Its like
they've lost their intuition.
Lost their ability to understand beyond the possibilities of the
particulars. Caught up in the nuances of an imprecise methodology of
communication. At times I find it amusing that people often consider
this ability intelligent. It certainly is a form of intelligence, and it
does provide for some interesting thoughts, but to be *truly*
intelligent, another ability is needed as well. Intuition.

(aside: I find a lot of intellectuals don't like the term intuition. Its
too mystical. I think its a wonderful term though, if you consider it
'non-conscious processing'. It *is* a fact we, as perceptual creatures,
process a lot more sense-data than we are consciously aware of. If you
want examples, I can give them on request. Perhaps a great number of
'intellects' get caught up in conscious processing, and specifically in
regards to your message.. caught up in conscious verbal processing.)

I grew up not speaking. I said 'hi', 'yes', 'no', 'I don't know',
'fine', 'ok'. But that was it. But I did have a highly active mental
life. I'm not going to say it was an intelligent one, but it was
certainly active. I found as I got older that communication was gaining
importance, and so I was forced into trying to communicate my thoughts.
I had the hardest time trying to think in such a way that I could
produce coherent, linear ideas that could be demonstrated with verbal
communication scripts. I just *didn't* know how to think in terms of
language.

I still have trouble. For instance, I've taken 45 minutes typing out
this one reply. And its still a mess (ie., it doesn't express what I
want it to express).

Anyhow, toodloo.