Dude, Bogtrotter, I wonder the exact same thing. And I feel stupid for thinking that way, because I shouldn’t be witty and smart for other people, or at least not exclusively, but when I think no one’s going to see it I don’t even bother.
The world exists, and we exist, independently. Observation is a function that works in any direction. The misconception that existence requires observation is the result of an intellectual over-fixation on cultural products. We can watch TV, but we probably shouldn’t; in no case, I think, we should want to be the TV. To observe does not imply to understand. Understanding is underrated. Every life is a collaboration with society. If there’s a book about me, it is probably medical. I hope no one will read this. I see you.
@Phatnes If I may ask, how is it a misconception? It was my understanding that the Copenhagen interpretation is a well-established foundation of quantum physics. I’m not overly well-versed on quantum mechanics though, I’ll admit.
but, phatnes, to understand is to have human qualities. And what I mean by this is that to take away an individuals capacity to understand… they might protest before hand. In fact, many might be willing to make sacrifices, such as the comfort of living in room temperature amongst other things, to keep the capacity to understand. I certainly would, because it feels to me that my ability to understand is at least correlated with this feeling of mine… the feeling which I know would vanish with my intellectual abilities.
What is the cause of this feeling I have? Attachment? Pride? Dignity? My identity? Or is the feeling intrinsic to our capacity to understand.
Either way, I do not believe this feeling is underrated. Don’t take it away from me!!!
April 26, 2011
Here, everyone, I just manifested this comic for you.
April 26, 2011
Girl’s hair has gotten pretty extreme.
April 26, 2011
But why can’t Cat and Girl see me?
April 26, 2011
If I make a witty, erudite comment, but no-one acknowledges my genius, then what’s the point?
April 26, 2011
Dude, Bogtrotter, I wonder the exact same thing. And I feel stupid for thinking that way, because I shouldn’t be witty and smart for other people, or at least not exclusively, but when I think no one’s going to see it I don’t even bother.
April 27, 2011
@DJ and Marv – I see you. Restraining order?
April 27, 2011
The world exists, and we exist, independently. Observation is a function that works in any direction. The misconception that existence requires observation is the result of an intellectual over-fixation on cultural products. We can watch TV, but we probably shouldn’t; in no case, I think, we should want to be the TV. To observe does not imply to understand. Understanding is underrated. Every life is a collaboration with society. If there’s a book about me, it is probably medical. I hope no one will read this. I see you.
April 27, 2011
That last comment was very insightful. Thank you, Roberta.
April 27, 2011
meow
April 27, 2011
Hi, cactus!
May 1, 2011
@Phatnes If I may ask, how is it a misconception? It was my understanding that the Copenhagen interpretation is a well-established foundation of quantum physics. I’m not overly well-versed on quantum mechanics though, I’ll admit.
May 4, 2011
Hmmmmmmm……….
but, phatnes, to understand is to have human qualities. And what I mean by this is that to take away an individuals capacity to understand… they might protest before hand. In fact, many might be willing to make sacrifices, such as the comfort of living in room temperature amongst other things, to keep the capacity to understand. I certainly would, because it feels to me that my ability to understand is at least correlated with this feeling of mine… the feeling which I know would vanish with my intellectual abilities.
What is the cause of this feeling I have? Attachment? Pride? Dignity? My identity? Or is the feeling intrinsic to our capacity to understand.
Either way, I do not believe this feeling is underrated. Don’t take it away from me!!!
October 14, 2011
Cat, your final quips are virtuosic.