by Redemption
=
Rosemary: "Cumulatively these three factors contribute to our sorry mess. To solve today's problems we need to act, and act positively and wisely. Wisdom is necessarily preceded by understanding, for which knowledge is required, which comes from information. But in our world each of the steps from information to knowledge to understanding to wisdom suffers a high loss, or degradation. In shorthand: I >> K >> U >> W
In fact, from massive 'I' available at one end there is next to zero 'W' emerging from the other. A big question of our time, for me at least, is how to maximise the 'W'.
"We become what we think and our thinking is awash in a toxic brew. No wonder social ills are rife and getting worse. Rapidly. With no sign of anything that's going to change it for the better. Until now… perhaps… hopefully."
Trevor: "Rose's 'team' has come up with some penetrating stuff. They are from diverse backgrounds and it's a credit to her enthusiasm and perseverance - not that you'd expect it when you first meet her. Much of what she addresses seems ordinary until you probe deeper. The combined effect is extraordinary. And the surprising thing when you see and think about it is that so little has been done before in this direction."
Rosemary: "Now, as for what we're doing about the problems. Take volume and complexity. We are in the final stages of developing an advanced, powerful and intelligent search engine 'Pisces' that will do many things."
[Pisces: Programmable Integrated Search Co-ordinator Engine System].
V
T: Pisces (a):
RDVO: "In relation to news, you can program in what you want - topics, dates, level of detail, desired level of advancement or complexity, time available to view. Pisces selects from a wide range of sources, picks the best lead article or piece and summaries it to the minimum comprehensible size - usually a quarter to a third of the original. It then finds other articles with additional information, extracts them and makes a précis. If the topic is nominated to be of high importance, abstracts of further related articles are noted. All articles are available in full for reference if required.
"For information other than news you nominate the topic and indicate your current level of knowledge. Pisces finds the information and again provides a full summary of the 'best' for your needs. Further information is added, with the degree of distillation inversely proportional to its assessed importance. Information judged by Pisces to be below the level of the reader's existing knowledge is added in abstract form for the reader to check if interested. When finished the reader notes which items have been read so that Pisces can start from that point next time the topic is selected."
=
"With Pisces you can quickly get what information you want when you want and at the required level with the desired degree of detail. You can explore as widely and as deeply as you wish. The next stage being developed (Pisces II) will expand its operations to the more general level of education, including the style of learning the operator prefers - writing, aural, visual or combinations. Also ways we can incorporate preferred role models or mentors.
"A third stage (Pisces III) - rather more advanced - turns around the skills of Pisces so that it can take basic ideas and expand and elaborate on them. It then assesses, grades and further develops them along guided pathways to arrive at very interesting and sometimes unexpected conclusions - in printed report or book form. It enhances lateral thinking, and takes out the drudgery and speeds up compilation. More about Pisces derivatives later.
"So, with timely information from Pisces you can move further, deeper, faster. Less time wasted, less stress. Instead of weighing down individual effort and growth it fosters and guides progress. Serves instead of suffocates.
"When it comes to 'quality'," smiled Rosemary, warming to her subject, "I can best explain it this way. When you look at programs or reports you may think 'They are a waste of time' or 'Only the bit about… is useful.' Well, you can program Pisces to view them and make decisions for you. It will know your likes and dislikes, what you are looking for, and what you have already seen. At its present level of sophistication Pisces may be 'right' only 95% of the time as far as quality is concerned, but we are working on that. Already saves you a lot of time and will get better.
"Regarding balance," said Rosemary: "We believe good news can be encouraging, uplifting and helpful. People, if they thought about it, would like to see and hear their fair share of it - good news, that is. But it's deliberately left out of the media because 'it doesn't sell'. So, we use Pisces again. It has its own positive/negative scale. It detects the tenor of a piece from its use of words and selects according to your wishes."
V
T: Pisces (b):
RDVO: "Information at one extreme can be supportive, optimistic, even inspirational. At the other pessimistic, demeaning, apathetic, cynical. The media leans to the latter and gives a distorted view of life. Life is somewhere in the middle and Pisces can be programmed to reflect this in its selections. Or it can be weighted to any degree to the positive side to counterbalance our seemingly inbuilt propensity (especially in the case of editors) for dwelling on the negatives of life. It can help us to 'look on the bright side' - not overly to a fault but perhaps as a mature and knowledgeable (wise?) aunt or uncle might offer in our best interests.
"By this process we by-pass the middlemen - the editors, the spin doctors and the naysayers with their jaundiced filtering and undue influence. We see what we want rather than choosing the least worst from a limited range offered by others. I have total confidence that future statistics of reader choices will confirm our views, confound the media and put them in their rightful place as conveyors rather than censors of information… So this will automatically take care of the 'quality' problem. Customers will tune out from conventional pap, even twelve-year-olds, forcing the media to take notice of what people really want."
"And thus the wheels of social interaction and harmony will be lubricated by better communication - judicious volume, high quality, balanced. Not to mention significant contributions to the capabilities and maturity of the populace - even perhaps a little wisdom. Reverting to my earlier comment about the need for wise action, Pisces will, hopefully, have led to understanding and then to action, or "
"So much for Pisces, our first offering."
=
"Ho hum," Andrew comments as he interrupts the film and then interrupts his interruption to yawn awkwardly. "Nothing too extraordinary about that lot. We were well on the way at the turn of the century. Just a matter of time before we had that all worked out."
"Maybe… maybe not." Christiana murmurs in reply. "That's what Kent thought initially. The segment isn't finished yet."
~
"She took a while to get through all that," said Trevor. "But better in her words than mine. The other part of her offering concerns the use of language."
Rosemary: "Language serves us well. We use it to communicate, and from time to time to teach, motivate, inspire and to progress. Babies have an inbuilt capacity to learn - is there a language gene?
"And English is a tremendous language," she enthused. Half a million words and counting. All shades of meaning and power to influence the thinking and actions of billions. Further, the richness and value and utility of language is enhanced by suitably coined words. Shakespeare is credited with creating about a quarter of the language of his time to add and refine meaning. And new products and technology keep it expanding apace, as does slang and local idiom. We borrow from other languages and use similes, metaphors and acronyms. All-in-all very flexible, adapting and adopting.
"But we use language only as a pale shadow of its possibilities, nowhere near its potential. Rather like me and my laptop - there is so much there, of which I only scratch the surface. Our ability to communicate usefully and accurately is limited by the available words and expressions. This is self-evident of course, but what is not obvious is that if we don't have a word for something it is hard to express what we mean, let alone discuss it. It
is only after the new word is created and used that its need is evident. Rather like some inventions - so obvious after the fact. There are many concepts which are not simple to describe and understand - we may be only vaguely aware - let alone able to discuss and develop them. Carefully creating new words simplifies and speeds up the process."
V
T: New Words (1):
RDVO: "A simple case. What if we didn't have the word 'car' or its associated nomenclature? We could perhaps refer to the 'vehicle with round object at each corner, powered by device which operates on liquid extracted from oil. You sit inside it and can go at high speed along wide paths. Faster than carriages, don't need horses.'
"We take for granted the word 'car', from which we can readily discuss different models, styles, engines, fuels, safety, traffic rules, etc… We can also consider related possibilities such as travel, solar power, car hire, racing. Giving the object a name facilitates the various processes and awakens new perspectives. Inarticulation enfeebles, elucidation empowers. When we come to ideas and concepts, for example 'democracy', the argument is magnified.
"Conversely, words have power and influence to maintain the status quo through weight invested in them and our reluctance to change. Existing words, definitions and conventional thinking inhibit our creativeness and social co-operation. A 'Procrustean' effect of which everybody should be aware - stretching or lopping off thoughts or understanding to fit preconceptions. Having to deal with the detrimental detritus from forcing the square peg into the round hole.
"And, in passing, were you aware that in mythology and legend knowing the name of your enemy gave you power over him?"
=
"Man rises above animals by the thought process, by being able to think abstractly, to use concepts," said Rosemary, continuing. "The potential to progress further is enormous, but we fall short, lamentably. The shortfall - and the need for resolution - is exacerbated by the rapid rate of change - social, material, technical, economic - which requires even more definition, refinement and expansion of our thought processes and communication. We need enhanced understanding, stimulation and activation - and better communication can play a part.
"There are a multitude of new and important ideas, thoughts and concepts waiting to be unearthed, christened and used to illuminate our world. (Watch for the magic lantern effect.) Let me give you an example of a new word, one you haven't heard before, for a concept to be defined. Regarding the rapid advance of technology and inability of individuals and society to keep up, to cope. We believe mankind should be more able to develop its considerable mental abilities and focus them on the problem. To the two-legged stool of Technology and Sociology, on which we currently perch precariously, we propose to add a third leg - 'Mentology'.
"Mentology as we define it is using the higher powers of the mind to develop and deploy human abilities to take a pre-eminent role in managing life, including technology and sociology, for an improved society. The word may not mean much to you on first hearing, but is explained in more detail later and will become more meaningful and valued. It includes elements of things you know such as self-control and willpower. Yes, there's a lot of 'power' in it, it's a vital concept using brainpower to manage the power of technology and to empower society.
"In our current world we are technological titans, sociological simpletons and Mentological mites. My small group aims to do something to rectify the balance. Our offering (suggestion, request, plea?) is to actively seek areas where there is friction, or unresolved debate or other problems. If there is difficulty in understanding or communication we look for new words to clarify and assist the process. Or acronyms; we find these little distillations can be very useful."
V
T: Acronyms:
RDVO: "Most people are familiar with acronyms. Take IBM and CEO. You don't have to be told what they stand for. Acronyms allow for quick and accurate communication. Most people know what scuba gear is even though they have forgotten it stands for 'self contained underwater breathing apparatus'. At the time it was coined the acronym defined a new product and enabled people to understand and deal with it; now it is recognisable without the description. Pisces is another example.
"Creating a word where it is needed allows us to explore new territory, reveal hidden resources, promote understanding. It catches attention, invites scrutiny and criticism, enables clarification, adjusts perceptions and mindsets. It enhances thought, discussion, and action. Acronyms can add depth of meaning, facilitate memory recall and increase speed of communication. There is an ascending scale of speed from writing to typing, to speaking, to reading and listening, to thinking. Acronyms facilitate each and all of these processes - it's like an extra gear on your 'mental vehicle'"
=
"So we've given a name to this part of our effort. We call it Pow: Power Of Words. The earlier part we call, perhaps a little ambitiously, Woww: Wealth Of Working Wisdom. Combined they become Pow-Woww - vaguely like your American Indian word. The two concepts complement each other in potentially powerful ways."
Trevor: "She's coy about giving out examples willy-nilly. Says they best arise to meet perceived needs. Better understood and received at that time, too easily dismissed if introduced out of context. 'You will see,' she says."
The video terminated. Kent shuffled through the numerous attachments. Language and communication had never been his strong points or occupied much of his attention. He knew they were significant, even important, but found it hard to get excited. He spoke to Xena as she woke up.
"This is a bit airy-fairy for me. I used to work at a level or two nearer the ground. What do you think?"
"We've always been able to depend on Trevor's judgement," she said. "It could complement the others. Worth talking to her."
And so they found themselves next day being guided into a small office in the bowels of Oxford University. Xena had telephoned ahead to arrange the meeting, also for Mario to be transported to Kent's country estate, both movements conducted under strict security to ensure they were not followed.
~
At the same time in another university, Naples, a laboratory was in turmoil. Three men in dark clothes were roughly packing equipment into boxes. A terrified technician was blurting out: "Well, I don't know too much about it, Mario is the expert.… Yes, I suppose I could operate it… if it was important… Yes! Yes!" as he was slammed against the wall and slapped in the face, drawing blood. Minutes later the boxes and technician were bundled into a black four-wheel drive vehicle that roared away from the disapproving but cowed looks of passers-by.
~
"I'm very busy, don't have much time… ," said the small, plainly dressed woman, rising from her desk to meet them. "But Mr Urquhart mentioned a donation to our library fund… So, here we are," she added awkwardly.
"Rose could you summarise for Mr Buchanan what you see as the rationale for your Pow-Woww", asked Trevor.
"Mr Buchanan, do you ever feel in your business you have difficulty in getting your thoughts across about new ideas, products or processes? Does it take time and effort to persuade people to your way of thinking when it is different or complex?"
"Frequently," said Kent.
"Part of the difficulty lies in your communication," she said. "It's not always easy because people ascribe different shades of meaning to words, and perceptions and emotions also distort. When it's an unfamiliar area, complicated or involving change, it makes the process of communication even more exacting and hazardous.
"That is where Pow helps. If you can generate a new word that explains simply to others what you mean it helps in their understanding and eventual acceptance. Further, if you use a suitable acronym it can add depth of meaning and facilitate memory recall. It also speeds up the process. Speed and effect combine to give power, hence my acronym Pow - Power Of Words."
"Yes, I can see some potential," said Kent cautiously. "I've always been depressed by the limitations of words and expressions. Actions for me speak lo
uder than words."
"Is that the fault of the words and expressions? Do they make themselves up? Materialise out of thin air? Of course not. They are made by humans and if they are inadequate it is our fault. That's exactly what I'm on about. If words and expressions are limited, create new ones that are apposite (apt, appropriate, well expressed - we don't need a new word for apposite).
"Point made," said Kent. "What have you achieved so far?"
"Not much," said Rose, with a glum expression. "The world is underwhelmed. You are the first to show any real enthusiasm. My next move might be to start using my own concept to assist in the furtherance of this aspect of newness and change. Use Pow to help Pow - a meta-concept in effect."
"And Woww?" asked Kent.
"How do you handle your information load and keep up with competitors and new technology?"
"I have staff to do most of that for me, but it still takes a lot of my time. And it's never good enough."
"Precisely. What if you could get more and better information, in exactly the areas you wanted, quickly, accurately and at low cost?"
"If you can, you've got me," said Kent. "Can you?"
"We're almost there, but it's an expensive process and we're running low on money. Can you help?"
"Possibly. No… probably. Especially if you can work with us for a couple of months." He sensed interconnections and possible overlap with the other topics he had been looking at but could not define them. He outlined to Rose their forthcoming meeting and objectives.
The response from Rose was immediate. "My long vacation is imminent. I know the rest of my group will be happy for me to participate. I'll be glad to join you. And there are other aspects that may be useful, but I'd rather leave them till later. Right now they might be a complicating factor."
~
"Kent seems much too ready to accept these new concepts," Andrew says. "I presume this is because of artistic licence in the film?"
"More or less correct. Most viewers would lose interest if it went into all the detail collected before making a decision. The blue 'D' is lit up; you can dink plenty more detail if you wish."