Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A Different Measure


Most schools, jobs, religions and even individuals expect people to think like this - to place seemingly independent objects into their own concept of a correct pattern.
But if a child kept putting the two red rings together and the other rings where they saw fit - would they be wrong (even though they were not in ascending or descending order)?
Or could this child really just be answering a different question.

This is largely the problem with much of society.
Most people expect others to think the same as they themselves have grown to think.
To repeat the memes in which they were inculcated.
Any variation is seen as being "rebellious", or "troubled", or even "Socialist"
For some, their way is the only correct way.
Anyone who thought differently could be quickly identified and given a socially approved drug to help them adjust to the prevailing way of thinking and doing.

This way of thinking is beneficial if everyone is the same and desires the same things at a rate which can be sustained by such a society.
This thinking helps more people have more of the same (less than average quality) goods and services.
This thinking is easier and faster to implement.

But what happens when the problems become more complex?
What happens when society's problems have out matched ones abilities to solve them?

What happens when there are several slots to fill and several pegs in which to fill them?
Would the person good at solving the above game (Given a limited code of expectations that many call "I.Q.") have problems understanding this more complex version?
Would that person decide to burn down churches, blow up IRS buildings, or form Tea Parties?
Would that person still try to fit a square peg into a round hole?

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