NOW PLAYING THE GAME

The Game depends on word meaning and our understanding. But, the first time I read the rules, I read them several times, felt like I understood what the rules were, and didn’t realize that I had already lost until about the 8th time reading through. The Game is about logic, but it feels to me like it’s even more about computer programming.

If you comprehend the meaning of words at the time you read them, as you read them. (Instant implementation.) If you refer back to the meaning given to a term by previous sentences as you go. (Consistent antecedents.) If you are clear and focused when reading, in just the right way. (Proper interpretative practice.) If you know immediately what it is that you’re thinking about. (Self-aware rational consciousness.) If you understand words by turning them into an elaborate set of rules that must be enforced, even against yourself. (Automating algorithms.) If you stay on topic. (Dedicated resources.) You lose The Game.

Isn’t this how computer “languages” seem, to some, to be the same as natural languages? How the world seems well described by procedural representation? How meaning seems clear, inarguable, and necessary in a proposition?

Very importantly, there is no pride in being a winner at this game. By playing The Game (and this really means to play it properly), you lose. You are unable to beat the system whose function is to force you into a logical conclusion.