Spoilers for Algernon

[tachikhromatic]

Now that the books are safe again, I've decided to have a look! Valkyrie always felt that reading physical media was a worthy past-time, and so in the proud tradition of Tachikoma-kind I hereby promise to uphold this as a shared experience!

[At least until it gets bored, anyways.Today's reading material is Flowers for Algernon! In this story,

Comments

[Voice.]

[itispersonal]

I haven't read the book you mention, but...

Realization of your worth to others can be... eyeopening. And, for some, a bit painful.

There are times when it is best to remain ignorant, certainly.

[Voice]

[tachikhromatic]

But, if your worth to them is the same regardless of your own knowledge of that perception, is it really better to be blindsided? Sometimes the truth can be harsh, but pretending it isn't real doesn't solve things either, right?

On the other hand, can knowledge of that person's opinion actually make the opinion worse? Or is that kind of quantum opining just too impossible to predict...

Can you give an example of your conclusion?

[Voice]

[itispersonal]

[Well, she's not about to actually talk about her experiences. Not yet. That's too fresh of a wound.]

It depends on the person, I think.

Some would prefer to know what others think. Others... like to believe what they will about a person.

It's... difficult... to accept that someone thinks far less of you than you thought they did.

I'm afraid I can't think of any examples just yet. [That she's willing to talk about.] But I may be able to soon.

[Voice]

[tachikhromatic]

Hmm... I think I can relate to that. [Goddamn slimes, argh!]

But even though it can be difficult to find your judgement was incorrect, which is the superior position? One way has to have more advantages than the other, right? It is better to remain ignorant or to seek knowledge?

Oh no, what about circumstances where people lie about their opinions?!

[Voice]

[littlelegend]

I don't read so good yet.

Will you read it to me at bedtime?

[Voice]

[tachikhromatic]

This book is good for all ages! I'd love to read it to you. Of course, I'm not going to read it all the way to the end. It's your job to rise to the challenge and better yourself through learning and literacy!

[Voice]

[littlelegend]

[Well heck he didn't sign up for this so he could learn. Hmmm.]

...can...you...read me everything but the very last part?

[Voice]

[tachikhromatic]

Well, of course!

[Don't worry, Goten. Musashi is probably the only person on this ship that's even more gullible than you]

[tic_tech_turtle]

I've read it. The theme is...interesting. Though a work of fiction, it struck me as very true in many ways.

[tachikhromatic]

Would you care to elaborate?

[tic_tech_turtle]

In my experience, intelligence can only take any being so far. Without emotional connections, even the most brilliant will find themselves lacking. None of us, after all, have everything we need to fulfill our true potential, whether that be imagination, charisma, empathy, knowledge of our limits, understanding, an ability to self-motivate or self-restrain...et cetera, et cetera.

That's not to mention how a lack of connections for many makes it very easy to lose the ability and motivation to understand the world as others see it. A lack of some grounding force, so to speak.

In other ways, the theme seems flawed, but at its base, for me, it rings true.

[tachikhromatic]

So, in your opinion, the basis for personal growth isn't the strength of the individual, but the strength of the group? In other words, what makes a person worthwhile is their compassion for others!

[ttlyisabard]

I've never read it, but that sounds like a rather classic cautionary tale ... aside from the surgury ... we all want to fit in I think. Being different really sets you apart from everyone else.

So what is IQ? I'm guessing it's a measure of intelligence? If 69 is below average ... what's average? I wonder if that's related to air and earth in my world's knowledge ...

[tachikhromatic]

The definition of an average IQ score is 100 points! Someone with only 69 would be considered mentally deficient by most people. Of course, that doesn't mean they're not a worthwhile person, it just means that it's probably not wise to hand them anything sharp.

Hmm...do you mind answering a few questions about your response?

[ttlyisabard]

[She was silent as she listened, and was taken by surprise by his ... its request.]

Certainly ... I mean I don't mind.