Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id UAA02226 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Mon, 8 Apr 2002 20:10:33 +0100 Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 15:04:02 -0400 Subject: Re: memetics-digest V1 #1011 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed From: Wade Smith <wade_smith@harvard.edu> To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In-Reply-To: <F68Vad660HbRWWQZxmu00020501@hotmail.com> Message-Id: <641D6223-4B23-11D6-A7EE-003065A0F24C@harvard.edu> X-Mailer: Apple Mail (2.481) Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
On Monday, April 8, 2002, at 02:34 , Scott Chase wrote:
> Evolution via selection has tuned the receptors and learning
> has tuned cognition.
The receptors are just that. There is no 'thought' involved in
the very perception of light via the eyes. But there is
'thought' involved in the _focus_ of these same orbs.
Evolution has created the receptor as well as determined the
_usage_ of these in normal states.
But the observations required by the creative process are
_prior_ to, or outside of, the following preconceptions that
thought will entwine upon the received data.
And I am talking about a level of observation that does not
involve thought in the conscious sense I think you're using it.
The eureka moment is not pre-conceived, although the work
preceding it is vast and structured.
Every description of the creative process I've ever encountered,
from scientists, artists, cooks, carpenters, ad infinitum, every
one, without fail, has remarked upon this moment of clear
reception, or _unconscious_ synthesis, and in very many cases,
the actual words used are 'I saw this as if I were looking at it
for the very first time.'
And it is that 'as if it were the very first time' that I'm
talking about.
- Wade
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