71 The Last Word. - Searching is Art (Information Research)
Description
This article is from the Information Research FAQ, by David Novak david@spireproject.com with numerous contributions by others.
71 The Last Word. - Searching is Art (Information Research)
Searching is an attitude. It is a way of looking at the world, and at
information, quite distinct from the norm. Statistics are mentioned on
TV and you subconsciously weigh the value. You listen to experts and
wonder who pays them, and so where the potential purpose bias could
come from. Searching is an attitude with little tolerance for spin,
puffery or questionable interpretation of statistics.
Searching can be a very negative attitude - and this is our last
lesson. Search with a critical mind, but also know at some point you
must say enough. Enough searching, it is time to make a decision. This
line is not defeat, but acceptance that decisions are made on
incomplete information. Make your decision when you are ready.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Shakh stood before the entrance to the tomb. It was not quite complete.
The glyphs were etched for only the first thirty feet of the
passageway, and workers were still preparing the burial chamber. The
thick dusty air made it hard to breath, but at times it was better than
staying outside where the temperature continued to climb.
Shakh admired the art on the wall. Meaning within meaning. The divine
representations stood offering the pharaoh recognition. In exchange the
pharaoh offered a just reign. The scene worked well. Such work was one
of the few ways the pharaoh could communicate with the gods.
Yet there were other layers to the picture. The gods were depicted as
pleased with the work of the pharaoh. Their recognition was a reward
for the years of ruling Egypt.
There, further in the picture, was reference to the accomplishments of
the pharaoh. Much of the writing was dictated by tradition, and the
individual scribes were all instructed in the tale, so meaning was
particularly important in what was different from other tombs. It was
the small differences that made this work unique, that elevated the
work from that suitable for any important person to that fit for a
king. Birth in a village close to the Nile. References to the pharaoh's
re-conquest of Nubia. The special position of Horus, the falcon god.
Then there was the technology. Sparkling stars on blue covered the
ceiling. This was a new development, unseen before in crypt or
building. It had a pleasant effect, expanding the space within the
tomb, making it look larger than it really was.
And then there was the artistry to the carving. These were fine
scribes, clean and precise. The work satisfied him well.
Walking out of the half-completed tomb, Shakh sighed, wiped the
gathering sweat from his brow, then gave a small thought to the poor
sap he used to work for. The old pharaoh had never learned information
was power, thought Shakh, sighing regally.
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