Re: The fable of DEMETRIUS, CONSTRAINTICUS, and AUTOMATICUS

"Kenneth Downs" <firstinit.lastname_at_lastnameplusfam.net> wrote in message news:vp11lc.1vq.ln_at_mercury.downsfam.net...
> Recently archeologists have uncovered a document which they believe is a
> previously undiscovered Platonic dialogue. Such a discovery would be a
> priceless boon to modern philosophy, if true, but some computer scientists
> believe it may also have applications to that field as well. The
> introduction has been translated and begins like so:
>
> "Three strangers are in Alexandria, and are about to take a ferry to
Sparta.
> They discover that they are each Record Keepers. Demetrius is a student,
> and Constrainticus and Automaticus are accomplished professionals. They
> agree to sit together and discuss best practices on their journey.
>
> DEMETRIUS: Let us sit here on this bench and be comfortable as we talk on
> this voyage.
>
> CONSTRAINTICUS: It is forbidden! This booth is for two, and we are
three.
> I shall stand here resolutely until a law-abiding proposal is set forth.
>
> AUTOMATICUS: Friend Demetrius, you are a guest to our city, pray let me
get
> you a chair so that we may fit here within the limits of the law."
>
> This brief introduction seems to set the tone for most of the dialogue,
> which is also typified by this exchange:
>
> "DEMETRIUS: The sun is high and my throat is dry, what respite might we
> acquire from a merchant aboard this vessel?
>
> CONSTRAINTICUS: It is a dire Abomination unto Nuggan to drink while the
sun
> is at its zenith and one faces West. I will take no action.
>
> AUTOMATICUS: Friend Constrainticus, let me take your seat so that you
face
> East, and I will go to a merchant and get water for us. Um, do you have
> change of a five?"
>
> The dialogue continues in this vein for a hundred pages, with
Constrainticus
> constantly restraining action but sitting still throughout, while
> Automaticus fetches this and that and generally makes himself useful. The
> conclusion has also been translated:
>
> "DEMETRIUS: Friend Constrainticus I see after this long journey that you
> are quite knowledgeable. In fact your knowledge has wearied me greatly,
> though I have strained myself not. I find I will avoid your company in
the
> future in favor of the company of Automaticus here, who is also
> knowledgeable and yet whose company brings refreshment and comfort. His
is
> a living knowledge truly, one that is expressed in action. "
>
>

And I suppose Demetrius would follow Automaticus off of a cliff while Constrainticus points out the warning sign... Received on Mon Oct 18 2004 - 22:46:30 CEST