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06531_Field_TCUM T96.txt
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1996-04-10
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887b
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16 lines
The principle of self-amputation as an immediate relief of
strain on the central nervous system applies very readily to the
origin of the media of communication from speech to
computer.
Physiologically, the central nervous system, that electric
network that coordinates the various media of our senses,
plays the chief role. Whatever threatens its function must be
contained, localized, or cut off, even to the total removal of the
offending organ. The function of the body, as a group of
sustaining and protective organs for the central nervous
system, is to act as buffers against sudden variations of
stimulus in the physical and social environment. Sudden social
failure or shame is a shock that some may “take to heart” or
that may cause muscular disturbance in general, signaling for
the person to withdraw from the threatening situation.