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- Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1992 14:12:19 -0600
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- From: "William T. Powers" <POWERS_W%FLC@VAXF.COLORADO.EDU>
- Subject: controlling reference signals; non-controlling control
- Lines: 33
-
- [from Bill Powers (920905.1400)]
-
- Rick Marken (920905) --
-
- A great great post, Rick. You've picked up a problem that keeps
- flitting into my mind and flitting right out again. Of course
- reference signals aren't set by external events OR genetics. They have
- to be flexible if the hierarchy is to work. They are the MEANS of
- control of higher systems. Only the top level of reference signal
- seems to be a problem, and even that problem goes away when you
- realize it has to be adjustable by reorganization. The only reference
- signals that are DETERMINED are the intrinsic ones -- and the
- "history" that affects them is so slow that human history doesn't even
- count.
-
- You are right about Greg's non-controlling control, but you missed a
- good opportunity for a needle. Actually, I'm really a powerful non-
- controlling controller, as are most people. I'm not doing anything to
- control about 4.999 (999...) billion people. Just think: all of those
- people under my power, and I don't have to lift a finger.
-
- Although educators are often controllers (with truant officers to
- supply the force), I agree with you, Rick, that Education is not
- control.
-
- And anyway, who's smart enough at this stage of the game to know how
- to raise kids without EVER controlling them?
-
- ----------------------------------------------------------
- Best,
-
-
- Bill P.
-