bout de papier, Vol. 20, No. 3 (2004) — Winter/Spring 2004 // Hiver/Printemps 2004, p. 2
Dear Editor
I wonder if an idea or concept can take on the characteristics of a living organism such as a bacterium, an ameba or a virus? For example, the significant concept of relativity conceived by Einstein, or the ancient beliefs expressed in our major religions, such as Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Buddhism.
If concepts of this order can be perceived as having the traits of a living organism then our view of what constitutes life might be quite radically altered with unfathomable consequences, and particularly in terms of our relationships with the universe(s) in which we appear to be placed. In due course we may make direct, meaningful contact with whatever may exist elsewhere in our universe and other even more distant celestial spaces.
The subject matter may appear to have little to do with “foreign affairs.” Yet, I believe a case can be made that as the universes in which our planet is placed gradually are revealed, their very existence, as well as the different properties they possess rapidly will become our most important “foreign affairs,” surpassing our present preoccupation with the numerous uncongenial races, tribes and cultures we have established on earth.
When that happens one hopes whatever properties we find elsewhere will include a considerable capacity for humour, certainly a necessary attribute for dealing with humankind!
John Starnes
Ottawa
Thank you from a thrilled A Aalto fan!
Ahoy there!
I be awritin’ to thankee for the marvelous treasure sent by dipbag — a book o’ Pyrates as the prize of the luck of the draw. I devoured it with
relish (as I ran out of mustard), and enjoyed each witty page. Avast!
With a wannion,
Julia Drew-Watt
Second Secretary (Commercial)
Embassy of Canada, Moscow
Winner of the A Aalto puzzle from Vol. 20, No. I:
Sousa on 7even
Piracy at the UN, as told by A Aalto
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Originally published in bout de papier, Vol. 20, No. 3 (2004) — Winter/Spring 2004 // Hiver/Printemps 2004, p. 2. Read the rest of this issue →
