September 16, 2003

Science is thirsty work

Like any rational being, I prefer to drink fresh running water. But in fulfilling this normal desire, I face three challenges. First, unlike the giant creatures that share my home, I am not able to manipulate the mysterious devices that cause water to flow. Second, I have not yet attained a mastery of communication with the creatures such that I can make my desires known to them. I am forced to cry out loudly, to gain their attention, and physically lead them to the source of water -- as though they forget, each day, where it is! Last, even when my thirst is slaked, the ordeal is not over, for I often find myself, soon thereafter, restrained and subject to a vigorous toweling off of the head. It has always been evident that the creatures are averse to cleanliness, but it is only at times like this that I see just how different we are. They most likely believe that they are doing me a kindness; so alien to their minds is the idea of being clean that they feel I must be injured somehow by mere proximity to water! They seem to believe that by drinking it, I've gotten it all over my head! It's remarkable.

Posted by prof at 11:28 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
One of the greatest minds of this, or any other, generation is wandering around our livingroom, covered in fur.