Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection

 

Date of this Version

March 1974

Abstract

A few words about words.

A word is a trigger of a thought. It is a symbol which turns the switch of action. It can build rocket ships or cut diamonds. It can levy taxes or drop bombs. But to us, the real power of words is found in their ability to unlock one of the greatest resources of all--human thought.

A single word can start the mind racing to find a multitude of associations—-drawing out background, stored information—-and weaving a pattern of thought. At times these word-inspired thoughts are actually packaged in the brain in an extensive network of association, facts and impressions. This can be called an image.

This image, then, is a mental representation, a conception. If I say the word "environment", our minds may be searching, waiting...even wondering how to form any concept of this general term. But suppose I add to the word to form the phrase: "Environmental Impact Statements". My thoughts readily begin to form a specific, packaged impression or image. It has been built of words I've read or heard...plugged into experiences and thoughts I've filed away since I was born.

An image, of course, would be perfect except for a few information processing problems we humans have. First, it is sometimes difficult to recognize incomplete and inaccurate information. And some of it slips by to help form the image. Second, there's the problem of losing some valuable information previously stored in the brain...due to loss of memory, so to speak. Third, and one of the most serious problems, is attaching relative importance to the various pieces of information within the image. When conflicting information is received, which side receives the emphasis?

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