portegys (04/28/83)
An observation based on recent net.religion articles: If there is one thing people are suckers for, it is a mystery. If something has a mystery associated with it, its value is increased immensely. Here are some examples: 1. Some people express dismay at the prospect that someday human intelligence may be understood, feeling that it would be degrading to "reduce" such a lofty, noble thing to its piece parts. In other words, the mystery it is currently wrapped in is a very large part of its glamor. 2. I have known people who deliberately use acronyms and buzzwords in in the presence of others who do not understand them to enchance their status. These people are using a mystery game. You can see their poor listeners being sucked in. Question feeds on question in their minds, changing dialogue to monologue, focusing attention on the game-player. I once knew a neurotic woman who used this with an artist's skill. 3. Religion. The mystery game serves two purposes. First, the obvious enhancement of prestige. Second, a perfect out for inconsistencies and contradictions. They are "Divine Mysteries", understood only by the select few. Come, my child, send in $30 and all will be revealed. Read these koans and look sage. Tom Portegys, BTL IH