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