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Scientifictionist, v. 1, issue 5, June-July 1946

Page 8

it includes euclidianism along with newtonianism, Christianity, etc., all as sub-classes. Its assumptions have permeated all 'philosophical' speculations to date. We call it aristotelianism because Aristotle made a comprehensive formulation of its basic tenets.

By rejecting the so-called Law of Identity which is at the heart of aristotelianism, Korzybski builds a non-aristotelian system which he incorporates in general semantics. Using a bar as a sign of negation, non-aristotelianism is abbreviated by the symbol A in SCIENCE AND SANITY.

Korzybski points out that the structure of our daily language is premeated with the assumptions of arisotoelianism, primitive-made fallacies which we must avoid if we are ever to break through the many complex problems facing us today.

How can we avoid them? Answer: stop using the old language and learn the new. This isn't as hard as learning French or Spanish; not at all. We just make some adjustments. But it is stupid to think that the benefits of general semantics can be obtained merely by parroting a new language. We must learn it thoroughly, learn not only its new words but also its new meanings. Your nervous system will assimilate new meanings only if you have direct experience with the new language. A copy of SCIENCE AND SANITY will furnish you with this experience. (Can you afford the 86?) The book is rich; if you absorb only a twentieth of the material in the book you will have absorbed enough to change your mode of life.

The other half of your training in general semantics is in using the new language. Attempt to explain it to your friends, write about it, join seminars, apply it to your work, interest, hobbies, There is no end to the uses of the new system; it will find a place in your every activity. I have been able to apply it with success to music and card cataloging. You may be able to apply it to law, psychiatry, politics, dentistry, surgery, or the motion picture industry. Others have.

It's obvious that language plays a very important part in our lives. As Korzybski points out, even a World War could not be fought without it. Interpreted in the broadest sense it is the clue to the one sharp difference between us and the animals.

Then if we are to consider language in an entirely new light, will not much light consequently be thrown upon the general nature of us human beings -- of Joe Smith and Mary Jones? Yep, you guessed correctly -- a terrific amount of gloom and stygian ignorance of the 'nature' of us humans is swept away by the new outlook of general semantics. And it is an optimistic one, too!

MY FAVORITE FANTASY ARTISTS (cont'd from page 5)

just staring at the cover picture, fascinated by all that Finlay had put into the picture -- or at least, all that I saw in the picture that he had painted. I'd gladly trade every other picture I own for that original.

Among the fan artists, I place Wiedenbeck first. Not just because he is an especial friend of mine, but because to me he actually does produce the finest art work among the strictly amateurs of our group. Close behind him come Goldstone, Alva Rogers, and Tom Wright, so closely grouped that it is hard to state which I like best, and none of them very far behind Jack.

Oh, yes, and one slightly wilted orchid to Jack Speer for his clever use of the stick-men. He does put across his point with them extremely well.

CHARLES FORT AND STF (cont'd from page 4)

is a light in the Crater Aristarchus which has been seen dozens of times since about 1830. It has never been explained. There have been other similar incidents, too numerous to mention in this short article.

I could continue listing astronomical data for pages, but I think this and the preceding data is enough to tempt fans into peeking into Fort. There, they will find accounts of the impossible, which in many instances, has actually happened!

page 8

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it includes euclidianism along with newtonianism, Christianity, etc., all as sub-classes. Its assumptions have permeated all 'philosophical' speculations to date. We call it aristotelianism because Aristotle made a comprehensive formulation of its basic tenets. By rejecting the so-called Law of Identity which is at the heart of aristotelianism, Korzybski builds a non-aristotelian system which he incorporates in general semantics. Using a bar as a sign of negation, non-aristotelianism is abbreviated by the symbol A in SCIENCE AND SANITY. Korzybski points out that the structure of our daily language is premeated with the assumptions of arisotoelianism, primitive-made fallacies which we must avoid if we are ever to break through the many complex problems facing us today. How can we avoid them? Answer: stop using the old language and learn the new. This isn't as hard as learning French or Spanish; not at all. We just make some adjustments. But it is stupid to think that the benefits of general semantics can be obtained merely by parroting a new language. We must learn it thoroughly, learn not only its new words but also its new meanings. Your nervous system will assimilate new meanings only if you have direct experience with the new language. A copy of SCIENCE AND SANITY will furnish you with this experience. (Can you afford the 86?) The book is rich; if you absorb only a twentieth of the material in the book you will have absorbed enough to change your mode of life. The other half of your training in general semantics is in using the new language. Attempt to explain it to your friends, write about it, join seminars, apply it to your work, interest, hobbies, There is no end to the uses of the new system; it will find a place in your every activity. I have been able to apply it with success to music and card cataloging. You may be able to apply it to law, psychiatry, politics, dentistry, surgery, or the motion picture industry. Others have. It's obvious that language plays a very important part in our lives. As Korzybski points out, even a World War could not be fought without it. Interpreted in the broadest sense it is the clue to the one sharp difference between us and the animals. Then if we are to consider language in an entirely new light, will not much light consequently be thrown upon the general nature of us human beings -- of Joe Smith and Mary Jones? Yep, you guessed correctly -- a terrific amount of gloom and stygian ignorance of the 'nature' of us humans is swept away by the new outlook of general semantics. And it is an optimistic one, too! MY FAVORITE FANTASY ARTISTS (cont'd from page 5) just staring at the cover picture, fascinated by all that Finlay had put into the picture -- or at least, all that I saw in the picture that he had painted. I'd gladly trade every other picture I own for that original. Among the fan artists, I place Wiedenbeck first. Not just because he is an especial friend of mine, but because to me he actually does produce the finest art work among the strictly amateurs of our group. Close behind him come Goldstone, Alva Rogers, and Tom Wright, so closely grouped that it is hard to state which I like best, and none of them very far behind Jack. Oh, yes, and one slightly wilted orchid to Jack Speer for his clever use of the stick-men. He does put across his point with them extremely well. CHARLES FORT AND STF (cont'd from page 4) is a light in the Crater Aristarchus which has been seen dozens of times since about 1830. It has never been explained. There have been other similar incidents, too numerous to mention in this short article. I could continue listing astronomical data for pages, but I think this and the preceding data is enough to tempt fans into peeking into Fort. There, they will find accounts of the impossible, which in many instances, has actually happened! page 8