[network] @jwatson; text; Morning 167 [open]

[jumpthegun]

Good morning, everyone. I told a number of people I would share the results of my conversation with the Admin, Eve, regarding her ability to correct 'mental imbalances' that might lead to violent impulses. I thought it best to provide what information I got from her with the whole group.

[This conversation is copied over for everyone.]

The upshot of that:

• Eve can 'fine tune' the nanites in our brains for a particular purpose. This will have no effect on MN poisoning symptoms except to make people not care about them.
  
• Use of the treatment requires patient consent. That's non-negotiable given the requirements for a declaration of mental incompetency under the NIMA system.
  
• While the fine tuning is considered an ethical treatment in extreme cases of violent psychopathy, it is considered unethical to try to treat MN Poisoning.
  
• We may be able to alleviate some of the worst instances of MN Poisoning with blood transfusions. I'm presently looking for the equipment I'd need to do that.
  
• Eve was born in Washington D.C. and used to work for the U.S. government.

As an additional note on medical supplies: I've informed the other doctors, but for those newly arrived and those seeking medical assistance, we are beginning to run low on certain medication types.

[Another conversation is copied over.]

The relative medical stocks stand as such:

• Low-grade Painkillers: Low
  
• Mid-grade Painkillers: Acceptable, restock requested
  
• High-grade Painkillers: Acceptable
  
• Specialized Medication: Acceptable
  
• Radiation Medication: Critically low

I've also been previously informed that the emergency medical response injections are out and will take 200 days to restock. That was at a point that would put us past the projected end of this session... or whatever we're calling out time here.

Comments

[jumpthegun]

That's not quite what I was going for, Ecks. That holds up well for a lot, but some people might find joy in making others suffer. That's certainly not going to be right, is it?

[ecks]

do only some people have a right meaning of life?

[She's getting bogged down in this specific example.]

[jumpthegun]

[John sighs.]

I'd personally argue 'yes,' but there are others who'd argue no. Let's take a less extreme example. Someone might think the meaning of life is to collect the most bottles and hoard them somewhere. To me, that sounds like a ridiculous purpose to have. It doesn't help them, it doesn't help the world. It might make them happy, but it's ultimately pointless and unproductive.

Someone else might say that's a perfectly legitimate purpose and if they find meaning for their life there, I shouldn't judge or try to help them find something different and what I would consider better.

[ecks]

this is not becoming less confusing
this is becoming more confusing
there must be a correct answer

[She's still not on board with this "individual truths" thing. Probably won't be for a long time.]

is the answer that there is no meaning of life?

[jumpthegun]

No. That's not it, Ecks. It's just complicated. Life is complicated and imperfect and sometimes he doesn't have a 'right' answer.

[ecks]

a complicated problem is only a large number of smaller problems grouped together

[jumpthegun]

[John can't help an amused huff on his end.]

That's a very wise way to look at things, Ecks. In this case, life's a complicated problem that'll take more than your lifetime gives to break down at sort out fully. Seeking answers might be your personal meaning in life. It's the journey that matters, after all.

[ecks]

what journey? I have only ever lived in two places.
it matters how I travel across Norfinbury?

[jumpthegun]

[... Right. He can't get metaphorical or philosophical with her without explaining.]

I mean the journey that is life, Ecks. It's a metaphor for living.

[ecks]

if the journey is a metaphor for living
and the journey is what matters
living is what matters?

[jumpthegun]

Ecks, you're missing the forest for the trees. And that's another metaphor. It means that you're focusing in so much on the fine details that you're missing the overall concept I'm trying to explain.

There is no one definition of the meaning of life. That's really the only take away here. That's why it's a philosophical question that people have been asking since they could communicate with one another.

[ecks]

[She doesn't reply for a little while as she works to wrap her head around this concept. She does, eventually, but that doesn't mean she likes it when she gets there.]

I understand but I disagree.

[jumpthegun]

All right. Why don't you ask everyone what the meaning of life is sometimes and see what kinds of answers you get.

[ecks]

I do not have a reason not to do that

[jumpthegun]

[John blinks.]

No, I mean, that would be a good thing to ask.

[ecks]

that makes more sense
I will ask
and maybe other people will have an answer