[from Bill Powers (920905.1400)]
Rick Marken (920905) --
A great great post, Rick. You've picked up a problem that keeps
flitting into my mind and flitting right out again. Of course
reference signals aren't set by external events OR genetics. They have
to be flexible if the hierarchy is to work. They are the MEANS of
control of higher systems. Only the top level of reference signal
seems to be a problem, and even that problem goes away when you
realize it has to be adjustable by reorganization. The only reference
signals that are DETERMINED are the intrinsic ones -- and the
"history" that affects them is so slow that human history doesn't even
count.
You are right about Greg's non-controlling control, but you missed a
good opportunity for a needle. Actually, I'm really a powerful non-
controlling controller, as are most people. I'm not doing anything to
control about 4.999 (999...) billion people. Just think: all of those
people under my power, and I don't have to lift a finger.
Although educators are often controllers (with truant officers to
supply the force), I agree with you, Rick, that Education is not
control.
And anyway, who's smart enough at this stage of the game to know how
to raise kids without EVER controlling them?
ยทยทยท
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Best,
Bill P.