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result of recognizing patterns in human behaviour . Advancements in computer technology have resulted in machines that can mimic the pattern-recognition abilities of human beings , allowing for innovations like self-driving cars .
While near-human level pattern recognition in machines certainly sounds impressive , what makes homo sapiens truly unique is our ability to assign significance to the patterns we encounter in the world . Also the invention of the jelly donut .
From the interpretation of subtle facial expressions to messages from an alien overlord-enslaved future self , we have the uncanny ability to discover otherwise hidden meanings ... whether they exist or not .
Any conversation about the assignment of meanings to events will invariably make its way back to subjects such as Astrology . Those who vociferously venerate the religion of science ( another tale for another time dear reader ) love to wag the finger of derision at those who would assign meaning to the positions of the stars . ( Virgo rising in the house of wealth , third from the left , not counting the dentist ’ s office , that sort of thing .) This kind of criticism may or may not be correct ( if a little juvenile in its form ), but the point I ’ m trying to make is that we are extremely adept , not only at assigning meaning , but also at creating patterns where none exist . It ’ s here that art is born .
Take my early morning conundrum as an exemplar . Is there a meaning to my pattern of waking at precisely 4:44 AM ? Or is it simply a habit I ’ ve developed at random , one that by chance coincides with a repetition of the number 4 on the clock ? The answer is open to interpretation , but it ’ s interesting how the mind seems determined to assign some meaning to the event .
Human-shaped humans are perplexing creatures and it ’ s entirely possible that we may never fully understand the complexities of beings capable of activities as diverse and unfathomable as writing poetry , splitting the atom and believing selfie sticks are a good idea . I think this is largely a good thing - the impenetrable mysteries of the human mind that is , not the selfie sticks . A universe with no mysteries left .
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About the Author
Mackenzie Clench is the CEO , Scribbler and Chief Fuss Maker of Mackenzie Clench Creative , collaborating with passionate entrepreneur-humans to create branding and content that draws a through-line from the heart of their business to the heart of their ideal customers . He believes that 1 + 1 = 3 , and that women are the future . Mackenzie ’ s favourite dinosaur is the thesaurus and has been known to - with full awareness of his actions and with no regard for public safety or human decency - end sentences with a preposition . He has no regrets .
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