2 Words From Great Thinkers

From Werner Earhardt I learned the word “clear” which come from computer talk and means that all pre-existing running programs and sub-routines must be “cleared” for your machine to take on data about a new issue or problem. If your computer is already running some earlier program it is useless to take on solving a new problem. For it to work right now, you have to clear it by hitting the “clear” key before you begin uploading new variables.

Robert Anson Heinlein taught me the word “Stobor” (from Tunnel in the Sky) which means a threat to your survival that is unknown to you, and that will will not immediately recognize as a survival threat.

Stobor appeared as dopey creatures, much like rabbits, but then when they were in season they became vicious killers operating in unison with each other and a major threat to your survival.

“Stobor” is “Robots” backwards, which shows what a prophet Heinlein truly was. In 2025 robots appear to be harmless, and even useful, and yet they can suddenly act in unison in ways that will harm you quite a lot. The Smartphone, the laptop, the tablet, the Optimus, connect up with the internet of things, and with the CHAT, and can act viciously to harm you, and you never saw it coming, because they seemed to be completely harmless (dopey rabbits).

Clear is a word I learned from Werner. Stobor is from Heinlein. These 2 words have helped me understand the world around me and how to solve the problems I must face.