BRAINS!!!!

So as I pointed out in my previous blog that I'm currently reading The Terminal Man by Michael Crichton. Now I've only just finished the second day or March 10, 1971 (For those who have not read it the book is comprised of five days March 9-13, 1971, which are also comprised of numerical sections). The section I wish to acknowledge today is March 10, 1971, part three. Dr. McPherson is taping his review of the surgery they placed on Harry Benson, while having it play on mute in the background until it is switched to a video of Benson in a psychological interview. I have not discovered the symbolism of Benson in the background other than it ties into the thoughts of McPherson who is only turning up the volume every so often. Before I go on I'll post a portion that intrigued me.

Now, however, in this operation we have created a man with not one brain but two. He has his biological brain, which is damaged, and he has a new computer brain, which is designed to correct the damage. This new brain is intended to control the biological brain. Therefore a new situation arises. The patient's biological brain is the peripherial terminal--the only periperial terminal--for the new computer. In one area, the new computer brain has total control. And therefore the patient's biological brain, and indeed his whole body, has become a terminal for the new computer. We have created a man who is one single, large, complex computer terminal. The patient is a read-out device for the new computer, and he is helpless to control the readout as a TV screen is helpless to control the information presented on it.

This is an excerpt from what McPherson is stating on his log. Later on in part six he talks to Benson during this discussion Benson mentions that "the human brain is becoming obsolete".

I know how this all seems a bit random to put in, but it comes from idea that is pointed out in my mind. While I was reading The Andromeda Strain also by Crichton one of the characters was going on about brains also (I'll cite this later and add more detail as I don't have the book next to me). He was stating that man would also be obsolete to his brain. In this segment though he discusses that the brain will out grow our bodies.

Both of these note two trends that could potentially happen with our brains. One we could be overcome with computers. This one doesn't seem very logical to me atleast not anytime soon. All computers need input which has to start with humans, not to mention if something ultimatly happens with a computer it would need assistance to fix itself or become obsolete itself. Two our own brains will eventually encompass our whole body and evolve to a state to live with out it. I find this a little more plausable. With our always vast need to know everything our brains will either take over much like the brains of Futurama or they will cause us to destroy ourselves.

I don't know if Crichton knew of the fact that he could spark a discussion of brains with his books, but he has. What I wish to know is does anyone else see this odd obsession? Maybe I will have more tomorrow as I have to go cook now. I'll have more in the next few days as I'm still reading The Terminal Man plus I wish to go on about my other reads.

Buh-Bai readies.