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ThePenguin
Peter Budvietas
Online
New Zealand, Auckland

My Bookshop
Words: 124
Access: Public
Comments: 14

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Passion's Path

The robot stopped its forward movement. It backed up a couple of paces, swivelled about ten degrees, moved forward, hit the wall again, and repeated the small turn. Twenty degrees, then, thirty, forty, fifty … same result. Sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety, and still it could only move forward a pace or two. One hundred, one fifty, one eighty, and still it made the same moves. Two seventy, three fifteen, three sixty… The small machine started on another round. Eventually it stopped.

Jerry changed the batteries, and let it go again, He looked at his lab companion and asked: “Will it ever recognise the futility?”

They wrote "batteries changed" for the 65,360th log entry and the robot continued the endless cycle – Passion’s Path.

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My Bookshop

Comments  
karjon Comment by: karjon Online- 2008-06-26 14:57
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Ah, nice idea. The observation of futility, which is futile in itself. The scientists are just doing the same thing over and over again too, aren't they?

Didin't have a problem with the numbers - added to the repetitive theme. Not entirley sure about Passion's Path, though, but that might just be me.

Thanks for the read.

Cheeers

Karen
GarethCB Comment by: GarethCB - 2008-06-11 01:41
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I agree with Arley. The numbers and the repetition of the robot's actions only added to the futility of the exercise. A well-constructed and thoughtful tale.
heidiheimler Comment by: heidiheimler - 2008-06-09 02:53
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Very interesting take on the challenge. You exposed the futility in so much of what we do, and how clueless and deluded we are about it. Kind of a jazzed up "Emperor's Clothes." Cool!
easywriter58 Comment by: easywriter58 - 2008-06-08 22:04
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I see now what you had in mind and it is sooo true. It is a cycle and many fall into that cycle and it takes someone on the outside who witnesses the repetitive routine to help them break it. It happens to many with relationships, jobs, etc.
troyarn Comment by: troyarn - 2008-06-08 15:25
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I have to agree with most that the many numbers listed took much from the story. Also that a millisecond would not be noticed by anyone.

Also, I am naive about detailed scientific research, but it seems odd they would be spending so much time on a toy that required batteries that were so easily put in (if these are children, then I assume they would not try too hard or count how many times they have tried).

Also...the passion leaves the story when Jerry´s lab companion says "nah" when asked if the robot will realise it is wasting its time. What passion is there after a comment like that?

The last line and number both show a passion for their attempt at whatever they were trying to do, I give you that.
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