Connectivity: Saturday, May 22, 2004

One cannot but be amazed at the pace at which communication technology has evolved in the past few years. I am able to email anyone, crossing borders in seconds where before I would have to mail documents, enticing inspection. I can call anyone anywhere. But mostly I can call everyone, by just writing this blog. Baring your mind, heart and soul has never been easier.

My wife carries a cell phone on which I can reach her anywhere in the world by calling her local number here in Berkeley. She has been away now for almost two weeks, upsetting the rhythym of our lives. When you have been married as long as I have, its nice to have that quiet time to oneself as your spouse travels, but the absence of routine eventually becomes harsh and oppressive. Thats when I call, hoping to proxy my routine in a few minutes of conversation.

The human connection has transfer rates that far exceed that of any technology we may ever devise. Even as physical telephonic contact is made between us, my wife opens the emotive connection as well, operating at a bandwidth far exceeding the physical voices that pass over the lines. And she asks - "Are you ok?" - to which I reply "Of course."

I sense a sudden disappointment - does she not know I am feeling out of sorts? What happened to my hypothesis about emotions and infinite transfer rates? Was I wrong?

And then with relief, I realise that she is not asking me, she is telling me she knows. Logic will never outstrip instinct.