(urth) mystery of the guild

[O'Donnell, Tim (BOSI)]

>David Stockhoff
>Point taken. 

>Although, funnily enough, if we are wondering whether alien races/species can have crucificial theophanies---whether across a universe or across a
>succession of universes---then in fact it may be more relevant to ask whether a Heechee or a Puppeteer or a Neighbor 
>can suffer on an analogue of the cross than whether it can think. 
>Presumably both abilities are ideal, but the first is critical, no pun intended.

>If we follow the Lumen Gentium, however, sapience may be more useful for an alien race that will never have 
>its own theophany. (And this makes me think of the Hieros, who strike me far more as thinkers than feelers, as well as 
>the various individuals I've called Powers.)

>But this is for whoever is Pope at First Contact in 2150 AD to worry about.

------------------------------


I always thought of the Hieros as quite emotional for instance the below when Severian meets Famulimus for the first time.


The being Dr. Talos had introduced as Famulimus spoke. [...[ "Welcome," it sang. "There is no greater joy for us,
than greeting you, Severian. You bow to us in courtesy, but we to you will bend our knees." And he did briefly kneel, as did both the others.

I always read that joyful as sincere but then when I scanned the text they do come off as quite detached throughout making the reading more interesting for me.

First Contact 2150?  Sure 2012 will put paid to all of us before then...

And David, the distinction between sentient and sapient delighted me for reasons I can't even guess at.  Thanks!

__________
__________



************************************************************************************************
Find out more about us at www.bankofscotland.ie <http://www.bankofscotland.ie>

The information contained in this message is confidential and is intended for the addressee only. If you have received this message in error or there are any problems please notify the originator immediately. The unauthorised use, disclosure, copying or alteration of this message is strictly forbidden. This mail and any attachments have been scanned for viruses prior to leaving Bank of Scotland Ireland's network. 
Bank of Scotland Ireland will not be liable for direct, special, indirect or consequential damages arising from alteration of the contents of this message by a third party or as a result of any virus being passed on. Bank of Scotland (Ireland) reserves the right to monitor and record e-mail messages sent to and from this address for the purposes of investigating or detecting any unauthorised use of its system and ensuring its effective operation.

Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Limited is part of HBOS plc and is regulated by the Financial Regulator. Registered in Ireland Number: 8545.  Registered office: Bank of Scotland House, 124-127 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2

****************************************************************************************************
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.urth.net/pipermail/urth-urth.net/attachments/20090211/acd1b9c7/attachment-0004.htm>