Ho Ho Ho It's Magic

I've recently realized what I think is an interesting correlation between some of the ancient ideas about how magic works and elements of our modern technology.



The first idea is that names have power and that you can have power over something if you know its true name. This is corresponds to two elements of computer technology. The first is the password (true name) that gets you access to computer files. Passwords most definitely can give you power over many things. The second element is the true name and identity of that user at the other end of the keyboard connected to the world wide web. Anonymity gives people power to be whoever they say they are for whatever reason they want. Some of the reasons are innocuous but some are malevolent. Finding out their real identity dissipates their power and gives you the power to hold them accountable.



The second idea is that you can have power over somebody if you have a piece of them such as blood, hair or nail clippings. This sounds to me a lot like DNA testing. Although this isn't totally like a wizard casting a spell on you, in the near future DNA testing may allow doctors, using gene therapy, to cure conditions or even improve the human body.

The third idea is the ancient alchemists goal of changing lead into gold. With the advent of atomic theory and the standard model we have been able to a small degree turn one element into another. Though not done on a large scale, it is theoretically possible.

So, how do we account for what seems like correlations between some of the ideas of ancient magic and elements of our modern technology? Coincidence? Possibly. Keen insight by the minds of ancient people? Maybe. Or could it be that these represent archetypal concepts inherent in the structure of human thought? Beats me.

Something to think about.

Blue Avenger out


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