They say that

They say that

'Mind and brain are the results of neurons - and nothing else.' (Times Leader, 9.5.94)

'Awareness is merely a feature of the complexity of an algorithm.' (view cited, though not agreed with, by Roger Penrose in 'The Emperor's New Mind')


They say the human mind is nothing more
than logic, just a neuron-fired machine.
Is that what sparks my soul, makes spirits soar?

When Billie sang the blues, with soul so raw
synapses firing edged her voice so keen:
they say the human mind is nothing more.

I, heart-gripped, saw a girl across the floor;
but first-sight love is just the Selfish Gene -
is that what sparks my soul, makes spirits soar?

Pythagoras's mind, not just his law
is just a complex logical routine:
they say the human mind is nothing more.

The ecstasy of soul-rapt prayer: what for?
So much is logged, so little left unseen:
is that what sparks my soul, makes spirits soar?

Should I then cry for grief, or laugh with awe,
or dare to challenge dogmas cold and mean?
They say the human mind is nothing more:
Is that what sparks my soul, makes spirits soar?

Jay Whittaker

May 1994