Current mood:	angry
Current music:	Silence
Entry tags:	ternary logic binary

Ternary Logic
*Inspired from late night conversations with fursatkeraatdin (and a little help from Bacardi Ice) and various interactions with loved ones.



We all go through distinct phases in our lives which we may then attempt to classify via numerous properties. Here is an attempt to chart out my journey from the realms of binary to ternary logic.

For the longest time, I have believed in the simplicity of yes/no. The simplicity of being able to think in binary. The simplicity of being able to act in binary. And yet, I was (and still am) confronted at many points in time by people (whom I love immensely) who use the phrase 'I don't know'. And I for one, just don't get this. How can you say that? Especially when it comes to making important decisions? Does one just get up in the morning, hallucinate a pink rabbit which tells the person in question which path to take? Or is it actually a game of heads-I-do-this-tails-I-do-that?

To me, the phrase 'I don't know' has come to symbolize escapism.

To me, the phrase 'I don't know' has come to symbolize the mindset of a person not interested in pushing the boundaries of his/her thought process.

I have always believed in the power of thought. Think hard enough, ask yourself the right questions and the answer will come. You just have to be brave enough to face reality. The introduction of the phrase 'I don't know' can be looked upon as an automatic inhibitor to asking yourself the right questions. It's almost like an unlimited free get-out-of-jail card.

Though, as often happens with age and experience, the thought process changes and in most cases tempers. So has mine, as of late. I will now go so far as to accept ternary logic with specific restrictions being place on the third component. And what is this third component you ask?

Answer: I don't know, but I will try and find out.

There is a difference, and a not so subtle one at that.

As is obvious, ternary logic of any form is far weaker when compared to the described binary logic. But I am willing to accept a thought process which tells me, "Look, I do not have the answers right now, but what you are asking are valid questions. Let me ponder over the same and get back to you". The chance that even this may yet slide into the escapism black hole is one I am willing to take. Let me put it this way; ternary logic of the above form is an acceptable compromise. An acceptable compromise by an individual who wishes to co-exist.

Any further, and I fear that the individual may seriously start considering early sainthood as his only viable option.