Thoughts And Trivia

In physics most of the equations have a large number of terms. For ease of computations we ignoring less significant terms. Moreover in a phenomenon we ignore minor effects of weaker forces - for example when we study mechanics of two moving stones, we ignore the insignificant gravitational attraction between the stones.
If this is not done it would be impossible to learn or teach physics - at all. These approximations do not take away the validity of the conclusions arrived at.
Similar is the model of life that we as a child, are handed down.
Its only a rough guide to life.
As we grow we learn the many nuances which do not jell with what we had been taught. Like:-

• Honesty is not the least cost alternative.
• The meek do not inherit the earth.
• Cheating may be profitable many times.
• Truth does not always triumph.

But as a rough guide to living - what we are handed down is superb and the nuanced exceptions discovered by us do not negate the essence of rough guide.

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During screening of a Film on Chengiz Khan in our college's (IIT Delhi) open Air Theatre in 1969, the scene of the heroine giving birth to child was shown before the scene of her rape that resulted in the pregnancy - due to erroneous shuffling of film cartridge by a sozzled projectionist.
But film making is like that. First scene may actually be shot in the end. Or the scene in Vienna may actually be shot in a studio in Mumbai. Even the Hero fighting the villain may not actually be the Hero - but only his substitute. Thus film breaks down boundaries of time, geography and personalities.
So does Information Technology (IT).
Apart from the mere increased efficiency, the sociological effects of IT on an organization are also similar (in a subtle way). It breaks down the debilitating departmental and geographical divisions in the organization. Its tones down the hierarchical rigidities. It makes a mockery of office-hours and allows 24X7 support to the customer. It de-individualises the personality behind a job - your call may be answered by a Bangalorean with a false accent!
It shifts the power balance away from megalith organizations towards the customer. It thus makes the organization more cohesively oriented towards its customers.
All these effects are sorely required in government to shift focus to citizens. Hence thorough implementation of IT in all Govt processes are a must.
Perhaps some more research on this may be needed.
Bertrand Russel also discussed the impact of Science on Society - in particular shift of power balance between the individual and the society.
Please do come back again, I will blog about that later!!

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