"Luke's log. A*Stardate 16.02.2012.
We are currently embarked on a perilous journey through uncharted territory. Shadows lurk in every corner... well, actually they only lurk in East Palo Alto.
We are (sometimes) cold and (always) hungry, but have a nice curvy vehicle that achieves warp 9 in 2.4 seconds, give or take a microsecond. We have no complaints.
Had an epiphany today while listening to Col. Uday rhapsodizing for the umpteenth time about the Needs Statement.
As I watched his mouth move, I realised that the trick wasn't to listen to the individual words, but to hear what wasn't being said...
It is not about learning to differentiate right from wrong. This is not a lesson about learning how to do, but how to think.
There is no right.
There is no wrong.
There is only Risk.
Risk is diminished by continuously placing oneself in a position from which one can remain agile and malleable, yet sufficiently focused towards the goal. It is akin to armed combat - lunge too far and you are over committed, opportunities are missed and your enemy gains a foothold from which to counter-attack. It brings to mind the peculiar experiment our crew psychiatrist Doctor Julian-a performed on us a few days ago, involving geometric shapes and strenuous physical exertion. We barely escaped with our lives.
In a nutshell : Commit just enough to strike but remain ready to riposte or retreat - remain agile and you remain alive to fight another day. Fleche only when the stars align. Minimize Risk.
This is the nature of the Needs Statement.
This is Biodesign. This is bushido."
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