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Basic Understandings
Time-binding
- Only humans have demonstrated the capability to build on the knowledge of prior generations. Alfred Korzybski referred to this capability as time-binding. We 'bind time' when we use language and symbols to organize and pass along knowledge from one generation to the next, as well as within a generation.
- Language serves as the principle tool that facilitates time-binding.
- Time-binding forms the basis for an ethical standard by which to evaluate human behavior. To what degree does the action or behavior promote, or retard, time-binding?
- Acknowledging our time-binding inheritance dispels us of the 'self-made' notion and encourages us to 'time-bind' for the benefit of those who follow.
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