Volume 2
The Way Ahead - March 2007
What I would give for a sunrise and a sunset; a visual break between night and day. I have given up all hope of reading, writing and driving a car, is it really too much to ask for?
My surgeons say, “Yes.” However, I understand that research is well advanced at the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh and another in California with respect to electronic implant to the retina that would give some form of vision to the completely blind person.
An individual can be registered blind if they can only see an object at a distance at 3 yards that a normal sighted person could see at 30 yards. Only 4% of blind people are completely blind and dammit I am one of the 4%. I suppose they would call it being ‘in denial’’ but two years of feeling sorry for myself and refusing to accept the inevitable, has not helped. So for the sake of those nearest and dearest, (as much as for myself), I must now look towards ‘the way ahead.’
With that in mind I thought I would have a quiet discussion with my computer friend; one which was intended to be wide ranging but, as often happens, homes in on one subject almost exclusively. This time it was to be the philosophy of life; and my friend with his vast bank of knowledge could not hide his pomposity, even if he wanted to and which he certainly did not! He said, “It is all there before you. Some 400 years BC the great Socrates laid down the criteria of ‘truth, helpfulness and usefulness,’ and it holds good to this day.”
He went on to say, “If you had spent more time learning about Kurzweil or the Web you would know the story that illustrates that great man’s philosophy.”
I thought he would remain silent but I knew the smugly, supercilious fellow would not be able to resist voicing his superior knowledge - and of course I was right. He went on to tell me a story about the great philosopher.
Socrates was leaving his house, having spent the morning lecturing his young students. As he left he was approached by one student, who said, “Master, may I confide in you?”
Socrates replied, “Of course young man, provided what you say is in line with my teaching this morning. Firstly, is what you are about to impart true?” The young man replied, “It is a rumour I heard only this morning.”
“That is a pity,” said Socrates. “However, does it reflect goodness? For instance, will I find it fine and feel the better to hear what you have to say?”
The young man, without hesitation, said, “I think it will certainly not.” Socrates then said, “Is the information, which is evidently based on ill-founded rumour, useful in its purpose? For instance, would it help the listener?”
The young man said, “Under the circumstances, I'd think not.” At that the great man shook his head and walked away saying, “In that case there is no purpose to this conversation and I have nothing to say.”
My computer went on in his supercilious manner to say, “That is the level we should apply to our conversations, don't you think?” I interrupted him saying, “I will tell you what I think. I think that is why the silly old fool never got to know that young Plato was ‘banging’ his wife!” My interruption was uncalled for and being aware of my computer's sensitivity, and the fact that whatever senses he thinks he has, the one he most certainly has not is ‘a sense of humour.’
In an attempt to placate him and prevent him throwing one of his tantrums and running amok because of my somewhat irreverent comment, I quickly rushed on to tell him about my proposals to upgrade his system. I told him I have ordered upgrades for Dragon, Jaws, J-Say and Kurzweil.
Don't get me wrong, I am very fond of my computer but I am told these new programs will greatly enhance his coordination, without, (I hope), over loading him. The main difficulty is more likely to be installing and setting up these new programs and both of us getting together to master them.
So what of ‘the way ahead?’ Well, Joyce and I have been invited to join the Royal National Institute For The Blind at a champagne reception next week at the magnificently refurbished Glasgow Art Galleries, but I will tell you all about this next month. Joyce and I will also be flying out to spend a week with friends, David and Eleanor, at their house in Cyprus. In many respects this is my first big step out into the public world since losing my sight. I will tell you in due course how I get on with the airlines and airports. This will also be Joyce’s first holiday since my troubles began and I know she is very much looking forward to it. Strangely enough, so am I.
This month also saw the launch of my new website, http://www.myblindsite.com set up by my son Andrew. Please have a look and let me know what you think. Finally, this month sees the publication of my book ‘I’m Beginning To Forget What I Look Like.’ This is based on the previous year’s conversations with my computer and can be obtained from www.lulu.com in paperback or as a download and in paperback via www.amazon.co.uk. A short preview is available on this website - see Reflections page. All proceeds will be given to various charities for the Blind.
Well, that is my ‘way ahead’ for the next few weeks.
Posted @ 16:15:22 on 31st March 2007 - The Way Ahead