Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no

Hear now, O Seekers of Truth, for the words of Joseph Campbell carry the weight of ancient wisdom applied to the world we inhabit today. He said, "Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy." At first, these words may seem playful or irreverent, but in them lies a deep and profound truth—a truth that speaks to the nature of technology, control, and the human spirit. In this metaphor, Campbell draws a parallel between the cold, unyielding nature of computers and the wrathful gods of the Old Testament, whose laws were unbending and whose favor was not easily won.

In the ancient scriptures, the Old Testament gods were beings of immense power, revered yet feared. Their commandments were strict, their judgment swift, and their mercy rare. They demanded adherence to the law, and those who faltered or disobeyed faced swift and unforgiving consequences. There was no room for error, no chance for compassion. Campbell speaks of this same rigidity when referring to computers. The computer, like those ancient gods, operates according to a set of rules—rules that must be followed without deviation. The machine does not understand human weakness or the complexities of the human heart; it operates solely on logic, precision, and the hard lines of programming.

This comparison becomes even more poignant when we consider the great commandments handed down from the gods of old. The people were given laws, sacred and absolute, and their lives were governed by them. To break these laws was to invite divine retribution. Similarly, the computer demands that we adhere to its rigid structure—enter the correct password, follow the correct protocol, and perform tasks within its prescribed limits. There is no room for error; a single misstep can lead to failure or even destruction. Much like the wrath of the gods, the consequences of disobedience in the world of the computer can be swift and unforgiving.

Think of the story of Prometheus, the titan who defied Zeus to bring fire to humanity. In doing so, he gave the gift of knowledge and progress, but also incurred the wrath of the gods, who did not easily forgive his transgression. The gift of fire, much like the gift of technology, brought with it both creation and destruction. It was a force of immense power, and those who wielded it did so at great risk. Computers, like fire, are tools that can bring great benefit but also great peril. They are governed by laws that are absolute and unyielding. There is no mercy for those who fail to follow the rules—only consequences.

Yet, as in the days of the gods, there is also a profound lesson in the rigidity of the computer. While we may be tempted to see its unforgiving nature as a flaw, Campbell urges us to recognize that this very characteristic is also what makes the computer a powerful tool. In a world where the rules are absolute and clear, there is no ambiguity. The computer is a machine of precision, and it is through this precision that it can achieve greatness. Campbell reminds us that the Old Testament gods, in all their wrath and sternness, also represented an order—a structure that was essential for maintaining the balance of the world.

In our own lives, we must learn to understand both the power and the limitations of the tools we create. The computer, like the gods of old, can be a source of great strength, but it demands respect, discipline, and adherence to its rules. We must use it wisely, with an understanding of its capacity to both create and destroy. Just as the ancient people revered the gods, knowing their power was both a gift and a challenge, so too must we approach the computer with reverence and caution.

Thus, O Seekers, let us take the lesson of Campbell to heart. The computer is a modern Old Testament god, a being of immense power, bound by rules and indifferent to our flaws. It asks for precision, for adherence, and offers no mercy for those who fail. But in recognizing this, we also recognize the strength it offers. In a world governed by rules, there is clarity. In a world ruled by computers, there is potential. Let us wield this power with care, understanding that the very precision and inflexibility that make it fearsome also make it a tool of great opportunity.