The Merlon Dilemma
The Merlon Dilemma refers to a critical juncture in the life of a Merlon character where their dependence on objects and knowledge reaches a breaking point. Merlons constantly process objects (representing knowledge and information) through their thought systems. This continuous interaction is crucial for their mental productivity and sense of stability. However, the Merlon Dilemma arises when an object, or the knowledge they rely upon, loses its function or relevance.
When an object loses its function, the Merlon experiences a cognitive and emotional crisis. This situation, known as the Merlon Dilemma, can lead to several negative outcomes:
- Disintegration: The loss of a functional object causes the Merlon’s structured thought processes to disintegrate. Without the object to anchor their thoughts, their cognitive processes become chaotic and ineffective.
- Blindness: As the object loses its function, the Merlon may experience a form of intellectual blindness. Their ability to see and understand new information diminishes, leading to a decreased capacity for learning and problem-solving.
- Desperation for New Knowledge: To avoid disintegration and blindness, Merlons often become desperate to acquire new knowledge. This urgency to find new objects to process can lead to obsessive behaviors and an unhealthy fixation on acquiring information.
- Stress and Anxiety: The Merlon Dilemma triggers intense stress and anxiety. The fear of cognitive disintegration pushes Merlons to overextend themselves in their pursuit of knowledge, leading to burnout and further mental instability.