Other People Exist

and are not just sense data

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Studies show that even when they are not there, other people exist, with thoughts, feelings, and desires just like you

Tuesday

Attention cat researchers

Readers know that I try to take in as many life-enriching activities as possible so that I have experiences on which I can draw to create new material for Other People Exist. Pursuant to my duties, I recently traveled to the West Coast of the United States and stayed with Doug (keeper of Kurt's Bike).

The accommodations there consist of a comfortable foam mattress thrown upon the floor and a sleeping bag of the appropriate temperature rating for Doug's unheated home.

Though I was comfortablish, Doug's cat (another story) made his presence known throughout the night as he periodically departed and returned from various nighttime maneuvers, each time using his clattersome cat door.

In addition, my position on the floor gave him full access to my person, which he took advantage of one morning:



In order to prevent further similar moments, I endeavored to create an association in Doug's cat's mind between pestering me and unpleasantness by bopping him on the nose. Cat researchers should note that this worked, as he never bothered me again during my stay.