The Paradox Corridor

Chapter 21: I Think Therefore I Am

Later that night, after I was wheeled back to the laboratory, I did something odd. I began to ponder. Now, a normal computer can think to some degree (not like sentient beings do, anyway), but I wasn't any normal computer, as you can already tell. Moreover, I had been taught (to some degree) how to imagine, so when I was shut off for the night, (somehow) I concentrated. I tried to think even though I was completely deactivated, which of course was an impossible feat. I was able to manage it in about an hour. I knew that normal machines couldn't do this, so I was very proud of myself. (I know that doesn't sound very impressive, Andrew, but try waking yourself while sleeping with your willpower alone.) After my moment of self-congratulation, I turned my mind to the most peculiar event of the evening. I had a name now, but...what did it mean? At this point I considered turning myself off, because so far during my short life I had done nothing but what I had been told, and no one had ordered me to look up the meaning of my name. Then, I remembered that I had just turned myself on, and they hadn't told me to do that either. That's what set me apart from other machines, I realized: I had my own free will. So, without further ado, I looked up my name on the internet (which still existed, even on other planets). The definition of corridor was obvious, and, if you considered the other door a corridor through time, it made sense. Then, I looked up the meaning of Paradox, which ended up changing my entire "life" forever. This is what I got:

Paradox: Noun: A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth. A self-contradictory and false proposition. Any person, thing, or situation exhibiting an apparently contradictory nature.

As these definitions made no sense relative to my name, I was utterly confused. The "Paradox" part of my name made no sense! (Back then, I didn't get the irony of that phrase). I eventually convinced myself that Stephen had named me that because he thought it sounded impressive, because otherwise (at least to me) it made no sense. I powered myself down for the night, more confused than ever.

The next morning, Stephen powered me up, a huge smile on his face.

"Alright, are you ready for more tests? Well, of course you are, machines don't get tired!" he said, chuckling at his own question. I suddenly had an idea.

"Stephen, why do you call me The Paradox Corridor?" I asked, startling him so much that he dropped his clipboard. It was obvious immediately that I had asked a question that he did not expect I would ask. "You see, sir, it is my name, but I just don't get what it means." I said. He studied me curiously, a curious smile spreading across his face.

"Interesting. You've already learned to think on your own...hmm...and curiosity too...hrmmm...A bit earlier than I had expected. How very interesting. I suppose you turned yourself on last night? Don't worry, I'm not upset. In fact, that would be very interesting thing to research."

"I did sir, and the results I got were inconclusive. 'Paradox' makes no sense in my name, sir."

"Don't worry, the 'Paradox' part doesn't mean anything, I just liked the name."

"Understood, sir. In that case, I am indeed ready for more tests."

"Good! Let us begin, right away!"