In foreign countries, people waste the flower of their youth—and what remains of their old age—in scientific research, transforming it into inventions that reach us cold and effortless, without headache or toil. Recently, these foreign experts managed to identify the part of the brain responsible for lying. This lying, which some call a vice or idle gossip, has now been addressed: they invented a device that sends a mild, painless electric current to a person’s head to determine whether they are speaking the truth or talking nonsense.
In its early days, computers occupied entire rooms, and then gradually evolved until they fit inside a mobile phone, held in one’s hand alongside a pack of cigarettes. The lie detector may follow the same trajectory, initially used in state institutions such as customs, tax offices, police, security services, and courts. Its use may expand to parliamentary sessions, cabinet meetings, and eventually, some transparent governments may broadcast such sessions on television, showing the devices attached to the heads of speakers.
This device could even be officially used in UN sessions, Security Council meetings, and OPEC gatherings. Eventually, it may become a personal device like a mobile phone, so commonplace that friends in a café place their devices on the table, automatically targeting anyone who speaks. Lovers in a cafeteria may each point their devices at the other, leading to shouting and scowling. At home, this could lead to conflicts, rising divorce rates, or even spouses stealing each other’s devices.
Some sensible couples might agree not to activate the device at home, or lovers might turn off their devices during meetings. It may become a custom for seminar or political event organizers to demand all devices be switched off, with violators expelled.
Undoubtedly, this invention will create countless problems worldwide. Some lies bring joy to the heart. There is a small chance this device could reduce lying or keep it to a minimum among people. It is also certain that prudent governments—especially in Arab countries—concerned with national unity, will do their utmost to counteract this device, as it only sows discord, undermines understanding, and disrupts societal harmony.
Of course, these governments will likely limit its use to places that serve their interests, which are always tied to the country’s benefit, and in turn, the citizen’s welfare.
Source: Syrian newspaper “Al-Thawra”
Motasem Dalati
11 February 2010
