All we knew was that the virus acted very specifically: it took out an idea, excised it from the mind, and left a taboo in its stead.
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Those affected became unable to think certain thoughts: if they so much as resembled the killed idea, they fizzled.
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Philosophy grew a new branch: Much like neurologists learn about the brain by studying specific lesions, they now examined ontologies.
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Mathematicians created new formalisms and a calculus of minds: Some were now utterly incompatible, requiring a mediator chosen by algorithm.
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The ontotypical mainstream consisted of people whose minds had taken only grazing hits. Still, language adapted in fascinating ways. Had to.
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But others segregated themselves into new communities. They would settle in cities that knew no straight lines, right angles, or lacked red.
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The dream of the great unifying theory, the cathedral, was destroyed. In its place, we built many small temples. Babel.