Egypt neal stephenson ark covenant

It is interesting to note that the Egyptians made a very elaborate science of collecting, storing, and discharging large amounts of static electricity. Supposedly, a concentrated, ionized “field” would enhance the “psychic ability” of their priests. An example of this technology is the ark of the covenant and tabernacle described in the book of exodus. Or the rituals described in the book of the dead.

The difference between ignorant and educated people is that the latter know more facts. But that has nothing to do with whether they are stupid or intelligent. The difference between stupid and intelligent people–and this is true whether or not they are educated — is that intelligent people can handle subtlety. They are not baffled by ambiguous or even contradictory situations–in fact, they expect them and are apt to be suspicious when things seem overly straightforward. – Neal Stephenson, “The Diamond Age”