Barden considered. Perhaps if this could be presented as such it would be better than no presentation at all. Let them think him a crackpot. He'd win in the end. He would give his talk on the basis mentioned and then if there were any discussion afterwards he might be able to speak convincingly enough to start a train of thought.
"I'll do it," he said.
"Good," said Hansen. "The ability to think in semantic symbols is valuable, and every man could use a better grasp of abstract thought. Your paper will be presented next week, here. We'll put you on the schedule for one o'clock."
Confidently, Tom Barden faced the sectional group of the Terran Physical Society and made his talk. He noted the interest present on every one of the eighty-nine faces. He prayed for a good reception, for he might be asked to present this paper at the international meeting, later. He felt that he was getting an excellent reception, for he had their interest.
He finished his speech and sat down. A buzz filled the room during the recess before discussion, and Barden saw with considerable interest that heads were nodding eagerly. Then the chairman rapped with his gavel.
"There will now be an open discussion," he said.
The buzz stopped.
"Any questions?" asked Chairman Hansen.
A hand went up near the back, and was recognized.