About two years after I was born Isaac Asimov wrote a story called “The Dead Past.” The story centered around an invention that could capture images from long ago (supposedly), and the effect of those images on those who used the invention. When I searched for the story to refresh my memory on when it was written, I noticed that there is a .pdf version of the story. It may be in the public domain, and the curious may be able to read it at no charge.

Twenty years later Damon Knight wrote a story called “I See You.” It had a similar invention, but one that was available to everyone. It too is worth reading, and I am grateful to have read it about 45 years ago, because it was a cautionary tale with a chilling message: Sooner or later EVERYONE will be able to watch EVERYONE ELSE do WHATEVER THEY DID during their ENTIRE LIFE. So it behooves us to act as if we are being watched 24/7.

Alas, my behavior is all too often shameful, and I would be mortified if other parties saw what I had done. But when I am mindful, and because the story has more than started to come true, I am careful what I do and say.

This latest installment in my “n.e.s.” series addresses the issue of surveillance. It was informed by the Asimov and Knight stories mentioned above, but also by daily modern life.