Search Record Concerning Decorative Towel Immunity
A reconstruction of the cognitive path leading to the conclusion that the nice towel should not be touched.
Search Record: Decorative Towel Immunity
The following represents a reconstructed timeline of queries and observations recorded at the time of the incident.
09:14 , Subject observes bathroom. Notes that two towels are available: the regular towel, which is slightly damp and folded over the rail, and the good towel, which is displayed on a ring near the mirror.
09:14 , Subject considers good towel.
09:15 , Subject reaches for regular towel.
09:15 , Reconstruction query initiated: why is the good towel not being used
09:15 , Subject response: "It would mess up how it looks."
09:16 , Follow-up query: but towels are for drying
09:16 , Subject response: "Yes."
09:16 , Clarifying query: so using the good towel is within the scope of towel function
09:16 , Subject response: "I know. I know."
09:17 , The regular towel is used.
Reconstruction Summary
The decorative towel arrived in the bathroom approximately fourteen months ago. At the time of arrival, the subject described it as "something nice." In the weeks following its placement, the towel was not used on two separate occasions when using it would have been convenient. By the third occasion, it had been clean long enough that using it would have been the first use, which carries an initiating significance that the subject found slightly uncomfortable to perform alone.
The towel is now a fixture. Its cleanliness is the evidence that it has achieved fixture status. The regular towel absorbs wear. The good towel absorbs light.
Associated Observations
Guests use the good towel without hesitation. They do not know it is the good towel. The subject watches this happen without comment and then rehangs the good towel after the guests leave. This does not disturb the arrangement.
Current Status
The good towel remains clean. The regular towel will need to be replaced at some point. The good towel will then become the regular towel. A new good towel will be acquired. The cycle will restart.