Chapter 2 — Signals

In the STLR explanation, everything begins with Signals.

A Signal is any input available to the system. Signals do not contain meaning by themselves. They are raw input that the system may process.

What Counts as a Signal?

• light entering the eyes
• sound entering the ears
• touch, pressure, and temperature
• smell and taste
• internal body states such as hunger, pain, or pleasure

At this stage, there is no understanding. Only input.

Signals Do Not Contain Meaning

Signals by themselves do not mean anything. The same Signal can lead to different interpretations depending on the system receiving it.

Signals Are Passive

Signals do not organize, decide, or store themselves. They simply arrive.

Why Signals Matter

Everything begins as a Signal. Without Signals, there can be:

• no perception
• no learning
• no memory
• no meaning