In computing there is an expression GIGO, which stands for Garbage in, garbage out.

It refers to the fact that a computer will produce garbage results if garbage input data has been provided.

Pretty obvious stuff really.

But in computing, the cost of correcting errors at the output stage is often many thousand more times as expensive as preventing the error in the first place.

That's why we have validation build into our systems, so you can't enter rubbish.

Now, some people say the brain is a bit like a computer. We say it is a computer.

And yet, how well do we prevent garbage going into our minds.

And being a computer your mind will try and process whatever is input, good or bad. It simply can't help it.

For example, try and not process the following information. 'Elvis Presley eating a burger'.

Got a nice image of Elvis eating a burger. And maybe you added a 'uh huh' for good measure. Interesting.

What does all this mean?. It means that you should guard against watching or reading rubbish. Of talking or listening to rubbish. Of feeling or behaving in a rubbish way.

Good in, good out!