Redundant information should not interfere with information, otherwise we cannot compute its relevance. We are powerful inferential machines, always looking for a meaning in things, and quickly computing meaning by attributing intentions to those who designed communicative situations. What inferences are elicited by the information that water in this WC is not drinkable? That in other WCs it is indeed drinkable? That some people need reminding, as they would normally drink from the WC?
Orly Airport, 17 feb 2018. Image credit: RC.
Similar puzzlement arises when in this parking garage in Abu Dhabi we are reminded that it is mandatory to turn left. The plan to go full speed ahead against a wall is ruined for the day.
