To devise an information processing system capable of getting along on its own - it must handle its own problems of programming, bookkeeping, communication and coordination with its users. It must appear to its users as a single, integrated personality.

In this quote, Cliff Shaw describes the complex design and functionality required for an information processing system to operate independently. Shaw emphasizes that such a system must be capable of managing its own programming, bookkeeping, communication, and coordination with its users. These tasks are typically handled by external human intervention, but Shaw suggests that for the system to be truly autonomous, it must be able to manage all these aspects on its own, without relying on human input for basic operations.

Shaw further asserts that the system must not only function internally but also appear to its users as a single, cohesive entity. This is important for user experience, as a unified interface is more efficient and user-friendly. The system should present itself as having a singular, integrated personality, meaning that it should communicate and interact with users in a way that feels seamless and coherent. This eliminates confusion and enhances the overall usability of the system.

The quote points to a vision of future automation where machines or software are self-sufficient, capable of resolving their own internal issues while maintaining a high level of engagement and responsiveness with users. By doing so, such systems would make it easier for users to interact with them, without needing to understand the complexities of how they operate behind the scenes. It also implies a need for intelligence and adaptability within the system, qualities that are central to creating truly autonomous technology.

Ultimately, Shaw’s statement highlights the importance of creating systems that are both efficient and intuitive, capable of managing their own operations while still offering a seamless, user-friendly interface. This vision is particularly relevant in the context of artificial intelligence and self-learning technologies, where the goal is to reduce human involvement while improving the system’s capability to interact and function independently.