We have a picture for how complexity arises, because if the universe is computationally capable, maybe we shouldn't be so surprised that things are so entirely out of control.
Seth LloydRead
In order to figure out how to make atoms compute, you have to learn how to speak their language and to understand how they process information under normal circumstances.
Interpretation
Understanding atoms' behavior is essential for building computational systems at the atomic level.
This quote emphasizes the need to deeply understand the fundamental principles of atomic behavior in order to develop technologies that utilize atomic-scale computations. It suggests that a thorough grasp of how atoms operate is key to innovating in the field of quantum computing and other advanced technologies.
In practice
During a lecture on quantum computing, I quoted Seth Lloyd to emphasize the importance of understanding atomic behavior.
We have a picture for how complexity arises, because if the universe is computationally capable, maybe we shouldn't be so surprised that things are so entirely out of control.
The history of the universe is, in effect, a huge and ongoing quantum computation. The universe is a quantum computer.
All physical systems can be thought of as registering and processing information, and how one wishes to define computation will determine your view of what computation consists of.
When we benefit from CT scanners, M.R.I. devices, pacemakers and arterial stents, we can immediately appreciate how science affects the quality of our lives.
Science is among the most profoundly human of our activities. Far from being subsumed by the dehumanising effects of technology, science, in fact, remains our last stand against it.
Innovation is everyones responsibility, not just R&Ds.
Science is a way to teach how something gets to be known, what is not known, to what extent things are known (for nothing is known absolutely), how to handle doubt and uncertainty, what the rules of evidence are, how to think about things so that judgments can be made, how to distinguish truth from fraud, and from show.
Every work of science great enough to be well remembered for a few generations affords some exemplification of the defective state of the art of reasoning of the time when it was written; and each chief step in science has been a lesson in logic.
I remember it was hard to believe that I was taking a step onto the lunar surface.
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