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.
Dissent is the native activity of the scientist, and it has got him into a good deal of trouble in the last years. But if that is cut off, what is left will not be a scientist. And I doubt whether it will be a man.
The question of whether or to what extent human activities are causing global warming is not a matter of ideology, let alone of belief. The issue is simply one of risk management.
Emissions of greenhouse gases warm the planet, altering the carbon and water cycles. A warmer ocean stores more heat, providing more fuel for hurricanes. A warmer atmosphere holds more water, bringing dangerous deluges. Rising sea levels threaten coastal zones.
Studies show that organically grown crops produce more of the things (ascorbic acid, lycopenes, resveratrol, flavonols in general, etc) that our bodies need and also have less toxic residue. Science is still catching up with this. J. Agric. Food. Chem. Vol. 51, no. 5, 2003.
The problem of neurology is to understand man himself.
We need to download scientific journals and upload them to file-sharing networks.
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