Anyone who attempts to generate random numbers by deterministic means is, of course, living in a state of sin.

Anyone who attempts to generate random numbers by deterministic means is, of course, living in a state of sin.

By the time (the Leaning Tower of Pisa) was 10% built, everyone knew it would be a total disaster. But read more

By the time (the Leaning Tower of Pisa) was 10% built, everyone knew it would be a total disaster. But the investment was so big they felt compelled to go on. Since its completion, it cost a fortune to maintain and is still in danger of collapsing. There are no plans to replace it, since it was never needed in the first place. I expect every installation has its own pet software which is analogous to the above.

However far modern science and techniques have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least one read more

However far modern science and techniques have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least one lesson: Nothing is impossible.

Science and technology multiply around us. To an increasing extent they dictate the languages in which we speak and think. read more

Science and technology multiply around us. To an increasing extent they dictate the languages in which we speak and think. Either we use those languages, or we remain mute.

...there is no prescribed route to follow to arrive at a new idea. You have to make the intuitive leap. read more

...there is no prescribed route to follow to arrive at a new idea. You have to make the intuitive leap. But the difference is that once you've made the intuitive leap you have to justify it by filling in the intermediate steps. In my case, it often happens that I have an idea, but then I try to fill in the intermediate steps and find that they don't work, so I have to give it up.

The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.

The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage.

I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.

I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them.

From now on we live in a world where man has walked on the Moon. It's not a miracle; we read more

From now on we live in a world where man has walked on the Moon. It's not a miracle; we just decided to go.

It doesn't matter how new an idea is: what matters is how new it becomes.

It doesn't matter how new an idea is: what matters is how new it becomes.