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Does it make any difference? I think this would call for some extensive sociological surveys among bacteria in petri dishes. How do you feel about take this on as a research topic, if we can arrange European Social Fund grants, Jackie?
Not unlike existentialist philosophy or Calvinist determinism. You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.
And does it make any difference if that is so?
Not to me. I just keep doing....(BTW, your moniker is hilarious)
> And does it make any difference if that is so?
Not to me. I just keep doing
So you're damned if you will?
(Moniker is partly because I live in Rhubarb City )
Finally, a subject I know something about! The Earth was not built to compute a more meaningful answer than "42," it was built to determine the question to which the answer was 42. Here are some relevant excerpts:
"Alright," said Deep Thought. "The Answer to the Great Question
"Of Life, the Universe and Everything ..." said Deep Thought.
"Is ..." said Deep Thought, and paused.
"42."
"I checked it very thoroughly," said the computer, "and that
quite definitely is the answer. I think the problem, to be quite
honest with you, is that you've never actually known what the
question is."
"But it was the Great Question! The Ultimate Question of Life,
the Universe and Everything!" howled Loonquawl.
"Yes," said Deep Thought with the air of one who suffers fools
gladly, "but what actually is it?"
"I speak of none other than the computer that is to come after
me," intoned Deep Thought, his voice regaining its accustomed
declamatory tones. "A computer whose merest operational
parameters I am not worthy to calculate - and yet I will design
it for you. A computer which can calculate the Question to the
Ultimate Answer, a computer of such infinite and subtle
complexity that organic life itself shall form part of its
operational matrix. And you yourselves shall take on new forms
and go down into the computer to navigate its ten-million-year
program! Yes! I shall design this computer for you. And I shall
name it also unto you. And it shall be called ... The Earth."
Sorry, but HHGTTG is one of my favourite works of fiction. Please forgive me for indulging my passion.
"Nationalism is an infantile disease, the measles of humanity" - Albert Einstein
hehehe... sorry to tell you this, but you'll find several other Douglas Adams references among fellow fans here (couldn't resist... all in good fun)
I would have expected nothing less from such literate yobs!For once, I am not apologising for rehashing old threads. The apology was proffered in connection with the length of the post, not its content, for which I would not apologise. I guess I was also apologising for having the temerity to correct someone, which is not something I am wont to do.
"Nationalism is an infantile disease, the measles of humanity" - Albert Einstein
Not at all, Max - you are quite correct, of course - it is a while since I read it, and my daughter has "borrowed" my copy, so I couldn't check. Anyone who cites HHGTG as a favourite book has to be a good and honest citizen, worthy of the respect of all.
The main thrust of my argument is not totally destroyed, I believe - although misquoting a source does tend to lose you marks.
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