ODD THOUGHTS FOR FRIDAY (3/21/25)

A. Murphy's Laws illustrate real-world extensions of Newton's Third Law* on action. While Newton's law focuses on a single, equal and opposite reaction, life often presents multiple, varied reactions to any action. Therefore, effective decision-making requires anticipating and mitigating potential negative consequences before acting.

* “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

B. What do modern physics (quantum theory) and creationism/religion have in common? Answer. Both use probability theory in an essential way to tell and then prove their story, one through the famous wave equation and the other through the unlikelihood of evolutionary events. While the physicists talk about wave-particle duality, theologists talk about a mind-spirit duality. Physicists talk about particle entanglement, while deists talk about kindred spirits. In the realm of spiritual connections, a concept often considered "stronger" than kindred spirits is a "twin flame"; while kindred spirits share similar interests and understanding, a twin flame relationship is characterized by a deeper, almost mystical connection often involving intense passion, mirroring, and a sense of completion that can feel almost soul-level.

C. Albert Einstein tells us, "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Next time you give a work presentation, run it by your spouse or kids the night before. Their questions could help.

Comments

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

Uncertainty is Certain G. Donald Allen 12/12/2024 1. Introduction . This short essay is about uncertainty in people from both secular and nonsecular viewpoints. One point that will emerge is that randomly based uncertainty can be a driver for religious structure. Many groups facing uncertainty about their future are deeply religious or rely on faith as a source of comfort, resilience, and guidance. The intersection of uncertainty and religiosity often stems from the human need to find meaning, hope, and stability in the face of unpredictable or challenging circumstances. We first take up the connections of uncertainty to religion for the first real profession, farming, noting that hunting has many similar uncertainties. Below are groups that commonly lean on religious beliefs amidst uncertainty. This short essay is a follow-up to a previous piece on certainty (https://used-ideas.blogspot.com/2024/12/certainty-is-also-emotion.html). U...

Where is AI (Artificial Intelligence) Going?

How to view Artificial Intelligence (AI). Imagine you go to the store to buy a TV, but all they have are 1950s models, black and white, circular screens, picture rolls, and picture imperfect, no remote. You’d say no thanks. Back in the day, they sold wildly. The TV was a must-have for everyone with $250 to spend* (about $3000 today). Compared to where AI is today, this is more or less where TVs were 70 years ago. In only a few decades AI will be advanced beyond comprehension, just like TVs today are from the 50s viewpoint. Just like we could not imagine where the video concept was going back then, we cannot really imagine where AI is going. Buckle up. But it will be spectacular. *Back then minimum wage was $0.75/hr. Thus, a TV cost more than eight weeks' wages. -------------------------

Principles of Insufficiency and Sufficiency

The principles we use but don't know it. 1. Introduction . Every field, scientific or otherwise, rests on foundational principles—think buoyancy, behavior, or democracy. Here, we explore a unique subset: principles modified by "insufficiency" and "sufficiency." While you may never have heard of them, you use them often. These terms frame principles that blend theory, practicality, and aspiration, by offering distinct perspectives. Insufficiency often implies inaction unless justified, while sufficiency suggests something exists or must be done. We’ll examine key examples and introduce a new principle with potential significance. As a principle of principles of these is that something or some action is not done enough while others may be done too much. The first six (§2-6) of our principles are in the literature, and you can easily search them online. The others are relatively new, but fit the concepts in the real world. At times, these pri...

First Blog

Search This Blog