2 Matching Annotations
  1. Jan 2025
    1. Before electronic computers were generally available, when scientists wanted the results of some calculations, they sometimes hired “computers” [b114], which were people trained to perform the calculations.

      This concept reminds me of an interesting plot in《Three Body Problem》, where, in the three-body-problem visual game, a simplified "human computer" is described: assuming there are three people facing to each other, holding either red or white light, if a person see both the others hold white light, he would hold the white light as well; otherwise he would hold the red light. This game happens to represent the binary system in computer.

    1. Being and becoming an exemplary person (e.g., benevolent; sincere; honoring and sacrificing to ancestors; respectful to parents, elders and authorities, taking care of children and the young; generous to family and others). These traits are often performed and achieved through ceremonies and rituals (including sacrificing to ancestors, music, and tea drinking), resulting in a harmonious society.

      The ethics of interpersonal relationships advocated by the Confucianism significantly lead to a harmonious society. Granted, some of the ideas behind are arguable. For instance, in most cases, being respectful to the elders could be seen as decent behaviors; however, it could also be interpreted as a compromise to authority in some cases. Specifically, if there's conflict between "respectful to authorities" and our own ethical beliefs, should harmony still be the primary pursuit?