How can you own numbers? Numbers belong to the world.
Interpretation
Ownership of abstract concepts like numbers is meaningless because they exist independently of individuals.
In this quote, Donald Knuth challenges the idea of ownership over numbers, which are fundamental concepts that belong to the collective understanding of humanity. By asserting that numbers belong to the world, he emphasizes the notion that certain ideas and truths are universal and not confined to private possession or individual control.
In practice
In a discussion about the ethics of data ownership in technology, this quote can highlight the collective nature of knowledge.
Computer programming is an art, because it applies accumulated knowledge to the world, because it requires skill and ingenuity, and especially because it produces objects of beauty. A programmer who subconsciously views himself as an artist will enjoy what he does and will do it better.
The hardest thing is to go to sleep at night, when there are so many urgent things needing to be done. A huge gap exists between what we know is possible with today's machines and what we have so far been able to finish.
An algorithm must be seen to be believed.
The process of preparing programs for a digital computer is especially attractive, not only because it can economically and scientifically rewarding, but also because it can be an aesthetic experience much like composing poetry or music.
People who are more than casually interested in computers should have at least some idea of what the underlying hardware is like. Otherwise the programs they write will be pretty weird.
Everyday life is like programming, I guess. If you love something you can put beauty into it.
Having, First, gained all you can, and, Secondly saved all you can, Then give all you can.
She knew that the horse, born to serve nobly, had waited in vain for someone noble to serve. His spirit knew that nobility had gone out of men.
Calmness is the criterion of spiritual progress. Plunge the purified mind into the Heart. Then the work is over.
That which is impenetrable to us really exists. Behind the secrets of nature remains something subtle, intangible, and inexplicable. Veneration for this force beyond anything that we can comprehend is my religion.
Tyranny and anarchy are never far apart.
What's more valuable - intelligence or consciousness?
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