In order to figure out how to make atoms compute, you have to learn how to speak their language and to understand how they process information under normal circumstances.
Seth LloydRead
We have a picture for how complexity arises, because if the universe is computationally capable, maybe we shouldn't be so surprised that things are so entirely out of control.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the complex nature of the universe can be understood through computational principles, implying that chaos is to be expected.
Seth Lloyd's quote speaks to the idea that the universe operates on principles of computation. If we accept that the universe has the capacity for complex and chaotic interactions, then the seemingly uncontrollable aspects of reality should not be surprising, as they are a natural outcome of this complexity. It highlights the intricate relationship between computation and the understanding of chaos in the universe.
Themes
ComplexityUniverseChaosComputationControl
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the nature of the universe, one could quote this to illustrate the unpredictability of cosmic events.
More from Seth Lloyd
All quotes βThe history of the universe is, in effect, a huge and ongoing quantum computation. The universe is a quantum computer.
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All physical systems can be thought of as registering and processing information, and how one wishes to define computation will determine your view of what computation consists of.
Seth LloydRead
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