All sorts of computer errors are now turning up. You'd be surprised to know the number of doctors who claim they are treating pregnant men.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the absurdity of computer errors and misconceptions in modern society, particularly in the context of medicine.
Isaac Asimov's quote humorously addresses the confusion and errors that technological advancements can bring, especially in fields like medicine. It suggests that as computers and technology become more integrated into our lives, they can sometimes produce results that challenge our understanding of reality, leading to ridiculous conclusions such as doctors treating pregnant menβa concept that is biologically impossible for cisgender men. Asimov uses this absurdity to critique the reliance on technology and the potential consequences of misinformation.
In practice
Using this quote in a presentation on technology's impacts in healthcare.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people into the world, the value of life not only declines, but it disappears. It doesn't matter if someone dies.
Science does not promise absolute truth, nor does it consider that such a thing necessarily exists. Science does not even promise that everything in the Universe is amenable to the scientific process.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation.
Although the time of death is approaching me, I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell or (what would be considerably worse) going to the popularized version of Heaven. I expect death to be nothingness and, for removing me from all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
During the century after Newton, it was still possible for a man of unusual attainments to master all fields of scientific knowledge. But by 1800, this had become entirely impracticable.
The sciences, even the best,-mathematics and astronomy,-are like sportsmen, who seize whatever prey offers, even without being able to make any use of it.
Time travel was once considered scientific heresy, and I used to avoid talking about it for fear of being labelled a 'crank.'
The smaller the planets are, they are, other things being equal, of so much the greater density; for so the powers of gravity on their several surfaces come nearer to equality. They are likewise, other things being equal, of the greater density, as they are nearer to the sun.
Let us not fool ourselves into thinking we went to the Moon because we are pioneers, or discoverers, or adventurers. We went to the Moon because it was the militaristically expedient thing to do.
We find, therefore, under this orderly arrangement, a wonderful symmetry in the universe, and a definite relation of harmony in the motion and magnitude of the orbs, of a kind that is not possible to obtain in any other way.
Any difficulties which the world faces today will be as nothing compared to the full effects which global warming will have on the world-wide economy.
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