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Complex Numbers
Complex Numbers
A complex number is expressed in the standard form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is defined by i^2 = -1 (that is, i is the square root of -1). For example, 3 + 2i is a complex number.
The bi term is often referred to as an imaginary number (though this may be misleading, as it is no more "imaginary" than the symbolic abstractions we know as the "real" numbers). Thus, every complex number has a real part, a, and an imaginary part, bi.
Complex numbers are often represented on a graph known as the "complex plane," where the horizontal axis represents the infinity of real numbers, and the vertical axis represents the infinity of imaginary numbers. Thus, each complex number has a unique representation on the complex plane: some closer to real; others, more imaginary. If a = b, the number is equal parts real and imaginary.
Very simple transformations applied to numbers in the complex plane can lead to fractal structures of enormous intricacy and astonishing beauty.
January 26, 2021 at 12:22am January 26, 2021 at 12:22am
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PROMPT January 26th
Do you practice mindfulness or meditation? How often? On an average day, how often are you intentionally aware of your mental state and emotions?
Hm, let me just become aware of my emotions right now...
"Mindfulness."
I've made it a habit to rant against this "mindfulness" bullshit in here in the past. Here are some of the entries excoriating the nonsense:
Living in the present makes us less than human: "Brains"
Mindfulness isn't necessary for self-actualization: "Inspiration"
Mindfulness is snake oil: "Mind over Matter"
Mindfulness is incompatible with setting life goals: "Millionaire Blues"
It probably encourages complacency: "If You Don't Mindful"
"The Pursuit of Grumpiness"
Using mindfulness to cure depression can cause depression: "Animal, Vegetable, Mineral"
So you can see I've given "mindfulness" way more thought than it actually deserves, it being dangerous nonsense and all. It's just a way for charlatan New Age gurus to sell more New Age gurufiction by taking advantage of peoples' dissatisfaction with life. "Instead of actually changing things, I'll buy this book / watch this video and work on making myself complacent." It's the worst type of navel-gazing when what we need to do these days is to be focused more outward.
Oh, sure, people can seem to get something out of it at first, but the same could be said for any new way of thinking or viewing life.
As for meditation, well, if it works for you, fine. It annoys me when it's not actively putting me to sleep.
I feel like I'm always aware of my mental state or emotions. I may not always like what I become aware of, but it's like breathing: no one needs to tell you to "breathe." You're always breathing, or you'd be dead. Oh, sure, maybe you can improve on the way you breathe, but anything can always be improved. Similarly, you're always thinking, and you can train yourself to think better.
And do you really believe that someone whose entire purpose in life is to sell books and get paid to do seminars and shit is going to encourage people to think for themselves? People thinking independently is exactly what every huckster is afraid of.
So no, I don't buy into this horseshit. |
© Copyright 2024 Robert Waltz (UN: cathartes02 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved. Robert Waltz has granted InkSpot.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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