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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.




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January 26, 2022 at 12:09am
January 26, 2022 at 12:09am
#1025394
First of all, there might be erratic post timing from me over the weekend. I'm going beer tasting out of town. (Still don't have a car; someone else is driving.)

And now for a "JAFBGOpen in new Window. [XGC] prompt...

Have you ever run into the "Is this all there is to life?" existential crisis? How do you get past it?


No.

It's not like I've never asked myself that question; it's just that it never sank to the level of "existential crisis."

The root cause of existential crises, as I see it anyway, is that we're fooled into believing that life has a meaning, or a purpose.

It does not.

Believing that it does necessarily results in thinking about what that might be. Some people might find their own meaning or purpose, and they're content to live in accordance with it. That's fine, too. All I'm saying is that the initial assumption is faulty. You can build a house on a strong foundation, but if the underlying soil is unstable, it doesn't matter how solid the house is or how strong the foundation is; it will crack, tilt, sink, or get washed away in the next flood.

Once you realize that, ultimately, nothing has a meaning save that which we project upon it, you can just live life.

I'm sure a bunch of people would question the invalidity of that assumption.

"Isn't the purpose of life to reproduce?" That's a big part of the definition of life, but it's not a "purpose." Besides, we can choose not to do so, as I have, and still lead a satisfying life. Sometimes more satisfying, because there's less drama and disappointment involved. (Let's table for now the question of whether we actually choose anything.)

"But what about all the bearded philosopher types who claim to have found the meaning?" What about them? None of them stand up to objective scrutiny, as is obvious because the beards each have their own, often mutually exclusive, take on it.

"Forty-two!" Oh, give it a rest already.

I guess the philosopher who sums it up best for me is Jim Steinman, who wrote the following immortal lines for Meat Loaf to belt out:

Who am I? Why am I here?
Forget the questions, someone get me another beer
What's the meaning of life? What's the meaning of it all?
You gotta learn to dance before you learn to crawl
You gotta learn to dance before you learn to crawl




If you want my views of history, then there's something you should know
The three men I admire most are Curly, Larry, and Moe
Don't worry about the future, sooner or later it's the past
If they say the thrill is gone then it's time to take it back
If the thrill is gone then it's time to take it back


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