Wherever we find orderly, stable systems in Nature, we find that they are hierarchically structured, for the simple reason that without such structuring of complex systems into sub-assemblies, there could be no order and stability- except the order of a dead universe filled with a uniformly distributed gas.
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It is against the grain of modern education to teach children to program. What fun is there in making plans, read more
It is against the grain of modern education to teach children to program. What fun is there in making plans, acquiring discipline in organizing thoughts, devoting attention to detail, and learning to be self-critical?
You think that a wall as solid as the earth separates civilization from barbarism. I tell you the division is read more
You think that a wall as solid as the earth separates civilization from barbarism. I tell you the division is a thread, a sheet of glass. A touch here, a push there, and you bring back the reign of Saturn.
The test of civilization is the estimate of woman. Among savages she is a slave. In the dark ages of read more
The test of civilization is the estimate of woman. Among savages she is a slave. In the dark ages of Christianity she is a toy and a sentimental goddess. With increasing moral light, and greater liberty, and more universal justice, she begins to develop as an equal human being.
The nature of a society is largely determined by the direction in which talent and ambition flow--by the tilt of read more
The nature of a society is largely determined by the direction in which talent and ambition flow--by the tilt of the social landscape.
The best way I know to win an argument is to start by being in the right.
The best way I know to win an argument is to start by being in the right.
Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it by hiding
Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it by hiding
The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, read more
The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children's games from the beginning, and will probably do it till the end, which is a nuisance for the few people who grow up. And one of the games to which it is most attached is called, ''Keep tomorrow dark,'' and which is also named (by the rustics in Shropshire, I have no doubt) ''Cheat the Prophet.'' The players listen very carefully and respectfully to all that the clever men have to say about what is to happen in the next generation. The players then wait until all the clever men are dead, and bury them nicely. Then they go and do something else. That is all. For a race of simple tastes, however, it is great fun.
The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic, and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it read more
The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic, and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant, and kind. Failure makes people bitter and cruel.
Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
