The meaning of life, the universe and everything
Discussion
For fans of Douglas Adams and geeks everywhere the answer is 42.
Ironically it is around 42 years since I saw the TV series and I have just read an explanation of why Deep Thought answered 42. I have no idea if it is correct. Too good to be true?
Anyway, explanation is that in early computer programming an asterisk meant “whatever you want it to be” and in ASCII, 42 is the designation for an asterisk.
Anyone know a better explanation/theory?
Ironically it is around 42 years since I saw the TV series and I have just read an explanation of why Deep Thought answered 42. I have no idea if it is correct. Too good to be true?
Anyway, explanation is that in early computer programming an asterisk meant “whatever you want it to be” and in ASCII, 42 is the designation for an asterisk.
Anyone know a better explanation/theory?
Number 1 - because your parents brought you into the world
Number 3 - yes
Number 2 - is a bit trickier but i suspect it is all some sort of elaborate prank being played by someone or something that is beyond our comprehension and it or they are having a bloody good laugh at the Human Race bumbling about trying to make ourselves better than the next person.
Once we figure that out and can all get along just fine together, then maybe the prank will be over
Number 3 - yes
Number 2 - is a bit trickier but i suspect it is all some sort of elaborate prank being played by someone or something that is beyond our comprehension and it or they are having a bloody good laugh at the Human Race bumbling about trying to make ourselves better than the next person.
Once we figure that out and can all get along just fine together, then maybe the prank will be over
Skeptisk said:
For fans of Douglas Adams and geeks everywhere the answer is 42.
Ironically it is around 42 years since I saw the TV series and I have just read an explanation of why Deep Thought answered 42. I have no idea if it is correct. Too good to be true?
Anyway, explanation is that in early computer programming an asterisk meant “whatever you want it to be” and in ASCII, 42 is the designation for an asterisk.
Anyone know a better explanation/theory?
While this explanation is intriguing and fits nicely with the themes of the book, Douglas Adams himself dispelled such notions. In various interviews and statements, Adams explained that there was no hidden meaning behind the number 42. He said:Ironically it is around 42 years since I saw the TV series and I have just read an explanation of why Deep Thought answered 42. I have no idea if it is correct. Too good to be true?
Anyway, explanation is that in early computer programming an asterisk meant “whatever you want it to be” and in ASCII, 42 is the designation for an asterisk.
Anyone know a better explanation/theory?
"The answer to this is very simple. It was a joke. It had to be a number, an ordinary, smallish number, and I chose that one."
"I sat at my desk, stared into the garden and thought '42 will do.' I typed it out. End of story."
Adams emphasized that he chose 42 arbitrarily, intending it as a humorous and nonsensical answer to an equally nonsensical question. He discouraged overanalyzing the choice, suggesting that the humor lay in its absurdity.
Chauffard said:
WrekinCrew said:
Wikipedia quotes Douglas Adams saying it was just a joke with no subtle meaning or hidden significance.
Well he would say that, It is strange that Molybdenum, an element essential to life on earth, has the atomic number 42.Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff