Reply To 42

42
As some of you may be aware, according to Douglas Adams the answer to the meaning of life, the universe, and everything, is 42. The question, paraphrased, is what is 6 times 9?

At first glance, this seems like a ridiculous statement, and that's certainly fitting with the rest of the book. However, if we start looking for ways in which the answer fits the question, it becomes clear that 6 * 9 = 42 only iff you're using a base-13 counting system. This has the inference that life, the universe, and everything, really operates in a base-13 reality (as opposed to base-10 which we commonly use, or base-2 or base-16 which are both common for computers).

What are the consequences of this?
David, Tuesday, 5-3-05 12:05 PM
re: 42
Despite the fact that I don't care, you mean?

;)
Tauna, Tuesday, 5-3-05 12:58 PM
re: 42
It means we're living in a fundamentally unlucky universe.
And also an irrational one. I mean, I can't think of a numbering system w/ an odd-numbered base could be actually *usefull.*

Also, your statement "only iff" is redundant. I am sure you know why.
Annette, Tuesday, 5-3-05 3:47 PM
re: 42
> Also, your statement "only iff" is redundant. I am sure you
> know why.
Yes, I know why. *sigh* It's what I get for revising my message without reading things through at the end to make sure I've actually written what I want to write.

And Tauna, I know you really do care quite deeply.
David, Wednesday, 5-4-05 10:47 AM
re: 42
What did you score on that geek test again Dave ? I want a re-count.
kyle, Monday, 5-9-05 2:34 PM
re: 42
I took my points for all Hitchhiker-related questions, as well as for all relevant mathematical questions.
David, Tuesday, 5-10-05 12:33 PM
Title 
Content

Link (Optional)
Link Title (appears as clickable, underlined text)
Your Name: