Most people knows this joke: “Americans have spent millions of dollars to develop a pen that would work in zero gravity. Russians use pencils.”
Here is another example of a difference in problem solving, but this time — from real life:
The problem: A centrifuge has 12 spaces for test tubes. Whenever one puts the tubes in the centrifuge, they need to be balanced. For instance, if you number the spaces from 1 to 12, and you’re inserting four tubes, they have to be positioned at the places 1, 7, 2 and 8 (or 1, 7, 3 and 9; etc.). Question: how should you balance five test tubes?
A mathematician’s/physicist’s approach: First balance three tubes. Do it by placing one tube and then placing two tubes such that they are equidistant from each other and from the first tube. Having balanced the three tubes, insert the other two such that they are also balanced. For example, you can have the tubes at the positions 1, 5, 9, 2 and 8.
A biologist’s approach: Hmm. Five doesn’t divide in two. Hmm. Take a sixth test tube, fill it with enough water to approximately balance one of the test tubes. Now we have six test tubes. Put them in the positions 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9.
40 comments:
You're a biologist?
What did you think I was?
It merely surprised me that you'd fall into the second category in this situation.
Of a biologist or of someone who balances with the sixth test tube?
I am listening to lecture on the differences between men and women. The important thing to keep in mind is that these are driving forces. You can have biologists who are more math-oriented than physicists and men who are more grounded than women.
Of someone who is so practically minded...
Women are grounded? Like I should touch one if lightning strikes?
You think I am not practical?
You should touch one if you’re feeling your soul being ripped out of your body by the desire to be close to your Father in Heaven. Or have her remind you to wash dishes. Alternatively, you can use a bagel (in this particular situation; in most others, women work better).
Well, I wouldn't quite put it like that...
Does bagel not say to you, "Dishes!"?
Don’t worry. I am not. Just don’t tell my future wife. (Plus, I would definitely do the more difficult approach, because 1) I am a snob who thinks difficult = better, 2) I like to waste my time on neat little things rather than do the actual work.)
If you make your chocolate soy milk (that you have with your cereal) Irish and then mix in some drugs, your bagel will tell you to wash the dishes. Ever read a book called A man who mistook his wife for a hat? (It was about patients with interesting neurological problems.) Good thing he didn’t mistake her for a bagel.
Because when he tried to put cream cheese on her it wouldn't stick very well?
Imagination paints things both great and terrible.
Terrible=cream cheese
great=lox
My single status precludes me from making comments.
Also, I need to go to sleep.
:)
au revoir then
Regarding touching a woman when in danger of being struck by lightning: it’s definitely better to bring a woman along if you’re going to a forest where you’re afraid to meet a bear.
Unless it's Marion Jones we're talking about.
Just break her leg.
That's a nice way to treat a woman.
What can I say? All biologists are this way.
Is this some sort of evolutionary thing?
Neuroscientists are the most evolved species. We’ve evolved from biologists, physicists, psychologists, and philatelists. And we treat our women nicely too. (In every year of Neuro program, there are 4 girls and 4 guys. And all three of my advisers are women.) We release our pent-up aggression on mice and sometimes squirrels (that picture of tRP on my FB account is a squirrel’s head).
4 girls and 4 boys? What is this, affirmative action?
Yes indeed. Actually, the girls have been smarter than boys so far, so I am not sure which way the affirmative action is going.
If it’s any consolation, the students are mostly white.
O, consoled I am consoled.
You are of course the smartest in the group?
I am the holiest in the group.
Is that saying much?
No.
I am also the tallest. And with most facial hair.
Aside from those three facets, are you distinguishable in any positive manner?
I speak more languages.
I am the only one who still aspires to have a career in academia.
I am the skinniest one.
Why, what are the other seven planning on doing for jobs. Actually, what are you planning on doing for a real job?
They are planning to work for private companies that make you their slaves and pay lots of money.
I plan to work for academia, do research of my choice and live in a cardboard box.
That is, I “plan” this until I am married and have kids... Then who knows?..
Slaves who make lots of money? Sounds like capitalism at its best.
Make sure you bring an umbrella.
Then you sell out?
Quite possible. Unless I marry someone like me (i.e., with no common sense in practical things).
In which case you need two umbrellas.
Or one that’s really big.
OK, спокойной ночи.
xy
Which would have been?
Look it up. Or better yet, don’t.
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