Randomness
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This chapter explores the nature of randomness, both in and outside of computing. The role of randomness in games, literature, and the arts is considered, as well as the origins of random number generation in modern mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Through a nuanced discussion of randomness, the chapter argues that the maze pattern which 10 PRINT produces is entwined with a history of aesthetic and utilitarian coin flips and random processes. | This chapter explores the nature of randomness, both in and outside of computing. The role of randomness in games, literature, and the arts is considered, as well as the origins of random number generation in modern mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Through a nuanced discussion of randomness, the chapter argues that the maze pattern which 10 PRINT produces is entwined with a history of aesthetic and utilitarian coin flips and random processes. | ||
| − | Since chance is happenstance, hap, the root of happy, it would seem likely that randomness, a type of chance, might have a happy etymology. But this is not so. In centuries past, before the philosophers and mathematicians in the Age of Enlightenment sought to rationalize even chance, randomness was a nightmare. Likely ancestors of the word "random" are found in Anglo-Norman, Old French, and Middle French and include ''randoun, raundun, raundoun, randon, randun,'' and ''rendon'' -- words signifying speed, impulsiveness, and violence. These predecessor words are found beginning around the 12th century and probably derive from ''randir,'' to run fast or gallop. Bumper stickers implore drivers to "practice random acts of kindness," but only because people in our culture fear random acts of violence so much that another phrase has become so ingrained that it can be punned upon -- and at a deeper level, perhaps, because the speed and violence of other vehicles are to be feared. While today it might be harmless to encounter "a random" sitting in the computer lab exploring a system at random, a "random encounter" centuries ago was more likely to resemble a random encounter in ''Dungeons & Dragons,'' a figure on horseback hurtling through a village, intent on death and destruction. | + | Since chance is happenstance, hap, the root of happy, it would seem likely that randomness, a type of chance, might have a happy etymology. But this is not so. In centuries past, before the philosophers and mathematicians in the Age of Enlightenment sought to rationalize even chance, randomness was a nightmare. Likely ancestors of the word "random" are found in Anglo-Norman, Old French, and Middle French and include ''randoun, raundun, raundoun, randon, randun,'' and ''rendon'' -- words signifying speed, impulsiveness, and violence. These early forms are found beginning around the 12th century and probably derive from ''randir,'' to run fast or gallop. Bumper stickers implore drivers to "practice random acts of kindness," but only because people in our culture fear random acts of violence so much that another phrase has become so ingrained that it can be punned upon -- and at a deeper level, perhaps, because the speed and violence of other vehicles are to be feared. While today it might be harmless to encounter "a random" sitting in the computer lab exploring a system at random, a "random encounter" centuries ago was more likely to resemble a random encounter in ''Dungeons & Dragons,'' a figure on horseback hurtling through a village, intent on death and destruction. |
Only recently have the meanings of the word "random" coalesced around science and statistics. Its history is littered with obsolete meanings. The degree of elevation of a gun that maximizes its range. The direction of a metallic vein in a mine. The sloping board on the top of a compositor's frame where newly arranged pages are stored before printing. These particular randoms kill opponents, create wealth, or incubate books. The RND found in 10 PRINT recalls the latter meaning of random, a structure integral to textual composition. RND selects one of two graphical characters. Flip or flop, a slash forward or a slash backward. Each random slash splayed across the screen with the PRINT command, an echo of the early days of BASIC, when PRINT meant putting ink on paper. The connections of RND on the Commodore 64 to the origins of the word -- to speed, violence, devastation, and yes, printing -- are inescapable. | Only recently have the meanings of the word "random" coalesced around science and statistics. Its history is littered with obsolete meanings. The degree of elevation of a gun that maximizes its range. The direction of a metallic vein in a mine. The sloping board on the top of a compositor's frame where newly arranged pages are stored before printing. These particular randoms kill opponents, create wealth, or incubate books. The RND found in 10 PRINT recalls the latter meaning of random, a structure integral to textual composition. RND selects one of two graphical characters. Flip or flop, a slash forward or a slash backward. Each random slash splayed across the screen with the PRINT command, an echo of the early days of BASIC, when PRINT meant putting ink on paper. The connections of RND on the Commodore 64 to the origins of the word -- to speed, violence, devastation, and yes, printing -- are inescapable. | ||
