Today actually had some very interesting articles that I'm excited to talk about.
The first one is about a computer model astrophysicists have been creating that was just completed. The model maps all the galaxies in the universe. This in and of itself is not unique but the model also adds in dark matter and charts the formation and collection of all these particles 13 billion years in the past. The video is very cool to watch. The model maps an area 350 million light years across. It's very humbling to think how massive the universe is.
The end of history illusion. Sounds like a sci-fi movie title, or maybe just the illusion that time will go on forever. It's actually a psychology concept that demonstrates an interesting principle when it comes to thinking about ourselves. Our past selves are more prone to predict that we will not change, that 10 years down the road I will still like and do many of the same things. However the reality is that I will change quite a bit. On top of that, my current self will look back 10 years think how odd my likes were or how far I've come. In the end, we change more than we think we will, but maybe not as much as we see in retrospect.
Another very interesting story was about a very average man who got into a fight and suffered a concussion. I emphasize his normality because of what happened due to his injuries. After the fight he suffered from PTSD but he noticed something different about the way he saw the world. He could see everything in patterns and shapes. It was like the world was broken down into its individual frames and he could see the geometric pattern emerging from everything. This man had become a Savant. He didn't have any mathematical training but after pursing college, his abilities are progressing rapidly and he is able to make amazing calculations and observations. The part that I find most interesting is that after scanning his brain scientists believe that the abilities he is manifesting is something innate in all of our brains. He was not a born Savant, but was awakened to it. This hints at a massive potential for our minds and the future of unlocking them to do great things.
Some side topics include an article about the movies that have made a huge impact in visual effects. The very first on the list was Metropolis, which is amazingly ahead of it's time both in effects but also message and philosophy. Star Wars, ET and many others are also on the list.
The rumored title of the upcoming Star Wars movie is said to be "The Ancient Fear." We'll see if it's true. I personally don't mind the title. Other Star Wars rumors hint that characters in the soon to be released animated show "Rebels" will appear in Episode VII.
I hope today was a little more thought provoking. What are your thoughts on the mind and the universe?
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