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Went to see this the other evening at the cinema. It tells the story of the breaking of the Enigma codes during WWII. The film centres around the story in relation to Alan Turing whose sheer intellectual brilliance was key to breaking the codes. He is portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock fame) who does a fantastic job of showing both his genius as well as his total lack of empathy and social skills.
The film also shows the prejudice he faced for being homosexual (it was a criminal offence in the UK at the time).
I highly recommend this film. It tells the story of one of the founding fathers of modern computing and a flawed genius through his incredible efforts during WWII. Sheer brilliance 
"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare
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Thanks for the tip. I'll watch out for it to arrive in this backwater.
Cheers,
Peter
Software rusts. Simon Stephenson, ca 1994. So does this signature. me, 2012
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Dominic Burford wrote: a flawed genius
In what way was he flawed?
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Just from the OP, "total lack of empathy and social skills" spring to mind.
No object is so beautiful that, under certain conditions, it will not look ugly. - Oscar Wilde
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Brady Kelly wrote: total lack of empathy and social skills
I doubt that was a fair description of the man. Like most people he had good and bad points, but to call him flawed suggests that he is somehow outside or below the 'norm'.
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Richard MacCutchan wrote: I doubt that was a fair description of the man. Like most people he had good and bad points, but to call him flawed suggests that he is somehow outside or below the 'norm'.
There was absolutely no criticism of Alan Turing intended, certainly not for my part. I have long admired and respected him. I remember first coming across him during my degree, where we were taught about how his works laid the foundations for much of modern computing.
Like many geniuses though, he lacked many of the basic social skills that most of us take for granted. This is particularly pronounced in those with autism or Aspergers. He was bullied at school, which may have increased or at least contributed to this behaviour.
Geniuses are often portrayed as flawed individuals. It's maybe a phrase you're not familiar with, but it's certainly commonly ascribed to those with superior abilities.
"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare
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Dominic Burford wrote: It's maybe a phrase you're not familiar with
On the contrary I am very familiar with it. But calling someone flawed (even with the word genius) is a judgemental statement. And I don't think any of us have the right to judge others.
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As I already said, the phrase was not used in a critical way, so therefore not in a judgemental way either. It's a commonly used phrase without any prejudice attached.
"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare
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Richard MacCutchan wrote: And I don't think any of us have the right to judge others.
So just to be clear when you said "I doubt that was a fair description of the man" that was not in fact a judgement of someone else?
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I'm a genius and I'm not flawed. I'm perfect!
My mum always told me so
....(that's actually a lie - sorry mum!)
Life is like a s**t sandwich; the more bread you have, the less s**t you eat.
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That's a coincidence, as your mum says the same about me too 
"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare
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I'd get your ouija board fixed!
Life is like a s**t sandwich; the more bread you have, the less s**t you eat.
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Richard MacCutchan wrote: Dominic Burford wrote: a flawed genius
In what way was he flawed?
Oh come on man! He was a software guy. Need more be said?
I'm retired. There's a nap for that...
- Harvey
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1996 biopic Breaking the code is a worthwhile watch too, it stars Derek Jacobi as Turing
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That's interesting as I was distinctly reminded of Derek Jacobi when first hearing BC talk in this pic. It IS a great film but as with all big productions, they tend to bend the truth the fit the cinematic story.
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I've not seen the new movie yet, but its on my radar... The whole Bletchley Park / Station X has fascinated me since the Channel 4 documentary some 15 years ago...
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The work that took place at Bletchley park in relation to the breaking of the Enigma codes was strictly classified fora full 50 years. Hard to believe.
"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare
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Yes I remember watching that many years ago. Derek Jacobi is always great to watch.
"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies. The first method is far more difficult." - C.A.R. Hoare
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This is unacceptable we must have more sanction
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I didn't quite follow. Can you please elaborate?
What is unacceptable in this?
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One might suppose that it was a joke based on the fact that the article stating that there would be an investigation into whether that was acceptable or not.
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You'll be hearing from the Plane Pushers' Union.
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And, being Russian, one of them just had to take it further[^]
it's a pity Mark Kirsch[^] wasn't on the plane!
PooperPig - Coming Soon
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