Meta Ada
Ada Lovelace wrote in Note G of her translation with notes of "Sketch of the Analytical Engine invented by Charles Babbage" (originally by L. F. Menabrea):
In considering any new subject, there is frequently a tendency, first, to overrate what we find to be already interesting or remarkable; and, secondly, by a sort of natural reaction, to undervalue the true state of the case, when we do discover that our notions have surpassed those that were really tenable.
My first reaction: "That's gotta be the most cogent appraisal of how developments in science and technology are perceived! They need to preface every pop-science article ever on quantum computing or AI with this."
My second thought: "Actually you could preface just about anything with this. It's simply a generic statement that caution is prudent. Forget what I said before, perhaps it's not so much profound as obvious."
On reflection: "... huh. Wow. Maybe she's right."
The Lyric Box
Random song lyrics from a list of ones I like. Regularly added to.
2020-12-12: F1RSTP0ST!!11!
Coded up a weblogging system.