In today's fast-paced world, the curse of calculation has become increasingly prevalent. As humans, we are constantly bombarded with numbers, figures, and data that we must analyze and interpret. This incessant need to calculate has taken a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. One of the primary culprits behind the curse of calculation is technology. With the advent of computers and smartphones, we now have access to an overwhelming amount of information at our fingertips. We are encouraged to quantify everything - from our daily steps to our social media followers.
Suppose we build model-1 with 3 features and model-2 with 5 features (both models have the same dataset). The model-2 has more information than model-1 because its number of features is comparatively higher. So, the accuracy of model-2 is more than that of model-1.
The phenomenon when a machine learning model s accuracy decreases, although increasing the number of features after a certain threshold, is called the curse of dimensionality. The phenomenon when a machine learning model s accuracy decreases, although increasing the number of features after a certain threshold, is called the curse of dimensionality.
We are encouraged to quantify everything - from our daily steps to our social media followers. This constant need to measure and compare ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a distorted sense of self-worth. Additionally, the curse of calculation has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, from work to relationships.
How Long Ago Was the Curse?
Building on last week’s article, Bodie Hodge, AiG–U.S., shows how to calculate the age of the earth and the time of the Fall.
The Curse would have been fairly soon after the creation of Adam and Eve on Day 6 because it didn’t take long for them to sin (see When Did Adam and Eve Rebel?). We can do a basic calculation to arrive at the date of creation and Adam’s creation . The Curse must have been close to the same time. So, let’s calculate the date of creation .
Adam was created on Day 6, so there were 5 days before him. If we add up the dates from Adam to Abraham, we get about 2,000 years, using the Masoretic Hebrew text (which is the standard Hebrew text that most English translations are based on) of Genesis 5 and 11. 1 Whether Christian or secular, most scholars would agree that Abraham lived about 2,000 B.C. (4,000 years ago).
So, a simple calculation is:
5 days
+ ~2000 years
+ ~4000 years
_____________
~6000 years
At this point, the first five days are negligible. Quite a few people have done this calculation using the Masoretic text and, with careful attention to the biblical details, arrived at the same time frame of about 6,000 years, or about 4,000 B.C. Two of the most popular, and perhaps the best, are a recent work by Dr. Floyd Jones and a much earlier book by Archbishop James Ussher (1581–1656):
1
Archbishop James Ussher
The Annals of the World, 1658 A.D.2
2
Dr. Floyd Nolan Jones
The Chronology of the Old Testament, 1993 A.D.3
Often there is a misconception that Ussher and Jones were the only ones to do a chronology and arrive at an age of about 6,000 years. However, this is not the case. Jones gives a listing of several chronologists who undertook the task of calculating the age of the earth based on the Bible, and their calculations range from 5501 to 3836 B.C. A few are listed in Table 2.
The Manifold Hypothesis is one theory that justifies how deep learning solves the curse of dimensionality in data mining . This theory implies that high dimensional data overlaps on a lower dimensional manifold that is equipped in a higher dimensional space.
In the workplace, employees are often judged solely on their ability to meet targets and achieve quantifiable results. This emphasis on numbers can create a high-stress environment where individuals are solely focused on meeting their goals, rather than fostering collaboration and creativity. In relationships, the curse of calculation manifests itself in the form of constant evaluation and analysis. Instead of cherishing moments and cherishing human connection, individuals may find themselves tallying up the pros and cons of their relationships, trying to assess if they are getting enough out of it. The relentless pursuit of quantifiable success has also eroded our ability to appreciate intangible qualities and experiences. We have become so fixated on numbers and data that we often overlook the beauty and magic of the world around us. We no longer take the time to savor a sunset or marvel at the wonders of nature. Instead, we are focused on capturing the perfect photo for social media or calculating the number of likes and comments it will generate. To break free from the curse of calculation, we must learn to embrace and value the intangible aspects of life. We should prioritize experiences over numbers, and focus on cultivating meaningful relationships and pursuing genuine happiness. It is crucial that we recognize the limitations of calculation and give ourselves permission to step away from the numbers and simply be present in the moment. In conclusion, the curse of calculation has infiltrated our lives, leaving us overwhelmed and disconnected from what truly matters. It is only by breaking free from the constant need to measure and quantify that we can reclaim our mental and emotional well-being and appreciate the intangible beauty of life..
Reviews for "The Curse of Calculation: How It Can Hinder Personal Growth and Success"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "The Curse of Calculation" after hearing all the buzz about it, but I was left feeling disappointed. The plot was predictable and the characters lacked depth. I found myself struggling to connect with any of them and even lost interest halfway through the book. Overall, it fell flat for me and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "The Curse of Calculation" was a complete letdown. The writing was dull and the pacing was incredibly slow. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did. The story felt disjointed and the ending was unsatisfying. I regret wasting my time on this book and I definitely won't be picking up any others by this author.
3. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Curse of Calculation" but it failed to deliver. The premise sounded intriguing, but the execution fell short. I found the dialogue to be cheesy and the plot twists to be underwhelming. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't bring myself to care about their fates. Overall, it was a forgettable read for me.
4. Ethan - 2/5 stars - "The Curse of Calculation" had a lot of potential, but it never lived up to it. The story started off promising, but it quickly became repetitive and predictable. The characters lacked development and their actions often felt forced. Despite the interesting concept, the overall execution was lackluster. I would recommend giving this one a pass.