Signal Noise

Famous quotes containing the words signal and/or noise:

    Certainly the effort to remain unchanged, young, when the body gives so impressive a signal of change as the menopause, is gallant; but it is a stupid, self-sacrificial gallantry, better befitting a boy of twenty than a woman of forty-five or fifty. Let the athletes die young and laurel-crowned. Let the soldiers earn the Purple Hearts. Let women die old, white-crowned, with human hearts.
    Ursula K. Le Guin (b. 1929)

    But what it was, alas, I cannot tell,
    Because of it I had no perfect view;
    But as it was, by guess, I wish it well
    And will until I see the same anew.
    Shadow, or she, or both, or choose you whither:
    Blest be the thing that brought the shadow hither.
    —Unknown. I Heard a Noise and Wishèd for a Sight (l. 13–18)