Computation Quote by Seth Lloyd
“All physical systems can be thought of as registering and processing information, and how one wishes to define computation will determine your view of what computation consists of.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Programming the Universe, 2006
All physical systems process information; defining computation shapes our view of reality.
In simple terms: Physical systems compute; definitions matter.
Key Takeaway
Clarify what counts as computation.
Themes
information theory
physics
philosophy of mind
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- technology development
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
computation
information processing
systems theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What counts as computation in biology?
- How do definitions shape technology?
A Different Perspective
Different definitions can limit interdisciplinary collaboration.
![“[With quantum computers] you can calculate how many bits are in the universe, how much energy it takes to flip them, how much energy exists, and use that to rule out lots of things about the universe's history. Anything that takes more bit flips couldn't have happened.” quote by Seth Lloyd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/976/seth-lloyd-13748_bits_with-quantum-computers-you-can-calculate_133222.jpg)
