RANDOM/THOUGHTS: IS RANDOM REALLY RANDOM?

Let’s go deep. This is both a philosophical and a mathematical question.

To computer scientists the answer is no. They argue that the best random number generator—or better yet, pseudorandom—is the Mersenne Twister, developed by two Japanese researchers in the 90s. It generates numbers that will cycle again beyond the lifespan of the universe—an incredibly long prime number whose finite or infinite nature remains debated.

We have several types of randomness generators: dice or card games, for example. But in the strict sense, none of these are truly random either. When you roll a dice, it’s governed by the laws of physics, and over time, the same results will cycle again. Also, by definition random means “made, done, happening, or chosen without method or conscious decision.” Not the case with all the above.

”Motim” by Nazareno, a dear friend and one of the most
remarkable Brazilian contemporary artist these days.

The conversation gets even more interesting in the context of
quantum physics, where multiple realities can occur simultaneously—or in a more spiritual context, where faith and fate come into play. Einstein famously said, “God does not play dice”, in response to the then-new quantum mechanics theory.

Perhaps the best answer is that randomness has multiple definitions—some applicable to reality, others theoretical models. Or maybe the best answer is just... we don’t know.

To me randomness is intrinsically linked to mindfulness and the act of being present. Let’s say you snap a photograph—that moment will most likely never happen again, at least not in your lifetime. In this sense, randomness is also intrinsically tied to creation, creativity, and art.

And hey, mathematicians out there—just a heads-up, we might be the only ones who are truly random. After all, we’re Random/Random!