Gaurav Singh | Journal

Study

First, by reflection

2013-09-04

Confucius indicates three distinct methods of acquiring wisdom: reflection, imitation, and experience. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, offering a more comprehensive approach to personal growth and development. Reflection involves introspection and the examination of our own thoughts and emotions, allowing us to gain insight into our values and beliefs. It encourages self-awareness and self-discovery. However, it requires time, effort, and discipline, and it can be challenging to confront our own shortcomings. Imitation, on the other hand, involves observing and emulating the behavior and attitudes of others whom we admire. This might be the easiest learning method, as it requires less effort than reflection or experience. However, it can limit our creativity and authenticity and may not always apply to our unique circumstances. Finally, experience is the bitterest method of learning, as it involves going through the hardships and challenges of life and learning from our mistakes and failures. It is often the most effective method, allowing us to develop practical knowledge and skills tailored to our unique circumstances. However, it can be painful and difficult to accept, and it may take a long time to gain the necessary insights.

Study

Prime numbers and their properties

2013-03-05

For as long as I remember, I always had a deep interest in prime numbers. And for that, this certainly makes the cut to be a notes post here. As I'm writing this post, I'm unsure about the tone and content of this notes in future, but would like it to not just have research notes but also about my first-hand experiences. Prime Numbers are the building blocks of the numbers and perhaps the processes of the Universe, as I like to think. They have special properties and some very profound applications in science and nature. However simple their definition may be, we still do not have a formula for it. I find the fundamental theorem of arithmetic [1] fairly straightforward and the fact that only primes can not be expressed as the product of other (positive natural) numbers, is a very intuitive implication that I think most would be able to understand.

Year in Review

2012 — Preparing a transition

2012-12-31

In 2012, I encountered a period of slowing down as I transitioned from completing my 4-year engineering program in Computer Science to discovering the design field. The year was filled with uncertainties as I navigated unplanned, embracing challenges and opportunities for personal development. Shortly after concluding my engineering studies, I relocated to Chennai. I wasn't bothered about getting a job; just keen on furthering my education and expanding.

Year in Review

2011 — Markers and matches

2011-12-31

As 2011 comes to an end, I've been reflecting on what this pivotal year has meant for me, especially during my third and fourth years in computer science engineering. My days typically began with the familiar commute to college, where my team and I delved deeply into our challenging thesis project on video marker tracking in variable lighting. The project was both technically demanding and creatively fulfilling, a balance that kept me engaged. When not immersed in the project or classes, the library served as a sanctuary. There, surrounded by stacks of books, I could focus on my studies and occasionally explore other interesting topics. This small yet meaningful circle of friends provided valuable emotional support as we navigated the academic and social complexities of college life.

Study

Shannon's theory of information

2011-11-03

In 2008, during my first year of engineering, I developed a fascination for memory-efficient data structures and algorithms. Combined with a prior interest in prime numbers and their properties, they eventually led me to explore information entropy, which I learned through Claude Shannon's seminal paper, 'A Mathematical Theory of Communication.'[1] Shannon, an American mathematician, and electrical engineer, is often referred to as the 'father of information theory,' His groundbreaking contributions have revolutionized the fields of digital circuit design and communication theory. In his paper, Shannon introduced the concept of entropy as a measure of the amount of information in a message, which has profoundly impacted modern technology's development. The paper has also served as an inspiration for my interest in developing information compression algorithms, which I hope to get to, on one day. In this review note, I will summarize Shannon's paper, analyze its impact and limitations, and explore its ongoing relevance to information theory in the modern world.

Cite this webpage as: Gaurav Singh. Journal. The Personal Website of Gaurav Singh. Last modified 2023-10-29. https://gaurav-singh.info/journal/7/

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