random numbers
: n. When one wishes to specify a large but random
number of things, and the context is inappropriate for N, certain
numbers are preferred by hacker tradition (that is, easily
recognized as placeholders). These include the following:
- 17
- Long described at MIT as `the least random number'; see 23.
- 23
- Sacred number of Eris, Goddess of Discord (along with 17 and
5).
- 42
- The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and
Everything. (Note that this answer is completely fortuitous.
`:-)')
- 69
- From the sexual act. This one was favored in MIT's ITS
culture.
- 105
- 69 hex = 105 decimal, and 69 decimal = 105 octal.
- 666
- The Number of the Beast.
For further enlightenment, study the "Principia Discordia",
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", "The Joy
of Sex", and the Christian Bible (Revelation 13:18). See also
Discordianism or consult your pineal gland. See also for values of.
