random numbers

Random Number God | = R = | randomness

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 ("what is 6 times 9", correct in base 13). (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.

Random Number God | = R = | randomness