Are You Among The Chosen To Be Let Into The Secrets Of Quantum Computing?
Guess who awaits you in the ivory tower of quantum computing
Be prepared. The sorcerer intends to mold you into the quantum computing expert he deems worthy
If you want to enter the field of quantum computing, you must do it on the terms of the sorcerer in the quantum computing ivory tower. He demands that you follow the prescribed rules, learn the sacred symbols of physics, and immerse yourself in the rigorous language that only the "chosen" can truly understand.
The sorcerer's life used to be easier. In the past, only the sons and daughters of respected physicists approached him in the hope of learning the sacred secrets of quantum computing. They were chosen from birth, part of an exclusive family tree destined to unlock the secrets of the quantum computing domain.
But today? Today, all these peasants are so curious. Computer scientists, analysts, and even business administrators believe they can learn quantum computing. Everyone believes they have what it takes to unlock its secrets.
Gone are the days when the sorcerer could simply brush them off. But he is not prepared to be defeated so easily.
"I still decide who becomes a quantum computing expert!" he declares, his voice tinged with authority. "If I can’t sort them out by their background, I can still shape them into what I want them to be: students of physics-magic."
The Sorcerer's Rules
Be prepared. The sorcerer intends to mold you into the quantum computing expert he deems worthy. You must enter the field on his terms. He demands that you follow the prescribed rules, learn the sacred symbols of physics, and immerse yourself in the rigorous language that only the "chosen" can truly understand.
The sorcerer, with an air of smug superiority, might explain it to you this way:
Two Possibilities
There are only two possible outcomes.
- You understand what he is saying. Congratulations! You are already a physics-magic student. But that means you don't need further instructions on quantum computing.
- You don't understand it. And that, my friend, is the problem. The usual explanations in textbooks on quantum computing are incomprehensible to most newcomers. They are written for physics-sorcerers, by the sorcerers, and they only serve to keep us peasants away.
The Sorcerer's Logic
The sorcerer's reasoning is simple and convincing. To maintain the integrity of the field and ensure that the next generation of quantum physicists is trained with precision, he insists on rigorous standards. These standards guarantee that those entering the field have a deep understanding of the subject matter and are ready to contribute to the advancement of science.
And the sorcerer is not against you, the eager learner, but he expects you to prove your worth. He demands that you embrace the complexity of quantum theory and become fluent in its sacred language. Without these standards, he argues, the field could descend into chaos, and we would risk losing the rigor that has made quantum physics so successful.
And, let's face it, the sorcerer has earned his place. He has made an enormous contribution to the field, authoring textbooks, publishing numerous articles on Arxiv, and guiding generations of physicists. His reputation in the ivory tower of quantum physics is unassailable. No one would dare question his methods.
The Dark Side of Exclusivity
Of course, we could discuss the problems that come with this exclusivity. The rigid standards of the sorcerer can hinder new perspectives—often those rooted in the real world—that could drive real innovation.
The world beyond the ivory tower is rich with diverse ideas and experiences. But the sorcerer is not prepared to let this “chaos” in. His fortress of abstraction remains impregnable. Even if the peasants who are still learning the sacred language of quantum physics have unique insights from the real world. These are the voices that the sorcerer in his ivory tower, detached from the clutter of everyday life, may fail to hear.
But we cannot change the rules from the outside, nor should we attempt to hack through the tower's walls with crude force. The better approach is one of understanding, innovation, and inclusion.
Fortunately, education is no longer confined to the ivory tower.
The Layers of Education
Education today takes place on several layers. On the one hand, we have the formal, certification-based system in the ivory tower. This structure ensures that learning standards are maintained across the field and provides consistency and a solid foundation in key concepts. For complex fields such as quantum computing, this foundation is critical. By adhering to these rigorous standards, students can build on the truth—a common knowledge base and avoid the spread of misinformation.
On the other hand, we have the open, community-driven education. Here, teachers are subject to market forces and self-regulation.
Of course this system has its weaknesses. Substandard teachers can spread misinformation.
But it also allows for a greater diversity of teaching methods and perspectives. The community-driven model provides flexibility and encourages unconventional approaches that may not be present in traditional institutions.
What is Truth, Anyway?
But let's be honest: there is no such thing as "truth".
Natural science is the search for fact, not truth. If it’s truth you’re interested in, Dr. Tyree’s philosophy class is right down the hall. So forget any ideas you’ve got about particles in different states at the same time, spooky action at a distance, the notion that the universe operates according to some mysterious set of rules that are beyond our comprehension.
Forget all ideas about particles that are in different states at the same time, about spooky processes at a distance, or about the idea that the universe works according to a mysterious set of rules that we cannot understand. These are ideas that are more suitable for philosophers, not scientists.
The Real Question: How Much Did You Learn?
The sorcerer may watch over how the subject is taught, but he cannot prevent poor training from spreading. What really matters is how much the student learns. It's not about sticking to formalities or rigid frameworks. It's about making sure the student can follow the material, internalize it and apply it effectively.
By excluding broad groups from understanding, we open the door to folklore and false claims—especially at the lower end of the educational spectrum. The sorcerer's closed system creates barriers that prevent the diversity of thought needed for true innovation.
An Open Educational System
What we need is an open forum for discussion where unconventional ideas can flourish. We should create a learning environment where different approaches are welcome and critical thinking is encouraged. Education should be a process of self-discovery and accountability, where we take responsibility for our learning journey and examine the knowledge we encounter.
At the same time, we should continue to engage with the findings from the ivory tower.
Both the formal system and the open, community-driven approach have their value. By consulting a wide range of sources, inside and outside the traditional academic system, we can shape a more comprehensive, inclusive and innovative field of study.
If this blog makes you want to stay outside the ivory tower, great. If it helps you gain a foothold in the ivory tower, awesome. Either way, let me know.