生命的意义

Back in the 1970s,an unexpected breakthrough was made by a mathematician

早在1970年代 一名叫约翰·康威的数学家有了意外的突破

named John Conway,here in Cambridge.

就在剑桥大学

He devised something called The Game of Life

他发明了一套"生命游戏"

A simple simulation that shows how a complex thing like the mind

这个简单的模拟展现了心灵这种复杂的事物

might come about from a basic set of rules.

可能源自一些基本法则

The simulation consists of a grid,a bit like a chessboard

这套模拟由网格组成 有点像一副西洋棋盘

extending infinitely in all directions.

朝着四方无限延伸

Each square of the grid can either be lit up,which he called "alive"

网格中的每个方格 要不是点亮 他称之为"活方格"

or dark,which he called "dead".

要不然就是黑的 他称之为"死方格"

Whether a given square is dead or alive

至于特定的方格是死是活

depends on what is happening in the eight other squares that surround it.

就取决于周遭其它八个方格的状态

For example,if a living square like this one...

举例而言 若一个像这样的活方格

has no living squares nearby...

周遭都没有活方格

the rules say it'll die of loneliness.

根据法则 它会死于寂寞

If a living square is surrounded by more than three other living squares

若一个活方格周围有超过三个其它活方格

The square will also die of overcrowding.

这个方格也会因过度拥挤而死

重点讲解

1、complex

复杂的;错综的

in-depth coverage of today's complex issues.

对时下一些复杂问题的深度报道

a complex system of voting.

错综复杂的选举体制

综合建筑群;综合大楼

plans for constructing a new stadium and leisure complex.

修建新体育场和休闲中心的计划

a complex of offices and flats.

商住综合楼

(通常指由于过去不愉快的经历而形成的)情结

I have never had a complex about my height.

我从来没有担心过自己的身高。

a deranged attacker, driven by a persecution complex.

患有受迫害妄想症、精神失常的袭击者

2、surround

围绕;环绕

The small churchyard was surrounded by a rusted wrought-iron fence.

不大的教堂墓地周边围着一圈生锈的熟铁栅栏。

The shell surrounding the egg has many important functions.

蛋壳有许多重要的功能。

与…密切相关;围绕

The decision had been agreed in principle before today's meeting, but some controversy surrounded it.

该决定在今天的会议之前就已达成原则上的共识，但围绕这一决定还存在一些争议。

Once the euphoria surrounding this victory subsides, reality must return.

这场胜利的喜悦退去后，人们将不得不回归现实。

喜欢结交(某类人);确保身边总有(某类东西)

He had made it his business to surround himself with a hand-picked group of bright young officers.

他总会亲手挑选一批聪明而年轻的军官常伴他左右。

They love being surrounded by familiar possessions.

他们喜欢身边都是自己熟悉的物品。