生命的意义

For many people,this idea is a horrific thought.

对很多人来说 这是一个很恐怖的想法

For it seems to deny our basic humanity.

因为这似乎否定了我们的基本人性

and return us not only into machines.

而且不只把我们变成了机器

But machines that can be controlled.

还是能受遥控

conceivably,for evil means.

进行邪恶用途的机器

So perhaps I had no choice when I decided between physics and biology.

也许当我在物理学和生物学间犹豫时 我并无选择

Perhaps the laws of physics determined my career?

也许物理学的法则 早就决定了我的生涯

Well... not necessarily.

不过这倒也未必

Predictability isn't always a consequence of the laws of nature.

可预测性并非是自然法则的结果

It's hard to predict an individual roll of the dice.

我们很难预测每个骰子转动的方向

Even though it is pure physics.

即使这纯粹是物理现象

Scale that up to a really complex system

若把它按比例放大到非常复杂的系统

Predictability becomes impossible.

那么预测就变得不可能

To see such a system you only have to look outside.

若要了解这样的系统 你只需要看看外面

Now,as you may know,

你或许知道

we English are slightly obsessed by our ever-changing weather.

我们英国人对国内变化多端的天气 算是有一点执着

Especially when planning a summer barbecue.

尤其当我们正计划要办夏日烤肉

重点讲解

1、control

(对机构、地方、体系等的)控制权，支配权

The restructuring involves Mr Ronson giving up control of the company.

这次改组涉及龙森先生放弃对公司的控制权。

The first aim of his government would be to establish control over the republic's territory.

他这届政府的首要目标是确立对共和国领土的控制权。

控制(能力);支配(能力)

He lost control of his car.

他的汽车失控了。

Some teachers have more control over pupils than their parents have.

有的老师比小学生的父母更能管得住他们。

控制;掌管;管理;统治

He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.

他现在掌管着加州南部最大的零售发展企业。

Almost all of the countries in Latin America were controlled by dictators.

当时几乎所有的拉丁美洲国家都由独裁者统治。

2、determine

是…的决定因素

The size of the chicken pieces will determine the cooking time.

鸡块的大小将决定烹饪时间的长短。

Social status is largely determined by the occupation of the main breadwinner.

社会地位很大程度上是由家里经济支柱的职业决定的。

确定;查明

The investigation will determine what really happened.

调查会查明到底发生了什么事情。

Testing needs to be done to determine the long-term effects on humans.

需要进行检测以确定其对人的长期影响。

决定;敲定

The Baltic people have a right to determine their own future.

波罗的海各国人民有权决定自己的未来。

The final wording had not yet been determined.

最终措辞仍未敲定。