As the father of teenage daughters the law of “More” is simple, whatever is given is used as a benchmark to negotiate more.
“Moore’s Law” however references the observation made by the Co-Founder of Intel, Gordon E Moore, in 1965 that:
“the power of computing would double every two years”
His prediction that chip performance (Intel is a chip designer and manufacturer) would double every 24 months has proven uncannily accurate to this day and shows no signs of slowing down.
The biannual doubling of computing power is central to the explosion in scientific advancement.
If in 1965 computing power had a total value of 1.
The total value in 2013 is
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
(A “googol” is 1 to the power of 10, the above is 1 to the power of 24, “Googal was where “Google” came from as an interesting factoid.)
Although this is fairly mind blowing in itself it’s not to me the most extraordinary thing.
Between 2013 and 2015 the growth in computing power will be equal to the total amount of computing power ever previously created.
To put this in context.
Between 1965 and 1975 the increase in computing power was.
1965 1
1975 32
So in 10 years the increase was 31.
By comparison the increase between 2013 – 2015 will be (i.e. the increase in just two years).
1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000
This compounding effect is the same reason that the rich get richer quicker.
If someone invests £100 and they get a 10% return they make £10 profit.
If someone invests £10 Billion in the same investment with the same result they make:
£1 Billion Profit (i.e. Warren Buffett)
When asked to name the greatest force in the universe Albert Einstein replied:
“Compound Interest”.
Next blog Mapping the (garden) GENOME.
NOTE: This is written in a personal capacity and reflects the view of the author. It does not necessarily reflect the view of LWM Consultants. The post has been checked and approved to ensure that it is both accurate and not misleading. However, this is a blog and the reader should accept that by its very nature many of the points are subjective and opinions of the author. This is not a recommendation to buy any product or service including any share or fund mentioned. Individuals wishing to buy any product or service as a result of this blog must seek advice or carry out their own research before making any decision, the author will not be held liable for decisions made as a result of this blog (particularly where no advice has been sought). Investors should also note that past performance is not a guide to future performance and investments can fall as well as rise.