11. Choosing an Occupation
. e0 g+ x2 n6 b) m5 F& x4 Z, k% q; f Every one faces the problem of choosing an occupation after graduation from college or university, which plays a vital role in his life. An appropriate occupation makes a man work with zest(热情) and vigor, as well as contribute to his country. To make a wise choice, two important things should be taken into consideration. One is the interest, the other, the demands of people and society. Only if the two aspects are connected, can a man show his talent and ability to the best advantage. If the two conflict, the former should be under the latter, for the people’s interests are more important than the individual’s. In regard to my choice in the future, I am fond of learning foreign languages; what is more, with the implementation of the Open-Door Policy, exchange between home and abroad in economy and culture has been growing significantly, thus I’m determined to be a qualified interpreter.
$ F8 j" Z7 W3 H6 u* Q2 O+ { 12. The Brain and the Computer
- P; D: {5 w; C: p" Y' V Some recent developments in the computer industry make scientists predict that the gap between human beings and machines will be closed about the year 20000. To understand the significance of this prediction let us compare the human brain with existing computers. The brain consumes electrical energy at the rate of 25 watts and occupies a volume of one tenth of a cubic foot. The brain houses between 10 billion and 100 billion items of information. Every brain cell is directly connected to many other cells. As a result, the cells in which information is stored can communicate with thousands of other cells. However, the computer consumes 1000,000 watts of electrical power and occupies hundreds of cubic feet of space. Its million items of immediately accessible information. In contrast, the computer memory is like a cell of pigeonholes, with no thinking capacity and no connections elsewhere. In a word, the electronic brains are hopelessly inadequate in comparison with the human brains. |