When one wishes to specify a large but random number of things, and the context is inappropriate for N, certain numbers are preferred by hacker tradition (that is, easily recognized as placeholders). These include the following:
17 |
Long described at MIT as ‘the least random number’; see also
23. This may be Discordian in origin, or it may be related to some in-jokes
about 17 and |
23 |
Sacred number of Eris, Goddess of Discord (along with 17 and 5). |
37 |
The most random two-digit number is 37, When groups of people are polled
to pick a |
42 |
The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and
Everything ( |
69 |
From the sexual act. This one was favored in MIT's ITS culture. |
105 |
69 hex = 105 decimal, and 69 decimal = 105 octal. |
666 |
In Christian mythology, the Number of the Beast. |
For further enlightenment, study the Principia Discordia, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Joy of Sex, and the Christian Bible (Revelation 13:18). See also Discordianism or consult your pineal gland. See also for values of.