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Gordon Moore has died (moore.org)

2594 points by mepian · 1255 days ago · 234 comments on HN

Article summary

Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel and Fairchild Semiconductor, has passed away. He was a pioneering scientist, business leader, and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the semiconductor industry. Moore's Law, which he proposed in 1965, predicted that the number of transistors on a chip would double approximately every two years, driving exponential progress in technology. He also founded the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which focuses on environmental conservation, science, and patient care.

Main themes

  • Moore's Law
  • semiconductor industry
  • philanthropy
  • innovation
  • legacy
  • technological progress
  • science and technology

What commenters say

  • Moore's Law is no longer applicable due to physical and economic limitations.
  • The spirit of Moore's Law lives on, even if the exact prediction is no longer valid.
  • The law was never meant to be a physical constant, but rather a roadmap for the industry.
  • Moore's legacy extends far beyond his law, with significant contributions to science, technology, and philanthropy.
  • The concept of a 'law' of accelerating returns is misleading and not supported by evidence.
  • Innovation is often the result of incremental progress, rather than grand visions or heroic efforts.
  • Moore's impact will be felt for generations to come, despite the eventual passing of other notable figures.
  • The idea that certain fields, such as music and arts, can outlive their creators is debatable.