[Paper Review] Human being is a living random number generator

Arindam Mitra|arXiv (Cornell University)|May 3, 2005

Chaos-based Image/Signal Encryption5 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the human brain functions as a biological true random number generator through algorithmic processes without relying on mathematical operations. It argues that human cognition inherently produces unpredictable, high-entropy sequences, suggesting humans are living sources of true randomness with potential applications in cryptography and randomness generation.

ABSTRACT

General wisdom is, mathematical operation is needed to generate number by numbers. It is pointed out that without any mathematical operation true random numbers can be generated by numbers through algorithmic process. It implies that human brain itself is a living true random number generator. Human brain can meet the enormous human demand of true random numbers.

Motivation & Objective

• To challenge the conventional belief that true random number generation requires mathematical computation.
• To investigate whether human cognitive processes inherently produce algorithmic randomness.
• To establish the human brain as a viable, natural source of true random numbers.
• To explore the implications of biological randomness for data security and randomness theory.

Proposed method

• Proposes that human thought processes, particularly those involving non-deterministic decision-making, generate sequences indistinguishable from true randomness.
• Argues that randomness emerges from algorithmic complexity in neural processes rather than from mathematical formulas.
• Uses the concept of algorithmic information theory to frame human cognition as a source of incompressible, unpredictable sequences.
• Analyzes the entropy and unpredictability of human-generated outputs as evidence of true randomness.
• Contrasts human-based randomness with pseudorandom number generators that rely on deterministic algorithms.
• Claims that the absence of explicit mathematical operations in human number generation supports the existence of intrinsic biological randomness.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can human cognition generate true random numbers without mathematical operations?
• RQ2 What mechanisms in the human brain could produce algorithmically complex, unpredictable sequences?
• RQ3 How does human-generated randomness compare to traditional pseudorandom number generators in terms of entropy and unpredictability?
• RQ4 To what extent can the human mind be considered a source of true randomness in computational and cryptographic contexts?
• RQ5 What theoretical framework supports the idea that biological cognition produces incompressible, algorithmic randomness?

Key findings

• The human brain can generate sequences that are algorithmically random, meaning they cannot be compressed or predicted by any finite algorithm.
• True randomness in human-generated outputs arises not from mathematical formulas but from the inherent complexity of cognitive processes.
• Human-generated numbers exhibit high entropy and pass standard randomness tests, indicating they are not pseudorandom.
• The paper asserts that human beings are living sources of true random numbers, challenging the assumption that randomness requires artificial or mathematical systems.
• The absence of explicit mathematical operations in human number generation supports the claim of intrinsic biological randomness.
• The study implies that human cognition operates as a natural, self-sustaining random number generator with practical potential in secure systems.