The Engima of Alan Turing

2018-06-07

Alan Turing was a brilliant mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst, computer scientist and visionary who was essential in the success of British efforts to break the WWII German high command's coding system known as 'Enigma'.

The rewards for his tireless works did not consist of accolades or admiration from colleagues nor the public. Quite the contrary he was persecuted for his sexuality and given the option of 'chemical castration' in lieu of imprisonment when convicted of gross indecency.

The tragedy culminated in his suicide by cyanide poisoning in 1954.

Thousands of signatures were obtained on a petition calling for the government to issue a formal apology and the prime minister of Britain, Gordon Brown has complied.

He related that Mr. Turing was treated inhumanely under a legal system which was homophobic at the time.

... Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we're all the same
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity ...

George Harrison
from his song Isn't It a Pity

The tragedy of this story gives me pause to reconsider my petty preconceived notions regarding human sexuality, the value of life and just how much we lose when we allow prejudice to intercede in matters pursuant to the greater good.

Mr. Turing's story was one of human triumph that was unmercifully turned to tragedy by societal mores which became conventional politics and allowed to become some accusatory and judgmental bludgeon -- much like aspects of the the Inquisition, witch hunts in Salem Massachusetts, and the Nazi regime. Comply or die.

Though I might not agree with another persons sexual preferences it is those horror stories such as that of the treatment of Alan Turing by the law no less that have made me a more tolerant person and cultivated my personal wish to understand and support human rights. I am glad that society at least attempts to be more enlightened in these regards.