One of the most notable chemists of the 20th century, Percy Julian, was black and had to expend significant effort working around resulting prejudice. [1] If y

One of the most notable chemists of the 20th century, Percy Julian, was black and had to expend significant effort working around resulting prejudice. [1] If you don't think prejudice influences technical progress, look also at motivations influencing various development efforts throughout that century as well as any other historically documented century. As for Turing, the question remains: If his death was suicide, or homicide, what additional contributions were thereby lost? (I realize the current dialog is exploring the possibility of accident. The ongoing dialog about his death -- including by notable technologists -- is what is making these potential discoveries possible.) And there is the different, perhaps somewhat opposing view. If Julian hadn't had to work so hard to overcome opposition? If Turing's personal life hadn't made him so aware of the importance of secrets and privacy? Would they have developed in the same direction? I think it is relevant because it is human beings who are developing these technologies. And consider, here on HN and in the press, we tend to celebrate those very human beings who don't separate their work and personal lives -- for whom it isn't simply "a job". 1. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/06/arts/television/06huds.html http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/06/arts/television/06huds.htm...