The Prognosticator: A Quixotic Search for Futurity

My name is Ed Pill, and I am a mathematician and physicist who is fascinated by the precision and constancy of the sciences, and I strive to apply predictive reasoning to the future. That is why I am a devoted and fervent prognosticator, eternally searching for certainty in an otherwise uncontrollable world.

On an average day, I begin by pouring over scientific journals, analyzing recent academic findings, and forming hypotheses. I run a handful of experiments using lab equipment in my basement, and I enjoy working with probability and forecasting models. It is like a modern-day alchemy for me, transforming equations and scientific observations into a tangible glimpse into the future. Yet, I do not derive any type of foolish hubris from this practice; rather, it is a reminder to be mindful of the risks in life and prepare accordingly.

While my professional career is based in mathematics and physics, I have applied the principles of prognosis to my personal life as well. For instance, I practice fly fishing, and before heading to the lake, I take the necessary precautions—evaluating the weather, the environment, and the species present in the water—to maximize the day’s outcome. Additionally, I also take preemptive measures with my health; although I have become used to the occasional bouts of TMJ, I carefully track my diet and exercise regimen to ensure that, as I age, I remain in good condition.

That is also why I strive to remain mindful of the future, as well. I take a step back and look ahead to the long-term consequences of my current decisions; if I make too many bad calls in the present, I could be facing serious repercussions in the future. Therefore, making independent predictions and forecasts gives me a foundation to move forward, while also letting me appreciate the chance to shape my own destiny.

Of course, I also take the dedication to prognosis one step further with my zany companions, Emmett and Parrot. Together, they are like the wind beneath my wings, making each and every prognostication that much more entertaining. Emmett, in particular, loves to meddle around with the electronics in the lab, and there have been a few occasions where his random keys put a kink in the works. Meanwhile, Parrot loves to squawk out its moniker, so we have been known to take a break and answer it back in unison.

At the end of the day, I revel in the paradox of prognosis. On one hand, it can be daunting to confront the uncertainties of tomorrow, and that is why I approach the task with specificity and a certain level of respect. On the other hand, it is immensely interesting and impartially uplifting when I can find patterns within the chaos. That is why I am drawn to prognosis, and why I continue to stay the course with my quixotic search for futurity.