The Quest for Universality in Computing

This lecture by the instructor delves into the history of computing, from the challenges of early data representation to the development of algorithms and machines. It explores the concept of universality in computing, the impact of the consensus problem on distributed systems, and the ongoing research at EPFL and beyond to regain universality in large-scale networks. The lecture discusses the implications of solving the consensus problem and the potential for simpler solutions in important areas like distributed machine learning and cryptocurrencies.