E=1/2CV^2 (Hanscom’s Law)

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on December 2, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

While wandering through /., I stumbled upon this comment, which contained the equation E=1/2CV\^2.

Not having a background in electrical components (the context of this equation), my brain immediately translated ‘CV’ as ‘Curriculum Vitae’.

Logically, it followed that ‘E’ was something related to employment…’Employability’ works.

The end result was that I ended up reading the equation as “Employability = 1/2(Curriculum Vitae)\^2” — or, in layman’s terms, any given job will only require half of what you know, but will require proportionately more experience than you have.

Sounds about right to me. I’ll call it “Hanscom’s Law”. ;)