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In the opening keynote titled "Abstract Thoughts on Abstract Things," Konstantin Haase presents a thought-provoking discussion at the Garden City Ruby 2015 conference, focusing on the nature and importance of abstraction in both computer science and color perception. He begins with an engaging anecdote about traveling from Berlin, which sets the stage for his exploration of abstraction. Haase articulates how abstractions fundamentally shape our perceptions and underlie innovation and progress.

Key points discussed include: 
- **Abstraction in Computer Science**: Haase emphasizes that abstraction is crucial in programming as it allows developers to focus on higher-level concepts rather than low-level hardware details, citing how web app development abstracts away from transistor-level concerns. 
- **Color Perception**: The presentation delves into human vision and color perception, explaining the mechanisms of trichromy and how the brain interprets colors based on the stimulation of different types of cones in the retina. 
- **Historical Context**: Haase refers to influential texts such as "A Pattern Language" by Christopher Alexander, which inspired software design patterns, showcasing the intersection of architecture and software development paradigms. 
- **Algorithms and Patterns**: He discusses algorithms like Quick Sort and how abstraction allows for reasoning about complex systems through patterns and principles derived from design patterns in 1994. 
- **Tetracromacy**: The concept of tetracromacy is introduced, explaining that some individuals might have the ability to perceive an extended range of colors, further illustrating how perception is linked to biological differences and abstract concepts like language. 
- **OOP and Historical Milestones**: Haase touches on the history of object-oriented programming and principles that led to modular, reusable code, while critiquing over-abstraction in programming practices. 
- **Security and Abstraction**: He highlights potential vulnerabilities in systems due to layers of abstraction, such as the Heartbleed attack, underscoring the critical importance of understanding the implications of abstraction in security contexts.

In conclusion, Haase posits that abstraction occurs in our thoughts and is a driving force behind innovation and progress. He encourages attendees to recognize how these abstract concepts shape their understanding of both technology and the world around them. The talk blends technical depth with philosophical insights, leaving the audience with a greater appreciation for the power of abstract thinking in various domains.

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