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Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
1–10 of 26 posts
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#2Having and raising children.
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#3Agreed that "Kids" is the first answer. My second is "puppies"
Somewhere further down the list is this: https://web.archive.org/web/20030601115204/http://www.snafu....
For a bit there I helped a lot of people do some creative things including what became "VPNs". and almost without effort, merely by sharing something I'd made for myself.
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#4Having and raising children.
A stock answer to be sure, but we have to assume "mattered" in this context
refers to a nontrivial improvement to our species. Bearing children is
arguably a trivial process (in the sense that nature has made it as
frictionless as possible), and the improvement is yet to be substantiated.
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#5Nothing really
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#6Having and raising children.
A stock answer to be sure, but we have to assume "mattered" in this context refers to a nontrivial improvement to our species. Bearing children is arguably a trivial process (in the sense that nature has made it as frictionless as possible), and the improvement is yet to be substantiated.
Going through the physical acts required for procreation could be trivial to some, I suppose. What's not trivial is the sense of wonder and amazement when you hold your child in your arms for the first time, as well as the realization that nothing you've done or will do in your life will compare to how you protect, raise, encourage, and prepare this child to be a powerful force for change in the world long after you have gone.
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#7I've helped some friends learn how to get into tech who now make a great living and enjoy their jobs.
I consider that among my greatest accomplishments.
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#8Earlier quoted context omitted.
A stock answer to be sure, but we have to assume "mattered" in this context refers to a nontrivial improvement to our species. Bearing children is arguably a trivial process (in the sense that nature has made it as frictionless as possible), and the improvement is yet to be substantiated.
Going through the physical acts required for procreation could be trivial to some, I suppose. What's not trivial is the sense of wonder and amazement when you hold your child in your arms for the first time, as well as the realization that nothing you've done or will do in your life will compare to how you protect, raise, encourage, and prepare this child to be a powerful force for change in the world long after you…
We have a saying where Im from
that translates roughly to
“Whoever raised/gave birth never dies”
People generally say it at funerals of parents. Idea is that whatever you instill into your child is really part of your “living self” and its carried on for generations.
When I first heard this as a kid, it really put life into perspective of how the best legacy you can leave behind is a well-raised and loving family.
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#9I matter to myself, hence my existence seems to answer your question
Re: Ask HN: What have you done that mattered?
#10Earlier quoted context omitted.
A stock answer to be sure, but we have to assume "mattered" in this context refers to a nontrivial improvement to our species. Bearing children is arguably a trivial process (in the sense that nature has made it as frictionless as possible), and the improvement is yet to be substantiated.
Going through the physical acts required for procreation could be trivial to some, I suppose. What's not trivial is the sense of wonder and amazement when you hold your child in your arms for the first time, as well as the realization that nothing you've done or will do in your life will compare to how you protect, raise, encourage, and prepare this child to be a powerful force for change in the world long after you…
I am reminded of a line from Chris Rock, "[A racial demographic] always want
credit for some [expletive] they're supposed to do. They'll brag about stuff
a normal man just does. They'll say, 'I take care of my kids... I a'int never
been to jail.'"