Patrick Winston has died • Hacker News Board

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#41

Post by tr33house » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 3:17 AM UTC

I'll never forget meeting him practicing his lectures in building 32 at 5am. Every lecture he gave each year was a fresh one: he rewrote them every year.

I always looked forward to attending 034 lectures and learning from his STAR sub-lectures. Using a lot of those lessons now.

Not to mention the great contributions he's had in science and in developing some of the greatest scientist; Winston's flame will not burn out.

He used his talents wisely, lived a life that's an inspiration to us all who remain. May the Lord comfort his family and may his soul rest in peace. RIP fellow beaver

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#42

Post by youareawesome » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 3:19 AM UTC

Many years ago, My TA in 6.034 for some reason gave me a C for the semester. This made no sense because I was 80% sure I was supposed to get an A. I was hesitant to get in touch with the head TA for the class because I wasn't the sort of student to complain about a grade, but I did it anyway. He told me to come in and talk to PHW himself.

I came in and he asked me why my TA would give me a C and I told him I had no idea. He asked me if I came into recitation, I said yes. He asked me if I participated in recitation and I said yes. He told me that they checked on my grades and indeed it was a mistake.

I thanked him for taking the time to review my grade, and that I've never complained about a grade before but it seemed very off in this case. The expression on his face suddenly firmed up from detached to grave and he looked me in the eye and said "Always speak up when you think something is wrong, if you've earned something don't let someone take it away from you."

It's hard to explain, but that instilled a permanent confidence in me. Whenever I've defended myself in my adult life since then, I've felt the confidence of PHW holding me up. It can't be understated how important little pieces of advice like this are for young people. RIP PHW

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#43

Post by rick22 » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 3:54 AM UTC

youareawesome wrote: post #42

Many years ago, My TA in 6.034 for some reason gave me a C for the semester. This made no sense because I was 80% sure I was supposed to get an A. I was hesitant to get in touch with the head TA for the class because I wasn't the sort of student to complain about a grade, but I did it anyway. He told me to come in and talk to PHW himself. I came in and he asked me why my TA would give me a C and I told him I had no i…

> He asked me if I came into recitation, I said yes. He asked me if I participated in recitation and I said yes.

Non native English speaker here. What does "came in to recitation" mean. Recitation is the act of repeating something. What was the Recitation about and how can you go in to recitation. Could you please explain ?

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#44

Post by agumonkey » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 4:07 AM UTC

malshe wrote: post #40

carver wrote: post #20

RIP Pat Winston - he infuriated me the most when he said something so obviously true and which I wanted to be false. One example: "No one will ever read your paper in entirety, so write for the skimmers." As much as I loved his technical lectures, I especially remembered his peripheral aphorisms. But he said one thing that I immediately agreed with (conceptually) and have recalled at many hard times in my life: "Perh…

"No one will ever read your paper in entirety, so write for the skimmers." Fantastic advice!

also applies on resume I suppose

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#45

Post by akadeb » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 4:10 AM UTC

rick22 wrote: post #43

youareawesome wrote: post #42

Many years ago, My TA in 6.034 for some reason gave me a C for the semester. This made no sense because I was 80% sure I was supposed to get an A. I was hesitant to get in touch with the head TA for the class because I wasn't the sort of student to complain about a grade, but I did it anyway. He told me to come in and talk to PHW himself. I came in and he asked me why my TA would give me a C and I told him I had no i…

> He asked me if I came into recitation, I said yes. He asked me if I participated in recitation and I said yes. Non native English speaker here. What does "came in to recitation" mean. Recitation is the act of repeating something. What was the Recitation about and how can you go in to recitation. Could you please explain ?

In many schools/universities in the US, recitation is a kind of discussion class where a small number of students attend for more focused problem-solving/teaching

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#46

Post by sillypudding » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 4:14 AM UTC

rick22 wrote: post #43

youareawesome wrote: post #42

Many years ago, My TA in 6.034 for some reason gave me a C for the semester. This made no sense because I was 80% sure I was supposed to get an A. I was hesitant to get in touch with the head TA for the class because I wasn't the sort of student to complain about a grade, but I did it anyway. He told me to come in and talk to PHW himself. I came in and he asked me why my TA would give me a C and I told him I had no i…

> He asked me if I came into recitation, I said yes. He asked me if I participated in recitation and I said yes. Non native English speaker here. What does "came in to recitation" mean. Recitation is the act of repeating something. What was the Recitation about and how can you go in to recitation. Could you please explain ?

A “recitation” session is generally a regularly scheduled classroom session that is not led by the professor or lecturer but by a teaching assistant (TA). These are along the same lines as a “lab” sessions used alongside Chemistry or Physics lectures.

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#47

Post by unsined » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 4:24 AM UTC

It's people like this that do such an incredible service to our future generations that really makes a difference in the world.

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#48

Post by dwaltrip » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 4:34 AM UTC

sam1r wrote: post #25

wittedhaddock wrote: post #9

RIP Professor Best teacher I've ever had, he let me audit all his classes and took me/my ideas seriously at all times. And would grade my papers even though I was never an official student, or his his words "a paying customer." First Minsky now Patrick. RIP and perhaps they are both back in touch. ;(

Instead of thinking about how they are both back in touch, why not assume a step further. They are in touch, and they are hoping that you are doing _______ with the most passion [in which they have yet to witness ;)]. Now fill that in and use it as adrenaline to accomplish your next (big, relatively) feat. Your thoughts? RIP PW

I prefer to view it as an opportunity to attempt to fill the big shoes that are now sitting empty, and hopefully do good in the world in the process, even if we don't manage to fully fill the big shoes.

And then maybe even inspiring the next generation, thus continuing the cycle.

It feels meaningful to me and doesn't require any big assumptions :)

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#49

Post by cjsawyer » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 4:43 AM UTC

sillypudding wrote: post #46

rick22 wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> He asked me if I came into recitation, I said yes. He asked me if I participated in recitation and I said yes. Non native English speaker here. What does "came in to recitation" mean. Recitation is the act of repeating something. What was the Recitation about and how can you go in to recitation. Could you please explain ?

A “recitation” session is generally a regularly scheduled classroom session that is not led by the professor or lecturer but by a teaching assistant (TA). These are along the same lines as a “lab” sessions used alongside Chemistry or Physics lectures.

And “came to” or “came in to” are equivalent to “attended”

Re: Patrick Winston has died

#50

Post by mulcahey » Sat, Jul 20, 2019, 4:54 AM UTC

samstave wrote: post #33

I wanted to attend MIT since i was ten, though sadly it didnt happen for me (because of choices) But one thing is that i am always amazed (and saddened) on HN when i hear about the death of a pillar of our industry whom i had never previously known about.

He does have wonderful lectures on MIT OCW

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUl4u3cNGP63gFHB6xb-k...

I find his presentation style is not only clear, but relaxing. It's like a friendly sermon or something.