Hope he puts the wardrobe back together, otherwise landlord won't be happy.
How my genius roommate changed my perspective
141–150 of 247 posts
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#142Good article. I feel very comfortable doing this with code and not so much with physical material, where the constraints are much more imposing and the risk of screwing something up is much higher.
Based on my experiences with programming, I imagine part of being able to think this way is also having experience building things physically. The fact that I can think about connecting pieces of backend infrastructure, or bits of reusable code, or a wiring up a handy library to solve a problem is from experience solving problems with the tools at hand.
Probably the best way to get started with this mindset in any problem domain is to just start making things, getting a feel for the capabilities of tools, the strengths of various materials.
In other words, the attitude adjustment is just one part of being able to solve problems this way - you've got to be very comfortable with your tools and materials, or have little to lose so you can experiment safely.
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#143Good article. I feel very comfortable doing this with code and not so much with physical material, where the constraints are much more imposing and the risk of screwing something up is much higher. Based on my experiences with programming, I imagine part of being able to think this way is also having experience building things physically. The fact that I can think about connecting pieces of backend infrastructure, or…
(Author here) As a software engineer, I'd love to know more on how you apply this.
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#144Reminds me of the story of Zhuangzi, the Chinese philosopher, on how one thing can be used in very different ways: There was once a man from Song who was skilled at making ointment for chapped hands. For generations, his family had made their living by washing raw silk. A traveler happened to hear of it and offered to purchase the formula for a hundred catties of gold. The man called his family into conference and sa…
(Author Here) Thank you for sharing. Very strange that I've heard of Zhuangzi from various interesting folks but have rarely found much info on him.
The book that bears his name is very old and its origins are mysterious. There very well could have been a philosopher named Zhuangzi who wrote down (or had his pupils write down) his dialogues and stories, or he could have been a fictitious character that formed the nucleus of an oral tradition, it's really hard to say.
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#145Earlier quoted context omitted.
It's probably a story to move the argument forward. But I can explain as the original Chinese version needs a bit of interpretation. Basically the formula can help soldiers fight during winter so whoever has it has an advantage over the other side. BTW the Chinese version if anyone is interested: 宋人有善为不龟手之药者，世世以洴澼絖为事。客闻之，请买其方百金。聚族而谋曰：『我世世为洴澼絖，不过数金；今一朝而鬻技百金，请与之。』客得之，以说吴王。越有难，吴王使之将，冬与越人水战，大败越人，裂地而封之。 Also to answer the…
> They made their livelihood to persuade kings to follow their advices and make profit (in money, fame and land) from it. Early consultants?
Yeah, and mercenaries too, but more of a strategic one, not tactical as a modern one.
Some of them worked as "客卿" (persons who came from a foreign kingdom/principality but listed as a high-ranking official in the host kingdom/principality) and helped the king/prince with reforms. Local aristocracies were usually the target of reforms (in that sense, very much like a consultant of today) so someone from outside needs to move it forward. Some can serve as generals who own a small number of elite soldiers and can lead armies for the king/prince of the host kingdom/principality.
I'm pretty sure you can find similar examples in Medieval Europe.
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#146In India, we have a word for this type of "engineering" - jugaad. A great tool to use at an individual level. A terrible mindset to have as a society.
(Author here) First time I've heard about this. Care to share more?
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#147I am like Zhang.
I directly blame watching a lot of MacGyver and A-Team as a kid.
Those shows really got me thinking obtusely, combined with being poor and not being able to go out and just buy what I needed.
Now it just comes naturally.
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#148Earlier quoted context omitted.
(Author Here) Thank you for sharing. Very strange that I've heard of Zhuangzi from various interesting folks but have rarely found much info on him.
The book that bears his name is very old and its origins are mysterious. There very well could have been a philosopher named Zhuangzi who wrote down (or had his pupils write down) his dialogues and stories, or he could have been a fictitious character that formed the nucleus of an oral tradition, it's really hard to say.
(Author here) I recall a very close (and successful) friend that was deeply inspired by his works. She used to tell me how so many of the most powerful men in Chinese history were either tutored or influenced by Zhuangzi but it's kept secret within the Chinese history.
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#149Nice article. Unfortunately there is a limitation to this way of thinking in my daily business - the WAF ;-) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife_acceptance_factor Luckily the articles' principle doesn't only apply to building furniture. Edit - Clarification: This comment describes only my personal situation and should in no way harm anyone. It is a satiric way of stating out that if you are not alone in your apartment…
This is an appropriate time to share a story about a co-worker. We went to Kroger for lunch (grocery store, like Publix, sells pre-packaged sandwiches). Every time we went, he would do $5-10 in cashback. I asked why. He said so he has spending money that his wife doesn't know about. Minor, but always struck me as an epitome of deception and lengths people will go to in order to avoid honesty in their marriage.
Maybe he saved it up and used to it buy her an anniversary gift. There needs to be a little mystery.
Re: How my genius roommate changed my perspective
#150I am like Zhang. I directly blame watching a lot of MacGyver and A-Team as a kid. Those shows really got me thinking obtusely, combined with being poor and not being able to go out and just buy what I needed. Now it just comes naturally.
(Author here) I'd love to hear more on how you think about problems and what motivates you in doing so...