101–110 of 211 posts
Speaker for the Dead. It is a second book in Enders game franchise so you will probably need to read the first book first or watch the movie, but second book is mostly independent of the first one.
From my notes:
"This is a non-fiction work translated from the original Polish. It is not a light work: it encompasses Lem’s complex and intricate musings and theories on technology, nature, genetics, cosmology, philosophy, biology, information theory, ecology, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, cybernetics, robots, programming, identity (cloning), human nature and how these all relate to mankind’s possible future or lack thereof. He discusses the likely shape of galactic civilizations as well as the possible composition or origins of its components, where their intelligence comes from, where it would likely develop, where it wouldn’t, why science fiction is lazy and, above all, he keeps the discussion rigorously supported by data, even when he seems to be engaging in the most whimsical flights of fancy."
"It is not an easy read, but it is legitimately a work of staggering genius. You don’t have to agree with him on everything, but you can’t argue with his method, with his intellectual rigor and devotion to the scientific method to reduce the ineffability of who we are and where we’re headed."
The entire Aubrey-Maturin series starting with Master and Commander. Exquisite writing, funny, interesting, deep characters and chock full of interesting philosophy and life observations. These books are my happy place: like most fans of the series I have read them all 5 times, which I have never done with another series.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Framing SICP as a book is a little misleading. I mean, it is a book, but mostly it's a collection of ~350 programming exercises. Exercise solving time will dominate reading time like 10:1. It's worth it! But plan accordingly.
I've spent much more time in sicp on text (and video lecture) than I did exercises. I also read it on my own time, not in class, and it took me many months to go through it. I guess everyone has a different way of approaching this.
- The Way of The Superior Man. The only "self help" book I give any credit. It really boils down to encouraging people to have a purpose in life and accept ourselves. - The Stupidity Paradox. Ever feel the world works in a "stupid" way? That your organization keeps promoting stupid ideas? Read this book and get into the roots of functional stupidity. It's a bit repetitive, but extremely insightful book. - Structure a…
SICP. When do you recommend software devs read it? Beginning of their journey or mid journey?
- Practical Vim - Seven Languages in Seven Weeks Career changing for me.
- The Way of The Superior Man. The only "self help" book I give any credit. It really boils down to encouraging people to have a purpose in life and accept ourselves. - The Stupidity Paradox. Ever feel the world works in a "stupid" way? That your organization keeps promoting stupid ideas? Read this book and get into the roots of functional stupidity. It's a bit repetitive, but extremely insightful book. - Structure a…
SICP is literally computer science 101 in LISP. Personally I found it less englightening than doing medium/hard leetcode problems.
1. Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone
2. The Teenage Liberation Handbook
3. The Win Without Pitching Manifesto
I read a lot of fiction across many genres, but my long-time favourite is Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon.