Earlier quoted context omitted.
Totally agree. But the language and wording structure is a slog to get through.
I highly recommend the version published by Penguin Classics: ISBN-10: 0140449337 This version is translated by Martin Hammond. He does a fantastic job at making this a comfortable read. And another bonus, this version is Narrated by Richard Armitage. His voice filled the book with life.
Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
201–210 of 248 posts
Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#202Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#203Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#204Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes! While I'm often suspicious of simplistic models like the Veil of Ignorance, it's really among the best in western philosophy: it's easy to understand, and its implications are compelling and clear. The concept also carries a kind of common-sense appeal that practically bridges the gap between "is" and "ought." Maybe it bears some relationship to human instincts for social behavior and empathy -- is there any lit…
One descriptive theory of morality is Moral Foundations Theory[0]. Jonathan Haidt introduces it in his popular book The Righteous Mind[1]. My current thinking is that, since normative principles (what ought to be) cannot be demonstrated to be universally true, the best we can do is demonstrate that they are consistent with our core instincts and motives. For example, being generous to others is not right based on som…
Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#205Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#206The Psychology of Intelligence Analysis - Richard Heuer - Concise introduction of how the mind works, biases, dealing with uncertainty, critical thinking, and dealing with complexity. The Pyramid Principle - Barbara Minto - Logic in writing and thinking. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant - Eric Jorgenson - Inspiration for better thinking. fs.blog - Mental models, better thinking, decision making.
fs.blog -> nice one, subscribed. Thnx
Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#207As far as problem solving specifically I enjoyed taking the CFA exams. Particularly L1 was good for looking a Financial problems.
Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#208From a software engineering standpoint: - Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (doing all the exercises is key). This book helped me think about how programs run, how state is stored, how you can build out asynchronous computation, and how you can build your own languages. - Designing Data Intensive Applications. This book profoundly changed how I think about application performance and data. It describe…
I'm curious about how to get the most out of this one. Do you have any recommendations for how to read it? e.g. did you go front-to-back?
Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#209Earlier quoted context omitted.
How so?
Being a soldier is more than just about fighting in war. It’s about handling difficulties. It’s about constantly being on the move even when you are tired. It is about protecting your comrades. It is about containing your anger in difficulty. It is about discipline. It is about management, leadership, camaraderie. It is about being human. It is about way more stuff than that. And maybe one day someone will share ever…
Re: Ask HN: Which books have made you a better thinker and problem solver?
#210In my experience, my co-workers tend to accept many concepts / structures / processes for granted whose design is non-obvious, yet they accept them although they don't understand them.
They're relying on an illusion of understanding - better thinking starts when you realize that you had no real understanding to begin with. I am not sure that you can teach this from a book. It requires an inquisitive mind and the courage to think for yourself.