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Things you're allowed to do (2020)

milan.cvitkovic.net

61–70 of 228 posts

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#61
post #56

I don't see this on the list but "Do things by yourself" is one I'd add. Lots of people seem to have a thing against Going to the Movies, Eating at a restaurant or attending an event/concert/museum without a friend/partner. Trust me it's not unusual and everybody is not staring at you.

Shockingly dancing was not mentioned? Or have I missed it?

I’ve encouraged many programmers to start dancing as they are naturally gravitating toward Argentinian Tango which is flourishing with good programming of steps combined with improvisation.

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#62
post #21

Apparently you're also allowed to discuss this article on HN: Things you're allowed to do (2020) - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31705542 - June 2022 (171 comments) Things You're Allowed to Do - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25513713 - Dec 2020 (416 comments)

Practice takes away the fear and makes perfection.

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#64
post #20
post #10

I'm probably a weirdo, but the "write in books" is a massive no no for me. I can't imagine writing in a book (unless it's a total turd, but I assume we're talking about good, insightful books). I do take notes, but always on separate sheets that I keep in the book. Just no way I'll write on the book itself.

You're missing out ! I started doing it when I realized that a book is nothing sacred, just thoughts the author where having. So by taking notes, it's like having a conversation with her. It has the benefit of also teaching you to be more "skeptical" of what you are reading, always a plus.

On the other hand, it takes joy from potential second hand readers who may want the opportunity to draw their own conclusions without having yours "primed" by inadvertently reading your notes.

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#65
Lists like these remind me of how far I have to go as a person. I can and do do a lot of these to the point where I’d say they’re all within immediate reach. However, having the time, energy, and drive to be able to collate this list, self-test it, and weather feedback is totally beyond me. I’m grateful that we have people like the author who are both productive people and also generous enough to gather and share their wisdom with others.

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#66
post #56

I don't see this on the list but "Do things by yourself" is one I'd add. Lots of people seem to have a thing against Going to the Movies, Eating at a restaurant or attending an event/concert/museum without a friend/partner. Trust me it's not unusual and everybody is not staring at you.

Shockingly dancing was not mentioned? Or have I missed it? I’ve encouraged many programmers to start dancing as they are naturally gravitating toward Argentinian Tango which is flourishing with good programming of steps combined with improvisation.

Ecstatic dancing is rather my take. And sometimes people are staring at you .. but one learns not to care.

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#67

Great ideas! Now when I go be a nomad, or go to live with friends, should I bring the wife and kids (and dogs) along too, for the laugh? I have about as much scope of move 1 hour down the road as I do to move to the Moon!

It's the reality of many families all over the world, so, yes, you can if you want to I think is what the article is suggesting.

I don't think the list is meant to be a "you must do these things" list, it's more to say "yes, you can absolutely do this if you want to, there is no cosmic force that stops you if _this is what you want_. I get your comment was incredulous towards an idea which isn't want you would want for yourself and your family, but my understanding is that the author's intent was to share their own realization that just because the things on their list are sometimes considered unusual or not normal doesn't mean you're forbidden from doing them. I think the author's point is more "you should not needlessly exclude valid options" as you're finding out what you really want to do in any element of life.

So your statement of incredulity is understood, sure -- you wouldn't want this right for yourself and your family at this time. The point is that if it is something you and your family wanted to do and could do, then the fact that it's not common for families to be nomadic shouldn't be a reason why you don't do it.

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#68
You know those answers you enjoy reading on Stack Exchange, Reddit, Quora, etc.? Someone had to ask those questions. It can be you

As someone with firsthand experience at this, I'd recommend not doing this. What will happen is your post will be auto-spammed/filtered, or be downvoted if it does show. I have had even good, relevant questions on Math Exchange be downvoted for not being specific enough or good enough. Tread carefully. This is not 2008-2014. The standards for participation have risen, algos and mods are way more strict.

Re: Things you're allowed to do (2020)

#70
post #10

I'm probably a weirdo, but the "write in books" is a massive no no for me. I can't imagine writing in a book (unless it's a total turd, but I assume we're talking about good, insightful books). I do take notes, but always on separate sheets that I keep in the book. Just no way I'll write on the book itself.

Interesting, I thought people would get more worked up over the "park illegally and let yourself think of the fine as a parking fee", especially with the "don’t break rules that matter" addition - there is usually a good reason why parking is illegal, and following only "rules that matter" is a slippery slope. So what if you are blocking a lane of traffic, it's just for a few minutes? Or that bike lane, no one ever uses it anyway? Or those disabled parking spaces, they're always empty?
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