Hasty Briefsbeta

thinking

3 stories total

Bilingual

You don't have to be smart if you can think clearly
2 months ago
- Smart engineers rely on quick intuition but struggle when problems aren't instantly solvable.
- Strong engineers use methodical processes and can think clearly even at slow speeds.
- The key to clear thinking is focusing on invariants—true beliefs about the system.
- Thinking slowly and clearly is often unsatisfying but yields high value.
- Engineers who can think clearly under uncertainty are extremely effective.
The Island Test
2 months ago
- A test for addiction: pack what you can't live without for a weekend on a remote island.
- Author's addictions are books, earplugs, notebook, and pen.
- Earplugs ensure quiet for thinking, especially when starting new ideas.
- Notebook and pen help capture ideas and prevent worrying about forgetting them.
- Books provide distraction but are not entirely healthy; author may try giving them up in the future.
The Need to Read
2 months ago
- Reading teaches both knowledge and how to write, not just content.
- Writing is a way to discover new ideas, not merely a transcript of thoughts.
- There is a unique kind of thinking that can only be done through writing.
- For complex, ill-defined problems, writing is almost always helpful, and poor writing skill is a disadvantage.
- Good thinking requires good writing, and good writing requires good reading.

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