Fast (patrickcollison.com)

Article summary

The article presents a list of examples of people quickly accomplishing ambitious projects, including the construction of the BankAmericard card, the P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter, and the Eiffel Tower. These projects were completed in a relatively short period, often with limited resources. The article also notes that many of these projects were completed before 1970, suggesting that something has changed in the way projects are approached and completed. The example of the Van Ness bus lane in San Francisco, which took over 7,600 days to complete, is cited as a contrast to these earlier projects.

Main themes

• rapid project completion
• historical comparison
• infrastructure development
• government bureaucracy
• technological progress
• environmental and social impact

What commenters say

• War has driven rapid construction and innovation in the past, with many notable projects completed quickly during World War II.
• The ability to complete large projects quickly has decreased over time, with modern projects often taking decades to complete.
• Some argue that the emphasis on speed and efficiency can lead to negative environmental and social consequences, and that a more nuanced approach to progress is needed.
• Others believe that pursuing technological progress and efficiency is essential for preserving the environment and improving human well-being.
• The role of government and bureaucracy in slowing down project completion is a topic of debate, with some arguing that it is a major obstacle to progress.
• The importance of considering the long-term costs and benefits of projects, rather than just their speed of completion, is also highlighted.
• There are differing opinions on the state of San Francisco's governance and its impact on the city's development and quality of life.