Slow (michaelnotebook.com)

Article summary

The article discusses long-term projects and institutions that have been undertaken by humans over a very long period of time, such as the construction of cathedrals, scientific experiments, and open-source systems. These projects often require decades or centuries to complete and are goal-directed, unlike more decentralized or unplanned changes. The article highlights examples of such projects, including the proof of Fermat's Last Theorem, the construction of the Sagrada Familia, and the Framingham Heart Study. The author also notes that some open-source systems, such as Linux and Wikipedia, may still be around in 100 years.

Main themes

• Long-term projects
• Institutional durability
• Scientific progress
• Open-source systems
• Historical construction projects
• Academic research

What commenters say

• Some commenters appreciate the article's focus on slow and deliberate projects, contrasting with the emphasis on speed and rapid progress in other discussions.
• Others argue that the article's examples are not necessarily slow due to intent, but rather due to incompetence or external factors.
• There is a discussion about the importance of long-term thinking and the potential for individuals to contribute to ongoing projects, even if they may not see the completion of the project in their lifetime.
• The conversation also touches on the idea that some problems or projects may be inherently impossible to accelerate, and that the time required to complete them is a natural consequence of their complexity.
• Some commenters note that the article's examples are not unique and that there are many other long-term projects and institutions that have been undertaken throughout history.
• There is a debate about the role of pride and personal satisfaction in motivating individuals to work on long-term projects, with some arguing that pride can be a reliable source of happiness, while others caution against the dangers of hubris.
• The discussion also includes references to other concepts, such as the 'Slow Movement' and the idea of 'slow productivity', which emphasize the importance of taking a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to work and life.
• Some commenters highlight the challenges of working on long-term projects, including the risk of obsolescence, the difficulty of maintaining momentum, and the importance of finding ways to sustain interest and motivation over time.