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Reality has a surprising amount of detail (2017) (johnsalvatier.org)

367 points by vinhnx · 61 days ago · 150 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses how reality has a surprising amount of detail, which can lead to people getting intellectually stuck. The author uses the example of building stairs to illustrate how a simple task can have many nuanced details. The article also explores how this phenomenon is not limited to physical tasks, but can also apply to intellectual pursuits and understanding complex systems. The author argues that seeking out and noticing these details is crucial for making progress and avoiding being stuck.

Main themes

  • Complexity of reality
  • Importance of details
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Problem-solving
  • DIY and craftsmanship
  • Cognitive biases

What commenters say

  • The article's message about the importance of details is particularly relevant to DIY projects and craftsmanship, where small mistakes can have significant consequences.
  • The concept of reality having a surprising amount of detail is not limited to physical tasks, but also applies to intellectual pursuits and understanding complex systems.
  • Noticing and addressing the small details is crucial for making progress and avoiding being stuck, but it can be difficult to do so without prior experience or knowledge.
  • The use of technology, such as laser levels, can help mitigate the issues caused by the complexity of reality, but may not entirely eliminate them.
  • Some people find the process of discovering and addressing the small details to be enjoyable and rewarding, while others may find it frustrating and time-consuming.
  • The article's ideas can be applied to various fields, including programming, science, and engineering, where attention to detail is critical for success.
  • The importance of details is often overlooked until it's too late, and people may only realize their mistake after investing significant time and effort.
  • Experience and expertise can help individuals develop a sense of what details are important and how to address them, but even experts can still be surprised by the complexity of reality.