How do you know when you understand something? This is trickier than it seems. Explanations are recursive. recursive. Recursion is the algorithmic equivalent of Matryoshka dolls. The same process nested inside itself again and again. This may sound complicated, but we use recursive processes all the time. recursive processes all the time. Consider trying to […]
The Essential Education: If You Had Ten Years to Learn Anything, What Would You Do?
I can remember years ago having a discussion with someone about the purpose of college. I was arguing that university often doesn’t do a good job of preparing young people for the world of work, and my friend was arguing that I was missing the point. College isn’t about economic preparedness, but about educating people […]
Multiply or Add?
Sometimes things multiply instead of adding. Discover one of the most influential essays that inspired me to start my own business.
Book Club: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (June 2017)
I like to read a lot of books. But, if you’re like me, you often find that you read a book that sparks a lot of interesting ideas, hoping to discuss it with your friends, and find that you can’t find many people who have read the same books as you. That’s why I’m starting […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.