After spending a year working through MIT’s computer science curriculum independently, I’ve gotten quite a few comments from people claiming I must have extraordinary self-discipline. I let that vanity sink in a bit, but then remember I procrastinated for a week to pack for my last trip, ending up doing it all last minute. The […]
The MIT Challenge is Complete
After 11 months and 26 days I finished my final MIT exam. I learned a lot over the last year and want to inspire people to do the same.
One Week Left in the MIT Challenge
It’s the final week of the MIT Challenge. As of right now I have one more exam to write (I’ve already finished the preparation) and one more programming project, the last of six for computer graphics. Practically, I feel the knowledge I’ve gained will serve me well as an entrepreneur. While programming knowledge certainly isn’t […]
Don’t Follow Your Passion
I recently read an advance copy of Cal Newport’s fascinating (and controversial) new book: So Good They Can’t Ignore You. The main argument being that following your passion is bad career advice. The first problem is that, for the most part, preexisting passions don’t exist. Cal cites a study which interviewed 500+ university students to […]
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.