Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Odd question but are you reading Algorithms to Live By? This quote & a related anecdote features in the book. Or maybe this is just a really famous Knuth quote.



It’s really famous and has been discussed on HN in the past.

https://hn.algolia.com/?q=knuth+email


Did not know you could do that with algolia. Can you do that with other surfaces that use algolia as well (such as if Amazon used it)?


It's just the search box at the bottom of HN, and is probably provided in this way as a form of advertising (Algolia being a YC company). Some info: https://www.algolia.com/blog/customers/hacker-news-search-al...


I am! It’s on my bedside table. I also made it through the parts of his opus that were published at least 10 years ago.

Between the art of computer programming and the art of electronics, man I’ve spent a prolific amount of money and time. I’m so impressed by the underlying talent.


I'm not reading it, though it sounds interesting. I found this quote when I was browsing through Donald Knuth's website 10 years ago for inspiration on where to take my life next.


what did you find, and what did you incorporate with what outcomes? I'm at that pivot and very curious to know


Can you write the anecdote here for us. Reading the whole book for just the anecdote might be a daunting effort.


The anecdote might not be as rewarding unless having sat through the effort.


It is indeed a very famous quote: Cal Newport (OP link) also quotes it in his book “Deep Work”




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: