The core message of "Just Write" is to overcome the paralysis of perfectionism and the fear of judgment by simply starting to write. Don't get bogged down in elaborate outlines or editing; instead, prioritize consistent writing practice to develop your skills and discover your voice. The more you write, the easier it becomes, and the better your writing will be. Embrace imperfection, focus on quantity over quality initially, and view writing as a process of iterative refinement. Over time, this consistent effort will lead to significant improvement and unlock your creative potential.
Mathematicians are exploring the boundaries of provability using large language models (LLMs) and other automated theorem provers. While these tools can generate novel and valid proofs, they often rely on techniques too complex for human comprehension. This raises questions about the nature of mathematical truth and understanding. If a proof is too long or intricate for any human to verify, does it truly constitute "knowledge"? Researchers are investigating ways to make these computer-generated proofs more accessible and understandable, potentially revealing new insights into mathematical structures along the way. The ultimate goal is to find a balance between the power of automated proving and the human need for comprehensible explanations.
HN commenters discuss the implications of Gödel's incompleteness theorems and the article's exploration of concrete examples in Ramsey theory and Diophantine equations. Some debate the philosophical significance of undecidable statements, questioning whether they represent "true" mathematical facts or merely artifacts of formal systems. Others highlight the practical limitations of proof assistants and the ongoing search for more powerful automated theorem provers. The connection between computability and the physical universe is also raised, with some suggesting that undecidable statements could have physical implications, while others argue for a separation between abstract mathematics and the concrete world. Several commenters express appreciation for the article's clarity in explaining complex mathematical concepts to a lay audience.
Summary of Comments ( 26 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43137694
Hacker News users generally agreed with the core message of "Just Write," emphasizing the importance of consistent writing for skill development and idea generation. Several commenters shared their personal experiences with writing streaks and the positive impact it had on their clarity of thought and ability to articulate ideas. Some cautioned against focusing solely on quantity over quality, suggesting a balance is needed. The idea of lowering the bar for publishing, embracing imperfection, and iterating based on feedback was also discussed. One commenter pointed out the parallels between writing and coding, highlighting the iterative nature of both. Another popular sentiment was the importance of finding a niche and writing about topics that genuinely interest the author.
The Hacker News post "Just Write" (linking to https://blog.chasingbrains.co/p/just-write-stuff) generated a moderate amount of discussion with several compelling comments.
Many commenters echoed the sentiment of the original post, emphasizing the importance of consistent writing, even if it's not perfect. One commenter pointed out that writing regularly helps to clarify thoughts and solidify understanding, comparing it to the Feynman technique of explaining a concept as if teaching it to someone else. This commenter also highlighted that the act of writing itself can uncover gaps in one's knowledge, prompting further investigation and deeper learning.
Another commenter focused on the benefits of writing for an audience, suggesting that even a small, niche audience can provide valuable feedback and motivation. They argued that the fear of public judgment can be a powerful motivator for improving writing quality and developing a unique voice.
Several commenters discussed the practicalities of writing consistently. Some suggested setting realistic goals, such as writing a certain number of words per day or week, while others advocated for incorporating writing into a daily routine. One commenter recommended treating writing like any other skill that requires practice and dedication, emphasizing the importance of showing up consistently even when motivation is low.
A few commenters shared their personal experiences with writing, offering specific tools and techniques they found helpful. One commenter mentioned using a simple text editor to avoid distractions, while another recommended setting aside dedicated time for writing in a quiet environment.
Some commenters offered alternative perspectives, cautioning against prioritizing quantity over quality. They argued that while consistent writing is important, it shouldn't come at the expense of clear and concise communication. One commenter suggested focusing on writing for a specific purpose, whether it's to inform, persuade, or entertain, to ensure the writing remains focused and effective.
Finally, a few commenters discussed the psychological benefits of writing, suggesting that it can be a therapeutic activity that helps to process emotions and gain clarity on personal experiences. One commenter described writing as a form of self-discovery, allowing for reflection and exploration of one's inner thoughts and feelings.