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December 10, 2002

Downs and ups

I've had some days recently where I've felt pretty blue, and I noticed an effect I've seen before -- sometimes I think I am a better code debugger when I'm down.

I've also solved a tough problem that has been bugging me for quite a while -- after a few hours of sitting and staring at it, and feeling like I was going to get nothing done today.

I think this is because I'm feeling better, I tend to think I'm a genius and the first thought that pops into my mind must be correct.

But when I'm feeling less self-esteem, sometimes the second or third - and much better - thoughts have a chance to bubble up.

Robert M. Pirsig describes something like this in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - he relates it to the Zen concept of "no mind".

I don't really know much about Zen but I think there is something to this - sometimes by feeling small you can think big.

Posted by markj at December 10, 2002 07:05 PM

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Comments

Methinks Persig was talking about looking at a problem with no preconseived ideas of what the problem is or how to fix the problem.

Posted by: KindlyRat at December 10, 2002 07:15 PM

I think you're right, the ego often gets in the way of understanding. Humility helps you avoid fooling yourself and saves time.

Posted by: Seb at December 11, 2002 10:56 AM

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