115 lines
2.9 KiB
Org Mode
Executable File
115 lines
2.9 KiB
Org Mode
Executable File
#+TITLE: Intellectually challenging oneself
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#+OPTIONS: num:nil
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#+DATE: <2026-03-31 Tue 11:14>
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#+filetags: :life:
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#+COMMENTS: t
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#+SLUG: intellectually-challenging-myself-30-03-26
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* Introduction
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One thing I've been trying to do more of is intellectually challenging myself. I find that when I read books or articles that are outside of my comfort zone, it forces me to think in new ways and expand my understanding of the world.
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Some resources on this include (this is generated by AI):
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** Core Principles
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- Seek truth, not comfort
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- Prefer depth over breadth
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- Actively struggle with ideas (don’t passively agree)
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- Integrate knowledge into action
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** Programming & Technical Thinking
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*** Objectives
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- Think like a problem solver
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- Break down complex systems
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- Build instead of just consume
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*** Resources
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- "Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs"
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- "The Pragmatic Programmer" — Andrew Hunt & David Thomas
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- "Clean Code" — Robert C. Martin
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- MIT OpenCourseWare (CS lectures)
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*** Practices
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- Daily problem solving (LeetCode / own projects)
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- Rewrite code in simpler form
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- Ask:
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- “What is the simplest version of this?”
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- “What assumptions am I making?”
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- Build small tools (C, Emacs, Linux automation)
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** Mental Discipline & Masculinity
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*** Objectives
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- Resist instant gratification
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- Build focus and resilience
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- Become internally driven
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*** Resources
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- "Can't Hurt Me" — David Goggins
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- "Discipline Equals Freedom" — Jocko Willink
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- "Atomic Habits" — James Clear
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*** Practices
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- Do difficult tasks first (no negotiation)
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- Cold exposure / physical challenge
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- Reduce dopamine (no mindless scrolling)
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- Track daily discipline (TODO → DONE)
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** Critical Thinking & Philosophy
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*** Objectives
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- Question assumptions
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- Think independently
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- Avoid blind following
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*** Resources
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- "Thinking, Fast and Slow" — Daniel Kahneman
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- "The Scout Mindset" — Julia Galef
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- "The Philosophy Gym" — Stephen Law
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- "The Demon-Haunted World" — Carl Sagan
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*** Practices
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- Weekly deep question:
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- “What do I believe that might be wrong?”
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- Steelman opposing views
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- Write short arguments (for and against)
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** Cross-Domain Thinking (Stretch Zone)
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*** Objectives
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- Expand beyond comfort zone
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- Connect different fields
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- Increase creativity
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*** Resources
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- Economics (basic macro/micro)
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- Psychology (biases, behavior)
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- History (rise/fall of societies)
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- Systems thinking
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*** Practices
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- Learn 1 new concept per week outside main field
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- Ask:
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- “How does this connect to programming?”
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- “How does this connect to Islam/life?”
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** Reflection Template
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- What did I learn?
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- What challenged me?
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- What confused me?
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- What did I previously believe?
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- Has my thinking changed?
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- How will I apply this?
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** Key Rule
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If it feels easy, it is not making me grow.
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I should regularly feel:
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- confused
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- challenged
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- mentally stretched
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