Sunday Letters

Sunday Letters explores the intersections of programming, personal growth, and communication. It emphasizes the importance of iterative learning, effective communication, leadership humility, adaptability, and balancing creativity with practicality. This Substack encourages readers to continually learn, improve, and embrace diverse perspectives and skills for long-term success.

Programming Personal Growth Communication Leadership Adaptability Creativity Technology

The hottest Substack posts of Sunday Letters

And their main takeaways

In praise of small weirdos

139 implied HN points • 05 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Innovation AI Product Development Consumer Tech Startups
  1. New tech often starts out messy and complicated, not neat and finished. Most of the time, we see these products when they are already established.
  2. It's important to look for 'small weirdos', which are early-stage ideas that not many people understand or use yet.
  3. Being aware of these small weirdos can help innovators find new opportunities and stay ahead in technology development.

To hack or not to hack

179 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Software Engineering Code Quality Technical Debt
  1. In software development, it's a challenge to choose between making a general solution or focusing on a specific problem. Both approaches have their pros and cons.
  2. If you hack your code without planning, it can become messy and hard to manage. But if you overthink it and try to make it too general too soon, you might waste time and effort.
  3. To find the right balance, ask how hard it is to change things later and how long the general solution will take to pay off. It's about making smart decisions based on the problem at hand.

Against "talent"

119 implied HN points • 04 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Music Education Philosophy Arts Self-Improvement
  1. Talent is often used as an excuse for not trying something new. People might say they lack talent instead of acknowledging that skills come from hard work and practice.
  2. No one is born an expert in anything, including tech or music. Mastery in any field requires time and effort, and everyone struggles at first.
  3. Using the term 'talent' can discourage people from pursuing their interests. If someone thinks they need a special gift to succeed, they might not even try, but anyone can learn with determination.

We have always wanted to talk to the machines

59 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI Communication Programming Human-Computer Interfaces
  1. People are excited about talking to machines, especially using AI chat interfaces. It feels more personal and direct than using complicated software.
  2. For a long time, we've been trying to create a common language with computers. Starting from binary code, we've developed better ways to communicate with them.
  3. Now, we can often talk to computers more naturally and get them to understand us, which is something we've always wanted to achieve. This progress makes plain text communication feel exciting once again.

What's the next development model?

39 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Development Programming Software Trends
  1. We’ve seen different development models evolve with technology, like mainframes and mobile, and now we are seeing a shift with AI. Each model has changed how we program and solve problems.
  2. AI brings new challenges in terms of monitoring and managing open-ended behavior in applications. We need to figure out new ways to ensure our AI tools act appropriately and are tested well.
  3. The future of development might see 'codeless' programming, where AI tools can manage coding tasks and teams focus more on their intentions. This could completely transform how we approach software development.
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How do we make sense of all of this?

39 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Data science Workplace Innovation Complex Systems
  1. It's normal to feel overwhelmed with all the rapid changes in technology and AI. Many people are struggling to keep up, and that's okay.
  2. Using first principles can help us find clarity in confusing situations. Focusing on what's truly important and how things work can guide our understanding.
  3. Looking at data and history can help us make sense of current trends. By finding patterns and using math, we can better understand the complexities of new technologies.

Desire isn't a strategy

139 implied HN points • 13 Mar 22
💼 Business Strategy Organization Success Goals Technology
  1. Desire alone is not a strategy; it lacks specific actions and directions. A clear strategy needs to tell you what steps to take and what to avoid.
  2. Many people confuse goals with strategies. Goals like 'getting rich' are vague, while a strategy like 'specializing in field X' is more actionable.
  3. Successful companies have clear strategies that guide their actions and decisions. If a plan doesn’t outline specific tactics, it’s probably just a wish rather than a real strategy.

The rainbow of disgust and joy

119 implied HN points • 15 May 22
🕹 Technology Software Development Coding Project management Product Design
  1. When working on code, it's common to feel frustrated with the design. It's important to remember that things often need to move quickly to stay competitive.
  2. Finding a balance between speed and maintaining good code is key. Being too perfect can be as problematic as moving too fast.
  3. Emotions about your code can help gauge your progress. Being slightly embarrassed yet moving fast usually leads to better outcomes.

Be a brave fool

139 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
💼 Business Leadership Management Organizational Behavior Professional development Work Culture
  1. It's important to challenge authority and not just accept things because of titles or credentials. Listening to new ideas, even from less experienced people, can help avoid blind spots.
  2. Being self-deprecating and open to feedback makes you more approachable. Showing vulnerability helps create a better environment for discussion and improvement.
  3. Relying solely on past achievements can be a trap. Focus on the quality of your current work and be willing to debate ideas based on their merit rather than on who you are.

The future of work

19 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Job Market Data Analysis Professional development Innovation
  1. The job market is always changing, just like it did when agriculture jobs shrank a century ago. People need to adapt and learn new skills to keep up.
  2. Everyone now has the chance to do data analysis, which is great for innovation. Fast and low-cost experiments help us find unexpected insights.
  3. Understanding basic concepts like mean vs median is becoming more important. It helps people ask better questions and make sense of the data they encounter.

Look for the next bottleneck

79 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Optimization Disruption Innovation Education Medicine
  1. Optimization is a constant process in our daily lives. We look for ways to make things easier, faster, and cheaper to achieve our goals.
  2. Bottlenecks are points that limit the effectiveness of a system. Identifying these bottlenecks helps us understand what is holding us back.
  3. Disruption can happen when new technologies find a way around existing bottlenecks, leading to better solutions and opportunities. Staying curious and willing to change is key to innovation.

Language isn't the cure

119 implied HN points • 01 May 22
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Languages System Design Team Dynamics Innovation
  1. New programming languages or techniques won't solve old problems. Teams need to focus on fixing their systems before expecting a new language to make things better.
  2. People often believe learning a new language will improve their skills, but it doesn't address deeper issues like organization or trust. Just like learning a different language won’t make someone a great writer.
  3. Fixing systemic team issues takes hard work and discipline. Sometimes, sticking with familiar tools can be more effective than constantly chasing new options.

That can't be done/we are already doing that

59 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
💼 Business Organizational Change Culture Leadership Innovation Mindset
  1. Organizational culture is hard to change once a group gets big. After a certain point, it's tough for new people to make an impact.
  2. When new ideas come up, they often get rejected or downplayed because of the existing culture. People might say 'that can't be done' or 'we are already doing that' instead of considering the new idea.
  3. To encourage new ideas, it helps to adopt a 'yes, and' mindset. This means instead of rejecting ideas, you build on them to see how they can fit together.

Do the more rare thing

79 implied HN points • 09 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Regret Choices Values
  1. When faced with tough decisions, you can simplify by ranking factors like academics or location. This helps you narrow down your choices.
  2. If two options seem equal, consider choosing the rarer one. It's often harder to get and might be better for you in the long run.
  3. Choosing something rare can protect you from regret. It makes you less likely to change your mind later since you might not have that option again.

Asking the dumb questions

159 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
🚌 Education Learning Mindset Teamwork Communication Development
  1. When you're new to a situation, it's good to watch and listen first. This helps you learn more about what's going on.
  2. Asking 'dumb' questions can be really powerful. They often bring up thoughts that others on the team might be too shy to voice.
  3. Encouraging new team members to ask questions keeps the team flexible and open to change. Celebrating these questions can help everyone grow.

Dandelions

39 implied HN points • 14 May 23
📖 Philosophy Life lessons Problem Solving Nature Engineering Mindfulness
  1. Don't get too caught up in your goals. Sometimes, focusing too much on a single goal can lead to missing out on other enjoyable aspects or better solutions.
  2. Like trying to fight dandelions in a lawn, we can get fixated on solving problems the wrong way. It's important to recognize when a goal isn't worth the struggle.
  3. Regularly step back and assess if you're on the right path. Taking a moment to rethink can often reveal simpler and more effective options.

Proof is in the doing

139 implied HN points • 10 Jan 22
🎭️ Culture Self-help Education Psychology Communication Technology
  1. It's easy to feel like you know something when you only understand it on the surface. True understanding comes from actually doing and applying what you've learned.
  2. Impostor syndrome can affect even the most capable people. It's important to recognize when familiarity is not the same as true competence.
  3. Being familiar with complex subjects is okay for making decisions. However, you should always be cautious not to overestimate your understanding of them.

In praise of hard optimization

59 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Software AI Engineering Optimization Programming
  1. New AI models are exciting, but they come with their own challenges, like performance limits and the need for optimization. It's important for developers to tackle these constraints creatively.
  2. In the past, developers had to deal with strict limits on memory and processing power. Today, while we have more resources, financial constraints can also impact performance.
  3. Now is a good time to revisit basic computer science skills and focus on optimization. Solving tough engineering problems can be hard, but it’s also very rewarding.

Work isn't what you think it is

159 implied HN points • 17 Oct 21
💼 Business Career Advice Work Culture Impact Passion Success
  1. Your career path is unique, and it’s shaped by random events and choices, not just a clear plan. Don’t try to follow someone else’s journey; create your own.
  2. Having a lot of impact in what you do is key to long-term success. Focus on what matters to you and makes a difference.
  3. Passion for your work can lead to success and satisfaction. Enjoying what you do doesn’t mean it’s not valuable, so embrace what you love.

How to code for 60 years

139 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Programming Engineering Education Career Culture
  1. Engineering and coding can have very long careers; some people code for decades and adapt to many changes in technology.
  2. Learning is a continuous process, and it's important to stay humble and curious, no matter how experienced you become.
  3. Younger coders may benefit from understanding the fundamentals and history of coding, rather than just focusing on trendy tools.

What guarantees are you making?

79 implied HN points • 11 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Software Systems Documentation Organizational Culture APIs
  1. Always clarify what guarantees you are making in your work or software. This helps everyone understand what to expect.
  2. Dependencies can be tricky, so be careful of relying on assumptions that might change. What works now could break later.
  3. Document processes and rotate responsibilities to avoid putting too much reliance on one person. This keeps the team healthy and resilient.

Dangerous metrics

59 implied HN points • 20 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Software Development Metrics AI Productivity Team Management
  1. Measuring developer productivity is really hard. Common metrics like lines of code or bugs fixed often don't tell the full story and can even be manipulated.
  2. It’s important to think about how a metric could be misused before applying it. Focusing on the wrong metrics can lead to unhelpful outcomes and confusion.
  3. Organizations learn and respond to metrics, but sometimes they take things too literally. Choosing the right metrics carefully is crucial to avoid unintentional negative effects.

The power of patterns

119 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Innovation Business Models Crypto Web Development Digital Trends
  1. Technology keeps changing, and it can be tough to keep up. It's common for people to use past experiences to help make sense of new tech.
  2. In the early days of the internet, companies tried to fit new ideas into old models, but they often missed the bigger picture. Real value comes from new solutions, not just familiar concepts.
  3. When exploring new ideas, like crypto, it's important to look for real problems being solved, not just familiar patterns. Focus on what new capabilities these innovations bring.

Where is the autonomy in AI?

19 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Automation Human-computer interaction
  1. AI models like large language models need human guidance to perform tasks effectively. Humans help by providing prompts and correcting errors.
  2. Even complex tasks require a lot of human involvement. AI can't work fully independently; it can't just be told to 'write a book' without further instruction.
  3. There is still a long way to go in developing AI that can handle complex, open-ended problems alone. Current systems struggle with autonomy and can't yet replicate human planning and organization.

Humility in leadership

99 implied HN points • 24 Apr 22
💼 Business Leadership Organizational Teamwork Management Strategy
  1. Leadership should be about helping others, not just about personal achievement. Think about how you can support your team instead of just focusing on being at the top.
  2. An inverted org chart can help visualize leadership as a service. Instead of one person at the top, imagine the leader at the bottom, supporting the team that does the work.
  3. Making decisions in leadership requires humility. It's important to delegate and build trust, as this creates a more effective and supportive team environment.

Solve the right problem

99 implied HN points • 27 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Software Development Engineering User Experience System Design Product Management
  1. It's important to solve the right problem. If you don't understand the problem clearly, you might end up overcomplicating things.
  2. Sometimes, less is more. Simplifying designs can make your code easier to manage and improve user experience.
  3. Don't try to fix every possible edge case; focus on the most common scenarios. This can help you avoid unnecessary complexity.

Culture is what you put up with

79 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🎭️ Culture Corporate culture
  1. Culture is shaped by what people are willing to tolerate in a workplace. It reflects the behaviors and standards that are accepted, even when they fall short of ideal goals.
  2. Big companies often make significant sacrifices for certain cultural elements. For instance, Google might prioritize code quality over a fast release schedule, while Amazon might focus on efficiency at the cost of employee turnover.
  3. To truly understand a company's culture, it’s important to look at the worst behaviors that are accepted. This gives a clearer picture than just stating cultural aspirations.

Let's add a whole bunch of simplicity

119 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
🕹 Technology Software Design User Experience Code Quality Product Development
  1. Simplicity is about removing complexity, not adding it. We often think we can just make things easier, but the reality is that we have to eliminate the complicated parts.
  2. To create simplicity, we should clearly define our goals. Understanding exactly what we need to do helps us focus and decide what to avoid.
  3. Finding the simplest version of a project may mean letting go of features you like. It's important to be disciplined and recognize that simplifying can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Lessons from a failed experiment

19 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🔬 Science Research Innovation Theory Experimentation Education
  1. People often trust the old experts too much, which can block new ideas. It's important to stay open to new possibilities, even if they seem strange.
  2. In science, we tend to only celebrate successful discoveries, while failed experiments often get ignored. Both successes and failures are essential for learning.
  3. Being open minded and willing to be wrong is key to making groundbreaking discoveries. Sometimes, you have to fail many times before you find something that works.

Learning to learn, playing slowly

119 implied HN points • 10 Oct 21
🚌 Education Learning Teaching Music Technology Mental health
  1. When learning something new, it's easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed. Taking a slower approach can actually help you learn better.
  2. Playing slowly is key to mastering skills, like music or coding. It allows you to understand the basics without getting frustrated.
  3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes when learning. Embracing the messiness helps you improve and learn faster in the long run.

Absolute vs Relative

99 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Engineering Measurements Standards Software Human behavior
  1. People often think in relative terms rather than absolute ones. For example, you might feel cold or warm based on how you compare the temperature to what you're used to.
  2. When measuring success or progress, it's easy to lower your standards without realizing it. If everyone around you is doing less, you might think you're doing fine, but that can lead to problems.
  3. Not everything can or should be measured absolutely. It’s important to stay aware and not become complacent, like the frog that doesn’t notice the water getting hotter.

The abstraction trap

79 implied HN points • 08 May 22
🕹 Technology Software Design User Experience Accessibility Programming Abstraction
  1. Abstraction helps make complex things simpler, but not everyone understands it like tech people do. It's essential to remember that what seems easy to us can be quite confusing for others.
  2. When designing software, we should think about how users perceive it. Not all users will understand the technical thinking behind it, so we need to create a user-friendly experience.
  3. We have to be aware of our biases and design for those who find abstraction difficult. Gathering user feedback and constantly improving is key to making software accessible.

Sunday Letters - what, who, and why

119 implied HN points • 03 Oct 21
💼 Business Leadership Innovation Career Advice Team Dynamics Organizational Behavior
  1. The Sunday Letters started as updates to a team but evolved into discussions on broader themes like leadership and innovation.
  2. They serve as reflections and pieces of advice that the writer wishes he had known earlier in his career.
  3. Writing these letters regularly helps the author stay attentive to patterns in leadership and fosters good conversations around ideas.

Undeveloping conviction

59 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Innovation Engineering Problem Solving User Experience Programming
  1. New ideas offer fresh perspectives because you come in without much attachment. This freedom helps in finding solutions to complex problems, whether in life or work.
  2. As you invest time and energy into a solution, it can create a heavy inertia that makes it hard to change courses, even if the solution isn't ideal.
  3. It's important to allow some doubt and explore different options. This can lead to better solutions, as trying new approaches helps you discover alternatives you might not have considered.

Manager or short order cook?

59 implied HN points • 28 Aug 22
💼 Business Management Quality Assurance Organizational Behavior Leadership Engineering
  1. Organizations often say they value things like quality, but they might not really mean it. It's important to see if they make real choices based on those values.
  2. If engineers are just completing tasks without context, it can hurt quality and user experience. This 'short order cook' approach can lead to many problems.
  3. When interviewing or leading, ask if engineers can delay releases for quality issues. It’s a good way to understand how much the organization cares about quality.

New tools or old?

79 implied HN points • 17 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Engineering Tools Coding Research Development
  1. It's important to learn new tools and technologies to keep growing. Having a variety of skills helps you adapt to changes in your field.
  2. While it's good to be comfortable with familiar tools, relying on them too much can make you stuck. Balance old and new tools to stay current and efficient.
  3. Look for tools that work well together and can be reused. This way, you can get more value out of what you learn and build over time.

Mining for ... jewelry?

99 implied HN points • 13 Dec 21
💼 Business Innovation Ideas Entrepreneurship Strategy Creativity
  1. Big ideas often look messy and impractical at first. They aren't always obvious, so it’s important to look deeper.
  2. Finding valuable ideas is like mining for ore, not finished jewelry. You need to recognize potential within rough concepts.
  3. Instead of expecting perfect ideas, focus on exploring the possibilities and challenges that come with them.

Let's cut some cake

79 implied HN points • 20 Mar 22
🚌 Education Decision-making Mathematics Team Dynamics Problem Solving Collaboration
  1. To share something fairly, one person should cut it while the other picks their piece. This way, both care about fairness.
  2. In team discussions or disagreements, break down decisions into parts to find common ground and make it easier for everyone to agree.
  3. Using a math-based approach can help settle arguments quickly and fairly, showing that cooperation can work better than fighting.

Principles and discomfort

59 implied HN points • 31 Jul 22
💼 Business Management Culture Strategy Decision-making Team Dynamics
  1. Companies should write down their principles, but they need to focus on real-life situations. It's important to consider what happens during conflicts or tight deadlines.
  2. It's good to prioritize principles so everyone knows what matters most. Listing trade-offs can help teams make better decisions when things get tough.
  3. Successful teams must design principles that reflect real choices and constraints. This way, they can handle stress better and understand what they truly value.

A new coding regime is being created

1 HN point • 21 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Artificial Intelligence Internet
  1. Coding has evolved from a simple one-person setup to complex applications that multiple users can access at the same time. This shift has changed how we think about what an application really is.
  2. The arrival of the internet brought new challenges like data outages and scaling issues, leading to new practices like Agile development. This adaptation took time and created many best practices that we now rely on.
  3. With the rise of AI and LLM-based coding, we face new questions about how to create and maintain software. It's crucial to remain open and adaptable as the industry figures this out.