There are two primary approaches to creating something: bottom-up design and top-down design . Top-down design is often seen in architecture. People do not build bricks randomly; instead, they follow the design drawings created by the architect. This method executes a plan that has already been established. When asked why something is built in a certain way, the answer is usually that the blueprint dictates its design. Conversely, bottom-up design does not start with a fixed goal, but rather involves setting and implementing small, actionable rules. For example, termite nests follow this approach. Small termites have a simple rule: to pile up soil. They do this without knowing the reason, but over time, the finished structure is remarkable and sophisticated. The appearance of the Sagrada Familia church , designed by Antoni Gaudà and still under construction, closely resembles a termite nest, differing only in size. Setting goals and planning is one way to create, but actual achievem...
Time Preference Rate . “ The Marshmallow Tale ” by Joachim de Posada and Ellen Singer describes the “ Marshmallow Experiment ” at Stanford University. The experimenter left the child alone in the room and gave the child a marshmallow, instructing the child to eat it immediately. However, if the child did not eat it within 15 minutes, the experimenter would give the child another marshmallow. Some children waited the full 15 minutes, while others stopped waiting early. These two groups were followed for 14 years, and as a result, the more patient children showed better social and mental abilities. Those who cannot tolerate waiting are said to have a high time preference rate, while those who are patient are described as having a low time preference rate. In investment, high and low time preference ratios are not necessarily good or bad because many investments depend on luck. The key is to find and stick to methods and principles that match one’s own tendencies. - Joseph’s “just my th...