Comments on: Experts, Generalists, and the Tyranny of OR

By: Cory

Cory — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:41:26 +0000

Hi again, Jarkko, here’s that explanation!
http://www.variableinterests.com/post/100724586/a-notice-to-everyone

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:48:18 +0000

@Cory: You’re welcome :) Curious to hear your explanation…

By: Cory

Cory — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:33:16 +0000

Thank you!

(I’ll explain later!)

By: Joshua Clanton

Joshua Clanton — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:17:53 +0000

“And what are the topics on which you want to become an expert some day?”

That’s a great question, Jarkko! There are so many things that I’d like to become an 80% expert on. For instance, typography, fantasy literature, Renaissance art, general graphic design (in addition to web design), marketing, etc.

I try very hard not to limit my interests to what seems “easy” or “useful” or “possible.” Because when you are insanely interested in everything, those words have entirely different meanings. :-)

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:37:46 +0000

@Hans: Thanks! Yeah, I know what you mean – but on the other hand, sleeping is fun too – I wish it wasn’t so I wouldn’t feel so bad skipping sleep every now and then ;)

I’m also working on balancing what interests to keep and what to drop, and it’s not easy. But I’m sure that once we put enough effort into it, and keep working on it, we’ll one day reach a fine balance (at least for a while).

Keep experimenting!

By: Hans

Hans — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:36:49 +0000

Excellent article Jarkko!

I can certainly relate to it. There are a lot of things I would like to learn more about. Most of them would add value to my everyday life. I am not talking about value in a monetary sense. The value I am thinking of is related to making the most of your time and making your life as interesting and fun as it can be. We all know that great feeling you get when discover something new or when you are completely lost in something that you are really passionate about.

Unfortunately we only have so many hours in a day and about two thirds are “lost” at work or while sleeping.
Spending the available time wisely is my biggest challenge. I actually feel like I have to get rid of some of my interests because they are taking too much time and they are not adding anything to my life in terms of long term value. Don`t really know how to do that but I am sure it will come to me. Thanks for the email Jarkko and sorry for the long post. It is your own fault. You inspired me!

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:12:14 +0000

No problem, @Glen! That’s the way I read the comment in the first place: with a smilie at the end :)

I wonder if there are many people here to whom the opener made no sense at all. Please raise your voice if you want me to explain it.

By: Glen Allsopp

Glen Allsopp — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:20:40 +0000

Sorry, I meant to put a ';)' after my initial comment, I wasn't insulting the opener, I must be a geek as well as it made sense haha Cheers, Glen Glen Allsopps last blog post..Six Motivational Techniques that Work

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:23:53 +0000

@Dren: Yep, patience is definitely important! Luckily becoming an expert is not only about the end result, but the becoming part is also rewarding and exciting.

That’s why I totally agree with you when you say that there is no fortune in the world that would take the place of working towards your interests.

@Writer Dad: Thanks! I’m kind of confused with the question of whether 28 is a lot or just a little ;) But when it comes to wisdom, it’s only the beginning. I hope there are still many years to grow wiser.

By: Writer Dad

Writer Dad — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:11:04 +0000

You are a wise twenty-eight. I'm sure that Benjamin Franklin and Leonardo Da Vinci would agree. I would gladly take being a jack of all trades and a master of none. Writer Dads last blog post..A Time For Tears, A Time For Laughter