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I'm currently grappling with "Computer science for dummies", wonder how I feel ;)

If you can get things done, then this counts for a lot. I know people who are geniuses and polymaths -- the kind of guys who do the calculus to optimize patterns for making their own juggling balls as a leisure activity. That doesn't mean that they are the best at getting things done though.

Be able to get things done. Be good at taking into account what you don't know. Know how to cooperate and delegate. This is the stuff that's most useful.

Another important thing isn't the complexity of the project, but the impact it has. Sometimes people tend to build on the big side when the best thing they can do is the simplest, just look at Facebook or Google.

I just found this, googling for Pat Methenys quote:

Be the worst guy in every band you’re in.

http://apprenticeship-patterns.labs.oreilly.com/index.html

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