to swyx: wow, i like the way you approach problems--and how you see things. Do you recommend any good books on critical thinking?
the realer answer is have about ~16 years of being in love with/thinking about microeconomics. maybe do some math/linear algebra (where you get very used to projecting spaces onto different dimensions), and then make a few high stakes decisions with regards to job negotiations optimizing for cash, salary, learning value, career path, etc.
but dont think for a second i have any of this figured out haha. i just write well.
i always suspicious linear algebra was very useful in representing probabilistic outcomes and your answer confirms my hunch. ;)
good day