How sharp's your razor?
No, I'm not talking about your overpriced Gillette blades. 🪒
I'm talking about your mindset blades. 🧠
A "razor" is a principle or saying.
It removes unlikely explanations or unnecessary steps.
Having the right razor can save you a lot of time and heartache.
Here are three:
1. Occam's Razor: The simplest explanation is often the best one.
This razor values simplicity over complexity. When faced with multiple explanations that could explain something, pick the one that doesn't make you think too hard.
Example: The trash truck didn't arrive today.
- I could build a 10-step explanation for why my trash is still on the curb: Maybe macroeconomic issues like fuel shortages impacted truck availability.
- Or maybe the driver slept in and is running late.
Another Example: Your password stopped working.
- Complex: An AI monster-bot hacked the website, changed my password, and has my credit card info.
- Simple: You have Caps Lock turned on.
Don't overthink the cause. Avoid assumptions that are unlikely.
2. Hanlon's Razor: Don't attribute to malice what can be explained by stupidity.
Most people are good people. They aren't out to get you.
But sometimes, it feels like Julie's sole mission is to make my life miserable.
In reality, Julie's just too busy and dropped the ball. She didn't reply to my text message because she forgot, not because she hates me.
I save myself a lot of frustration by realizing the other person's a human, prone to error (just like me). My frustration toward them even turns into empathy for their shortcomings.
3. Hitchens's Razor: Anything asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.
I've wasted a lot of time trying to justify my opinions... only to realize the other guy hadn't properly backed up his claims.
When someone makes an outlandish claim without giving facts, I don't have to engage. I have no obligation to provide counterarguments to poorly supported statements. Instead, I can smile and keep eating my apple pie.
Use this one when discussing politics over the holidays. 😉
I use these razors to protect my most precious resource: attention.
I want to invest my thoughts toward my hobbies and my loved ones.
But there's a ton of stuff jockeying for my attention.
Every second I spend debating a decision or fuming over others' actions is a second that takes me away from my goals.
Razors keep me on track.
Remember these razors (from the world of philosophy) as you make those resolutions.
Enjoy the rest of the year, and I'll see you in 2026! 🥳
Cheers,
KP
In case you missed it
Here's a blog and video on the 4 places Python accepts the `else` statement.
Dad Joke
Wanna hear a joke about paper?
Never mind. It's tearable.
0 comments