Fun inversion from Thorndike (1921). The normal angle is: "Why are some people so much better at some things? What are the limits of expertise?" He reframes to: "Why do most people remain so mediocre at things they spend their whole lives doing?"
andymatuschak.org/files/papers/T (p. 178)
Conversation
You can tell he's kind of mad about it (particularly see the following page here). I find this a bit odd. In many of the more mundane cases he cites (e.g. handwriting) it probably is sensible to reach some threshold and just stay there!
5
2
19
You’re unable to view this Tweet because this account owner limits who can view their Tweets. Learn more
You’re unable to view this Tweet because this account owner limits who can view their Tweets. Learn more
Fun citation trail to this paper:
I'm reminded of William Goldman's remark about the head of one of the major movie studios complaining he didn't understand why the script writers didn't type faster.
4
1
8
What a remark! Related—I think I told you that an Eminent designer at Apple once remarked (forgetting I was in the room?), upon being told that engineering had its hands full and a pet detail would have to be cut: “For fuck’s sake! Can’t they just call up some guys in Mumbai?"