Conversation

Cedric Chin
@ejames_c
I’ve been thinking about the implications of this thread for a few months now. I suspect it’s one reason why I’m so suspicious of framework thinkers, or, alternatively folk who like to reduce complex stories down to a few ‘takeaways’.
Quote Tweet
Cedric Chin
@ejames_c
1/ Let's talk about how note taking can help you accelerate expertise. Yes, I know how that sounds like. No, this isn't hype. There's some solid cognitive science here, and it has FASCINATING things to say about the nature of learning in messy, real world domains.
Show this thread
4
31
Cedric Chin
@ejames_c
You can’t use a framework if you don’t know all the ways it instantiates in the real world. Similarly, reductive takeaways from stories kill much of the necessary context. It prevents you from reasoning effectively by analogy.
1
10
Cedric Chin
@ejames_c
One actionable implication: when you read a framework (e.g. 7 Powers; Crossing the Chasm) you should spend the next few months actively searching for stories that demonstrate the framework in action. Preferably stories that are as different from each other as possible.
2
11
Brian Lui
@brianluidog
Replying to
@ejames_c
Interesting... I generally look for stories that are relevant to the framework. Looking just for confirming stories doesn't let you know about the frequency or accuracy of the framework
1
1
Cedric Chin
@ejames_c
Replying to
@brianluidog
Hmm, this is a good point. I should incorporate this into my practice. As it is, though, even confirming stories are surprising to me — because they are ALWAYS messier than what the framework suggests.
1
Cedric Chin
@ejames_c
Replying to
@ejames_c
and
@brianluidog
Like, in 7 Powers, Helmer argues “operational efficiency is not sufficient to stave off competitive arb” 
 but then you find lots of cases where op excellence buys the company an advantage for a decade. Sure, a temporary advantage, but 10 years is great!
1
1
Brian Lui
@brianluidog
Replying to
@ejames_c
If a framework has too many stories that fit it perfectly, I'm usually really suspicious of it - likely it's too broad and therefore useless, cherry picked, fragile, or has an agenda
1
2