Great post. I wouldn't say that programming makes people less fun, but that the act of programming offers some valuable life lessons. The lesson of "you can't bullshit a compiler" transfers over to knowing how to spot bullshit, which _may_ make you less fun to shitty friends who spew bullshit.
It's the same with running. I picked up running last December, and I've definitely learned something. One learns not to focus on the end goal (say, running 10 miles), but instead to focus on each individual step. Obviously, this metaphor transfers to software development and anything else you do in life.
Great post. Though I'd say that programming DOES make you less fun. Because after having programmed for awhile, you eventually learn that you can't bullshit a compiler. And that immunity to bullshit makes you immune to shitty friends who spew bullshit. So programming makes you less fun to those people. :D
But of course, any hobby changes you on the inside. I picked up running last December, and it's taught me the value of "one step at a time" and "focus on what's in front of you, not the end goal." I think everyone needs a serious hobby that teaches these essential life metaphors.
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[ 5.0 ms ] story [ 16.4 ms ] threadIt's the same with running. I picked up running last December, and I've definitely learned something. One learns not to focus on the end goal (say, running 10 miles), but instead to focus on each individual step. Obviously, this metaphor transfers to software development and anything else you do in life.
But of course, any hobby changes you on the inside. I picked up running last December, and it's taught me the value of "one step at a time" and "focus on what's in front of you, not the end goal." I think everyone needs a serious hobby that teaches these essential life metaphors.