Podcast
Freakonomics Radio
It explores the concept of shortcuts, particularly in math and life, arguing that they can be beneficial if used correctly. It was discussed as part of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club.
Shortcut is not a fast way to finish your journey But rather a stepping stone to beginning a new one It's a pathway cleared a tunnel dug a bridge Constructed to allow others to quickly reach the front...
— Episode: 483. What’s Wrong With Shortcuts?
Episode: 483. What’s Wrong With Shortcuts?
It explores the concept of shortcuts, particularly in math and life, arguing that they can be beneficial if used correctly. It was discussed as part of the Freakonomics Radio Book Club.
Shortcut is not a fast way to finish your journey But rather a stepping stone to beginning a new one It's a pathway cleared a tunnel dug a bridge Constructed to allow others to quickly reach the frontiers of knowledge so they can make their own journeys into the darkness
I wanted to make very clear that this wasn't about cutting corners I think when you hear shortcut that pejorative side is about Are you not doing it properly?
It's interesting to note that humans weren't the first To exploit the power of mathematics To assess the best way to tackle a challenge Nature has been using mathematical shortcuts To solve problems long before we arrived
Many of the laws of physics are based on nature always finding a shortcut Nature is lazy like humans And wants to find the lowest energy solutions It's extremely good at sniffing out shortcuts
Sometimes it's just as important to know when there are no shortcuts to the problem you're trying to crack Knowing that the long way around is the only way to your destination will prevent you from wasting time in the hope of finding the shortcut