PG Essays Hackers and Painters
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Nov 22, 2023 Explore the similarities between hackers and painters and the challenges of researching and writing about beautiful things. Discover the misconceptions about hackers and their approach to programming. Learn about the strategy and challenges of entering new markets with no competition. Explore the concept of hackers having day jobs and working on beautiful software on the side.
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From Computer Science To Art School
- Paul Graham went to art school to study painting after finishing a CS graduate degree.
- He was surprised by others who thought computers and painting were incompatible interests.
Hacking Is Maker Work
- Hackers and painters are both makers using a medium to create beautiful things.
- Hacking is a form of creation akin to architecture or writing, not pure science.
Computer Science: An Uneasy Mixture
- 'Computer science' bundles disparate activities that don't belong together.
- Hackers aren't scientists and suffer when judged by scientific standards.