#438 – Elon Musk: Neuralink and the Future of Humanity
Lex Fridman Podcast
*Elon Musk on Simplifying *
Great engineering teams drive towards simplification by constantly improving and iterating processes. To simplify effectively, start by questioning and refining requirements, as they are often flawed or overly complex. Reduce the number of requirements to ensure the right questions are being asked, as a precise answer to the wrong question is useless. Additionally, consider eliminating process steps entirely. If you're not required to retain at least 10% of what you planned to delete, you might not be simplifying enough. People often misjudge their success based on what remains rather than what can be removed. Finally, focus on optimizing the remaining components. Although these principles may seem straightforward, they are frequently overlooked, highlighting the importance of ongoing reflection and adherence to these guidelines to avoid past mistakes.
