Lex Fridman's thoughts about Emacs and the Kinesis keyboard

TL;DR

The content discusses the author's personal preferences for tools like Emacs and Kinesis keyboards, as well as the idea of neuroplasticity and how it allows us to develop new tastes and adapt to different experiences.

Transcript

on that topic by the way as a small side note i tweeted emacs is greater than vim yesterday and deleted deleted the tweet 10 minutes later when i realized you're you were honest i started a war yeah i was like oh i was just kidding i i was just being um walk walk walk back so people still feel passionately about that particular piece of uh i don't ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💪 Personal preferences for tools like text editors and keyboards can develop into strong attachments due to the investment of time and effort in learning their intricacies.
• 👻 Neuroplasticity allows individuals to adapt and develop new tastes and preferences based on repeated exposure and experiences.
• 🛟 Society's reactions to unusual choices or behaviors may be notable, but individuals can effectively compartmentalize and avoid significant impacts on other aspects of their lives.
• 😨 The fear of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is mentioned humorously in comparison to the potential influence of artists like Taylor Swift and their catchy songs.
• 😮 The author's example highlights the unpredictability of human behavior and our ability to surprise ourselves with our likes and dislikes.
• ❓ The content emphasizes the importance of embracing personal preferences and not being overly concerned about judgments or societal norms.
• 🧠 The connection between the author's experience with tools and their acceptance of new tastes demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of the human brain.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the author tweet about preferring Emacs over Vim?

The author tweeted about their preference for Emacs over Vim as a playful comment, but later realized the strong sentiments and historical divide between users of the two text editors.

Q: Why does the author have an attachment to Emacs and Kinesis keyboards?

The author developed an emotional attachment and familiarity with Emacs after investing time in learning its key bindings. Similarly, they have become accustomed to the unique design and ergonomics of Kinesis keyboards.

Q: How does neuroplasticity relate to developing new tastes?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections based on experiences. The author's newfound appreciation for artists like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift shows that repeated exposure can lead to the development of new tastes and preferences.

Q: How does the author feel about their unconventional combination of a Kinesis keyboard and a small laptop in public?

The author acknowledges that it may seem absurd to use a large Kinesis keyboard with a small, lightweight laptop in public spaces. However, they have come to accept this choice as a reflection of their personal preferences and needs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author shares their brief experience of tweeting about preferring Emacs over Vim and receiving strong reactions from passionate individuals who still debate over the two.

• They emphasize the emotional attachment and learning investment associated with tools like Emacs and Kinesis keyboards, making it difficult for them to switch to alternatives.

• The author also mentions their newfound appreciation for artists like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift due to repeated exposure and the adaptability of the human brain.