We should forget about small efficiencies, say about 97% of the time: premature optimization is the root of all evil. Yet we should not pass up our opportunities in that critical 3%
Interpretation
Overemphasis on minor improvements can hinder overall progress, but seizing critical opportunities is essential.
In this quote, Donald Knuth emphasizes the danger of focusing too much on optimizing minor elements of a task or system, as it can lead to wasted time and effort, referred to as 'premature optimization'. He suggests that while it's necessary to let go of optimizing small efficiencies most of the time, we must remain vigilant and seize the rare opportunities that truly matter, representing the crucial 3% that can lead to significant advancements.
In practice
During a tech conference, to illustrate how to prioritize tasks effectively.
Computer programming is an art, because it applies accumulated knowledge to the world, because it requires skill and ingenuity, and especially because it produces objects of beauty. A programmer who subconsciously views himself as an artist will enjoy what he does and will do it better.
The hardest thing is to go to sleep at night, when there are so many urgent things needing to be done. A huge gap exists between what we know is possible with today's machines and what we have so far been able to finish.
An algorithm must be seen to be believed.
The process of preparing programs for a digital computer is especially attractive, not only because it can economically and scientifically rewarding, but also because it can be an aesthetic experience much like composing poetry or music.
People who are more than casually interested in computers should have at least some idea of what the underlying hardware is like. Otherwise the programs they write will be pretty weird.
Everyday life is like programming, I guess. If you love something you can put beauty into it.
I cannot discover that anyone knows enough to say definitely what is and what is not possible.
Americans do not want to think that there is an alternative to what we have. Therefore, as soon as you say 'fascism' or whatever it might be, then the American response is to say 'no' because we lack the categories that allow us to think outside of the box that we are no longer in.
Old age is like climbing a mountain. You climb from ledge to ledge. The higher you get, the more tired and breathless you become, but your views become more extensive.
Send me out into another life lord because this one is growing faint I do not think it goes all the way
Nanny's philosophy of life was to do what seemed like a good idea at the time, and do it as hard as possible. It had never let her down.
At the heart of every being lies creation's dream of a principle that will one day give organic form to its fragmented treasures. God is unity.
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