Chapter 1: The Illusion of Shortcuts

In our quest to reach destinations quicker, we often overlook the potential for getting lost. I have a friend known for his humor, but when driving through unfamiliar terrains, we tend to ignore his suggestions for shortcuts. These detours have frequently led us to dead ends or unexpected encounters with dogs. This experience has imparted several lessons:

Some individuals feel the need to take shortcuts, often believing it’s the best approach. As depicted in the image above, although fewer steps might suggest a shorter route, larger gaps in those steps can render the journey longer and more complex. I refer to this as the "algorithmic thinking dilemma."

When tasks are broken down into multiple smaller actions rather than viewed as a single challenge, our minds often perceive them as more daunting. For example, I don’t keep cigarettes in my current room because I aim to smoke less. Sometimes, I place them on top of a cabinet, making access difficult. Consequently, each time I want to smoke, I must 1) go to another room, 2) find a chair, and 3) climb onto the wardrobe. This lengthy process can discourage me. The complexity of these steps can be exhausting.

This mindset frequently drives individuals to seek shortcuts, often leading to errors.

A quote from Bill Gates encapsulates this idea well. Young individuals who aspire to be millionaires often desire rapid success within a year, neglecting the value of building a career that could take a decade. Even after ten years, they may still find themselves far from their goals. Rather than following a structured path, they attempt to fabricate a scenario that circumvents the necessary steps.

Some may be disinclined to travel the conventional route, opting instead for a unique path. However, established roads often lead to familiar destinations, making them a wiser choice than wandering off the beaten path.

As mentioned earlier, some feel an urge to choose shortcuts, often due to a belief that they are lagging behind. This phenomenon, which I term the "gambler’s swamp," comes into play. Picture a gambler who initially aims to win $1,000. Upon losing that amount, their perspective shifts, and they now seek to win $2,000 to compensate for their loss. Individuals who have experienced significant setbacks may feel compelled to recover more than they lost, leading to unrealistic expectations.

This mindset can lead individuals down a perilous path. In a society where many hold extravagant beliefs, some may feel destined for greatness, while others might think of themselves as divinely chosen. Such thoughts often stem from a desire to justify their losses, creating additional psychological burdens.

The pursuit of shortcuts often stems from substantial losses. Contemporary culture sometimes glorifies failure, but I believe it’s misguided. Instead of embracing loss, we should focus on strategic planning and achieving our goals.

When discussing social dynamics, some individuals who succeed through shortcuts experience a duality of rejection. They may face disdain from both the class they leave behind and the one they join. I liken this phenomenon to stacked aquariums: the lower tanks contain murky water, while the upper tanks are filled with clear water. When fish from the bottom migrate to the top, remnants of their past environment linger, leading to judgment from their new peers.

Ultimately, having a solid foundation to appreciate an ordinary life is a significant blessing.

Chapter 2: The Cost of Taking Shortcuts

Exploring why planes often take curved flight paths instead of flying straight can provide insights into the complexities of navigation and decision-making in life.

Understanding the shortest and fastest routes using tools like QGIS emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in achieving our goals.