Algorithms to Live By

What Hacker News says

1. andsoitisOct 2026
   > And now I'm in the real world where you can do almost anything. It's not just software platforms that are the problem. Should I apply for jobs? Definitely. Which jobs? And what about the other paths? Should I also write some SaaS and hope I get acquihired? Which one? In which platform? Should I learn how government contracts work? Probably can't get one as an individual, but should I learn about them anyway? Should I pay the fees to found a company, even though it's just me and doesn't have a business plan, to look more legitimate to potential customers for the thing I don't even know yet?

   Check out the book Algorithms to Live By.

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2. y-curiousJul 2026
   Not in the article but one I recommend: Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions by Brian Christian
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3. mk_stjamesJun 2026
   I have this little insight into PTO that I keep saved, from the book "Algorithms to Live By" by Brian Christian & Tom Griffiths (a nice read). I think of it often when hearing about people and their work schedules in modern salaried positions and these 'unlimited PTO' offers:

     >All employees want, in theory, to take as much vacation as possible. But they also all want to take just slightly less vacation than each other, to be perceived as more loyal, more committed, and more dedicated (hence more promotion-worthy). Everyone looks to the others for a baseline, and will take just slightly less than that. The Nash equilibrium of this game is zero.

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4. ghtbircshotbeJun 2026
   Self help books definitely have a bad reputation, often with good reason - lots of cliches, preachy, etc.

   My favorite advice (and central message I think) from "how to win friends" is to really have the other person's interests at heart, not to try to scam or game them.

   Some of my other favorite self help-ish books - a guide to the good life - thank you for arguing - algorithms to live by

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5. FergusArgyllDec 2025
   I know this is unrelated but the title reminded me of the great book.

     Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions
     Book by Brian Christian, Thomas L. Griffiths, and Tom Griffiths

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6. chrisweeklyJul 2025
   I learned about "explore vs exploit" in a fantastic book titled "Algorithms to Live By - What computer science can teach is about human decision-making" [subtitle from memory]

   Highly recommended!

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