I looooove this topic.
For every like on this tweet, I’ll write one new opinion on focus and specialisation.
1 like = 1 opinion. Bring it on!
For every like on this tweet, I’ll write one new opinion on focus and specialisation.
1 like = 1 opinion. Bring it on!
1. Specialisation is a type of insecurity
2. Focus cannot be had on demand. Either you have it or not.
3. Specialists envy generalists but generalists envy other generalists.
4. Choosing to specialise in something is really choosing to miss out on almost all the fun that living could offer
5. Specialists are insecure about their worth while generalists are insecure about their value
6. Specialising has a cost that’s discovered far too late in life
7. Generalists tell how the world should be run while Specialists actually run the world
8. If knowledge were a polygon, an average generalist will cover a bigger area than an average specialist
9. It’s possible to read two books on focus simultaneously
10. The opposite of focus is not wandering, it’s boredom.
11. Just before a major cultural shift, specialists are at their maximum earning potential.
Just after it, they’re out of their jobs.
Just after it, they’re out of their jobs.
12. Types of jobs suitable for generalists: entrepreneurship, professorship and politics.
Types of jobs suitable for specialists: everything that’s not in the set above.
Types of jobs suitable for specialists: everything that’s not in the set above.
13. A founder-CEO’s second in line should be filled with generalists while third in line should be filled with specialists
14. Specialists have to prove that they’re specialists while generalists are self evident
15. To become a specialist, other people have to start calling you a specialist.
To become a generalist, you have to start calling yourself a generalist
To become a generalist, you have to start calling yourself a generalist
16. To change the world, the most essential ingredient is focus.
To change yourself, the biggest obstacle is focus.
To change yourself, the biggest obstacle is focus.
17. Focus is a handicap in navigating a complex system (such as our world)
18. Generalists maximise serendipity while specialists maximise ceritanity
19. The best specialists are better generalists than an average generalist.
Similarly, the best generalist is a better specialist than an average specialist.
Similarly, the best generalist is a better specialist than an average specialist.
20. The richness and diversity of the world is created by specialists, but appreciated by generalists
21. You can’t force yourself to generalise.
You can force yourself to specialise.
You can force yourself to specialise.
22. Majority of people are neither specialists not generalists.
They’re the ones living life without caring about the specialist vs generalist debate.
They’re the ones living life without caring about the specialist vs generalist debate.
23. Apollo missions wouldn’t have been possible without generalists
24. Focus is like happiness. The more you chase it, the more elusive it becomes.
25. When you can’t focus, take a nap.
26. When in doubt, first talk to generalist and then specialists.
When you’re certain, first talk to a specialist and then generalists.
When you’re certain, first talk to a specialist and then generalists.
27. Generalists can fool people to think they’re specialists but specialists can’t fool people into thinking that they’re generalists.
28. Specialists suspect that they’re imposters, generalists know for certain that they’re imposters.
29. Specialists are doomed to run on a treadmill.
Generalists are doomed to go on aimless walks.
Generalists are doomed to go on aimless walks.
30. Specialism is a zero-sum game. If you win at it, someone else loses.
31. When you want wisdom, seek a generalist.
When you want knowledge, seek a specialist.
When you want knowledge, seek a specialist.
32. Society at the top and bottom is made up of generalists
Specialists fill the gap
Specialists fill the gap
33. In case you’re wondering who you’re professionally, you’re a generalist.
34. Focus and when you need it are inversely correlated
35. The more diverse your interests are, the faster you’re able to understand the deepest and most cutting edge of any topic
The deeper you’re interests are, the slower you’re able to traverse the diversity of knowledge
The deeper you’re interests are, the slower you’re able to traverse the diversity of knowledge
36. Generalists are like walking lottery tickets - most of the times they don’t do much, but once in a while stumble upon breakthroughs.
Specialists are like a dollar bill. Can help you consistently buy a pizza slice but never a Ferrari.
Specialists are like a dollar bill. Can help you consistently buy a pizza slice but never a Ferrari.
37. Generalists attack problems with humility but don’t know their limits (and hence quit far too late)
Specialists attack problems with arrogance but know their limits (and hence quit too soon)
PS: on the topic of quitting, @vgr what have you gotten me into?
Specialists attack problems with arrogance but know their limits (and hence quit too soon)
PS: on the topic of quitting, @vgr what have you gotten me into?
@vgr 38. Two generalists can have agreeable conversion for hours with each other.
Two specialists can fight for hours with each other.
Two specialists can fight for hours with each other.
