The things you realize programming on a Saturday Morning

Learning the MLQ4 programing language and playing around with indicators, I came to some realizations you might find valuable...programming does expand the mind!:


The 5th dimension...now I get it thanks to arrays! We "enter" the 5th dimension when we select the best set of actions from a range of possible choices using our imaginations. A dot on a straight line is 1D, Sudoku is 2D, and physical objects are in 3D. Real life happens in 4D...the critical aspect here is time. The 3D identity of space changes with time, whether that space is your closet or a hurricane. And here's where it gets tripy: In 5D there are essentially alternate realities. Think of a slider where you can choose a (4D) movie about any number of possible outcomes for an event which would happen in a given room during a certain time range. The 3D setting is in common (same atoms in the room in all cases), the 4D setting is in common (same time frame), but the goings on are different. You're thinking 5D!


Relationships:

After going a tangent reading peoples' reminiscences about breaking up with romantic partners on Quora, the idea that it takes 2 to make things work in an environment of caring and mutual respect was reinforced. I also realized that one doesn't have to be a communications pro to have a functional relationship...although it certainly helps! And along those lines I introduce the programming-inspired concept of "safe mode"...on windows machines this is a boot option where actions taken will likely not harm the software because the important bits are not so accessible. Next time you want to know what your loved one thinks on a potentially touchy subject, invoke safe mode: tell them you're experimenting and ask them to take things less seriously than normal, as in the analogy. Obviously don't say just ANYTHING--"safe mode" isn't idiot-proof!

In a similar vein, you can ask your partner if s/he would have a "deep conversation" with you. Those talks where everyone can talk freely about not-so-normal subjects and form a strong connection? It's not necessary to wait until it happens naturally, like these things thankfully do. The process can be jump-started if both people agree to overcome some temporary awkwardness!


On Cutting Corners and Cheating:

Something inside loves a challenge, maybe getting away with a small-stakes something. I recently obtained a parking ticket in a private lot. I have in my mind a convincing excuse and evidence to back it up...but on second thought, we are creatures of habit as the saying goes...and I have a bad habit of doing things sloppily then instead of accepting the consequences, trying to make it work and neutralize the impact. As a trader I can confidently affirm that this is NOT the best strategy for making money. It also doesn't work in many other areas in life whether that is working on airplanes or selling a client. In fact, it likely generally causes more harm than it saves time. So instead of spending more energy trying to get out of the ticket, I'm planning to pay the fine and move on...accept the defeat and change tactics. Take that uncomfortable blow and use it as motivation to take more care in the first place.

Now all this isn't to say that we can't fudge and "cheat"...holding something together with duct tape can be considered just that. But in my mind it is not a long-term strategy and is best used as the recourse of last resort. If you can do it right the first time, that's generally best.


I think that's all for this morning!