I do kind of think there's a bit of an overemphasis on - in the community - on sort of achieving ever-so-slightly better state-of-the-art results on particular problems, and a little underappreciation of completely different approaches to problems that maybe don't get state of the art because it's actually super hard and a pretty explored area.

I do kind of think there's a bit of an overemphasis on - in the community - on sort of achieving ever-so-slightly better state-of-the-art results on particular problems, and a little underappreciation of completely different approaches to problems that maybe don't get state of the art because it's actually super hard and a pretty explored area.

📖 Jeff Dean

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Musician

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This quote highlights a common challenge in the field of research and innovation: the incremental pursuit of marginal improvements often takes precedence over exploring radical or unconventional solutions. While refining existing methods can lead to tangible advancements and push the boundaries of what's possible, an excessive focus on these measurable metrics can inadvertently stifle creativity and inhibit the exploration of diverse perspectives. Sometimes, revolutionary breakthroughs come from tackling the difficult, less-trodden paths—areas that may be acknowledged as highly complex or less explored for good reason. By embracing diverse approaches, the community can foster a more holistic environment where creative experimentation and risk-taking are valued. Such a balanced perspective encourages disruptive ideas that could revolutionize the industry rather than merely incremental gains that, while important, may foster complacency.

This approach requires a cultural shift in prioritizing quality and innovation over mere performance metrics. Recognizing that not every challenge will yield a straightforward or immediately quantifiable solution is crucial. Ultimately, the focus should not only be on the efficiency of attainments but also on the diversity of strategies employed—allowing different viewpoints and methodologies to flourish. This mindset can lead to more robust, versatile, and groundbreaking advances that truly push the frontier of knowledge and application forward, rather than getting caught in the trap of constant, incremental improvements.

Encouraging the community to appreciate the difficulty, importance, and value of exploring hard, less-traveled areas can unlock unforeseen innovations and long-term progress, making the pursuit of knowledge more inclusive and well-rounded.

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July 28, 2025

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