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Yes. I reflect on this from time to time. While there are some benefits, and hence the existence of the paradox, I am somewhat uncomfortable with this. On one hand, it seems ludicrous that (assuming some minimum threshold of personal expectations), "everyone" has to learn "everything" in order to even be competitive. This seems odd for a number of reasons IMO:
1) This is the EXACT OPPOSITE of the specialization efficiency gains in economies of scale, etc. From the story about about automotive production, or making just about anything.
2) This has, for many, only recently been possible.
3) Even if "possible", it is still a WHOLE LOT to learn. Far beyond the (current, believed, practical, or desired) capabilities of many. I think (1) is a reason why a lot of things can seen subjectively "worse" for those who have been around a while. A lot of things are "better", too, of course. I conjecture a root cause might doing the cheapest thing for short term profit maximization instead of doing the thing most harmonious with the endeavor in the long run (which could be hard to impossible to stomach in a world of quarterly bonuses). Personally, so far I have consciously chosen to not participate in being a full stack anything person. I have a niche, it is my sweet spot. I can report that this approach can be difficult. It is mildly successful but not greatly so. And given these trends, I think I'm going to figure something else. I frankly don't wish to know and manage everything about all systems (and I also don't think that's necessarily a great idea in many/most scenarios). That some people do is fine with me. Another sad thought is that these "do anything" people are completely replaceable in the interchangeability sense, even if it costs a pretty penny. And market forces are pushing everyone (conceivably capable) to become "everything people", hence driving cost down and theoretical corporate (though not necessarily human) resilience high. What are we to do about it? Just adopt this as beautiful, that one can do so much, and how limitless the mind is? |