4 ms·

Of course that is because Matz is nice.

by Cerium 4y ago

xrd 4y ago
It's never really occurred to me before, but Matz is Mormon, right? I wonder if that informed his decisions differently than if he were heavily influenced by Buddhist or Shintoist thinking, as the larger population does. It would be fascinating to see if there is any correlation between alternative religions and approaches to software in Japan. Feels like there is a heavy influence of Buddhist thought (mindfulness) on the silicon valley community. Perhaps people that come from minority spiritual communities have to "think different?"
- wil421 4y ago
  Are you saying Buddhist thinking helps SV or hurts Japan? Or both?
  - xrd 4y ago
    I'm not sure, I'm someone that has studied a little Buddhism, and lived in Japan, but I don't live in SV and haven't lived in Japan for almost 30 years. I am just pointing out that it is notable that Matz is probably the most well known Japanese software engineer, and he is Mormon, and wondering if that influenced his thinking. And, if "that" was because he had a very different spiritual experience in Japan. Or, perhaps, wondering more generally, if "anyone, anywhere having an non-majority spiritual experience" puts you into a mode of thinking that leads to exciting outcomes, such as inventing an amazing language like Ruby!
- IYasha 4y ago
  It's more of a work culture, I think. Remember the swordsmiths, potters, builders, etc., their dedication and know hows. People are used to this and respect this. Noone blames them. And over centuries the culture of masters, schools and trade secrets only hardened. It's not a surprise these practices are hard to let go of.
- TMWNN 4y ago
  >Perhaps people that come from minority spiritual communities have to "think different?" Christians are only 1% of Japan, but eight prime ministers have been Christian! <https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/a-christian-in-the-land-of-the-gods-journey-of-faith-in-japan/ https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/a-chr...>

Of course that is because Matz is nice.

by Cerium 4y ago

Of course that is because Matz is nice.

xrd 4y ago

It's never really occurred to me before, but Matz is Mormon, right? I wonder if that informed his decisions differently than if he were heavily influenced by Buddhist or Shintoist thinking, as the larger population does. It would be fascinating to see if there is any correlation between alternative religions and approaches to software in Japan. Feels like there is a heavy influence of Buddhist thought (mindfulness) on the silicon valley community. Perhaps people that come from minority spiritual communities have to "think different?"

wil421 4y ago
Are you saying Buddhist thinking helps SV or hurts Japan? Or both?
- xrd 4y ago
  I'm not sure, I'm someone that has studied a little Buddhism, and lived in Japan, but I don't live in SV and haven't lived in Japan for almost 30 years. I am just pointing out that it is notable that Matz is probably the most well known Japanese software engineer, and he is Mormon, and wondering if that influenced his thinking. And, if "that" was because he had a very different spiritual experience in Japan. Or, perhaps, wondering more generally, if "anyone, anywhere having an non-majority spiritual experience" puts you into a mode of thinking that leads to exciting outcomes, such as inventing an amazing language like Ruby!
IYasha 4y ago
It's more of a work culture, I think. Remember the swordsmiths, potters, builders, etc., their dedication and know hows. People are used to this and respect this. Noone blames them. And over centuries the culture of masters, schools and trade secrets only hardened. It's not a surprise these practices are hard to let go of.
TMWNN 4y ago
>Perhaps people that come from minority spiritual communities have to "think different?" Christians are only 1% of Japan, but eight prime ministers have been Christian! <https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/a-christian-in-the-land-of-the-gods-journey-of-faith-in-japan/ https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/a-chr...>