> But I do have a challenge for you. Surely you know a “super programmer.” You might even be one. If so, let’s hear from you or them. Tell us that complex p

> But I do have a challenge for you. Surely you know a “super programmer.” You might even be one. If so, let’s hear from you or them. Tell us that complex problem that is too difficult for the rest of us to possibly understand. "There are only two hard problems in Computer Science: cache invalidation and naming things." -Phil Karlton I'm a little hesitant but inclined to agree. I hesitate because like most discussions on these matters, the terms are defined differently for everyone I talk to and that makes agreeing a little difficult without qualifying a lot of statements. I'm not sure I've ever come across something that was simply too difficult to understand, per se, just things that take different amounts of time and different amounts of diligence to understand or implement.[1] A lot of content in programming (and math) is what I like to call "NP-understanding complete". Problems that are difficult to find solutions for but once shown a solution are very easy to comprehend. Coming up with novel solutions to these problems in the first place is admirable, and I would be inclined to call those who do "super", but I don't know if there are very many "super" people who consistently do this. It may well be that finding novel solutions is merely a product of spending a lot of time at the frontier of something, and in fact its not only not a gift, but difficult to see them coming (the solutions) until you have them! [1] When looking at superhuman accomplishments or worrying that I might not understand some subject (something I was completely frightened of as a child) I'm always reminded of The Ladder of Saint Augustine by Longfellow. The mighty pyramids of stone That wedge-like cleave the desert airs, When nearer seen, and better known, Are but gigantic flights of stairs. The distant mountains, that uprear Their solid bastions to the skies, Are crossed by pathways, that appear As we to higher levels rise. (The full text: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173902 http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173902)