4 ms·

Logically no one should pay any attention to such methodologies or books. But people do, to the point where software methodologies and "Who moved My cheese" boo

Logically no one should pay any attention to such methodologies or books. But people do, to the point where software methodologies and "Who moved My cheese" books are multi billion dollar industries. If you think that's insane, let me tell you about this book written by a guy who translated a book written by a guy who knew a guy who knew twelve other guys who knew a carpenter... People are searching for answers wrapped up lists of ten or fewer commandments. See also Paul's essay on essays that are lists and why they are both easy to write and popular with readers.

plinkplonk 17y ago
"If you think that's insane, let me tell you this book written by a guy who translated a book written by a guy who knew a guy who knew twelve other guys who knew a Jewish Carpenter..." You have a great point there. Whether the Jewish carpenter ever existed or not, the book with the stories about him and his disciples provided something that people needed and liked to believe in, rationality be damned. Of course other people had different and contradictory books, all claiming equally fantastical fiction as "THE Truth", and then they could fight one another about which of their books was "The One True Word Of God" with nary a piece of evidence any way. Maybe the need for (sw dev and business) methodology comes form the same part of the brain - irrational and needing comfort in the face of an unpredictable world. A sham that nevertheless makes you feel secure. Interesting. And the people who'd write these up would be skilled manipulators or perhaps deluded themselves. Faith (in the sense of needing to believe something without supporting evidence because something "feels" right is the key to understanding this.) Thanks.
- krakensden 17y ago
  "Of course other people had different and contradictory books, all claiming equally fantastical fiction as 'THE Truth'..." Interestingly enough, the solution to that was to have the emperor sit everyone down and make a canonical version. Perhaps management theorists need a Constantine?
  - cubedice 17y ago
    Of course that 'solution' eventually led to the great schism and many different versions (king james, etc.). So maybe the deeper truth is that people enjoy arguing?

plinkplonk 17y ago

"If you think that's insane, let me tell you this book written by a guy who translated a book written by a guy who knew a guy who knew twelve other guys who knew a Jewish Carpenter..." You have a great point there. Whether the Jewish carpenter ever existed or not, the book with the stories about him and his disciples provided something that people needed and liked to believe in, rationality be damned. Of course other people had different and contradictory books, all claiming equally fantastical fiction as "THE Truth", and then they could fight one another about which of their books was "The One True Word Of God" with nary a piece of evidence any way. Maybe the need for (sw dev and business) methodology comes form the same part of the brain - irrational and needing comfort in the face of an unpredictable world. A sham that nevertheless makes you feel secure. Interesting. And the people who'd write these up would be skilled manipulators or perhaps deluded themselves. Faith (in the sense of needing to believe something without supporting evidence because something "feels" right is the key to understanding this.) Thanks.

krakensden 17y ago
"Of course other people had different and contradictory books, all claiming equally fantastical fiction as 'THE Truth'..." Interestingly enough, the solution to that was to have the emperor sit everyone down and make a canonical version. Perhaps management theorists need a Constantine?
- cubedice 17y ago
  Of course that 'solution' eventually led to the great schism and many different versions (king james, etc.). So maybe the deeper truth is that people enjoy arguing?