Point 1: Don't focus on just computers. If you can succeed with computers you can succeed with other things. Response 1: This would be better stated as "Be wel

Point 1: Don't focus on just computers. If you can succeed with computers you can succeed with other things. Response 1: This would be better stated as "Be well rounded". The article goes on to say some gibberish about understanding the size of the universe which is only related in the idea of "big" being more than "narrow". Point 2: Learn to learn. Be well rounded. If you don't understand something, figure it out. Response 2: As opposed to what? Accepting solutions? This is a very hackerish mentality. It can teach you many things... counterpoint is that sometimes you should just accept good advice or answers and not reinvent the wheel. Point 3: Don't bother with formal education. Response 3: Formal education helps a lot of people. Not me personally, but many people's learning style requires them to have help. Not all hackers are crazy self taught maniacs. Point 4: Build your own computer Response 4: There is nothing much to building your own PC these days. IMO you really aren't going to learn much from it any more than assembling some legos. A better idea would be to build your own 3d printer; that will teach you a lot more and give you better hands on skills. Point 5: Run your own Web, DNS, and email servers. Response 5: I've written my own DNS server from scratch. It was interesting sure. I've dealt with the low level packaging of emails; it is a pita. I think coding exercises are better advice than this, especially dealing with logic puzzles. It is much more fun, and you will get more out of exercising your brain that way. Web, DNS, and email servers are boring as shit. Point 6: Read science papers Response 6: This should just say "Read books that interest you and make you thing". Why only sciene papers? Point 7: Watch security conference talks and learn the culture. Response 7: This is fine and reasonable. Point 8: Listen to podcasts Response 8: Isn't this the same as point 7? Point 9: Read a lot Response 9: Point 6 broadened? Point 10: Use LaTeX Response 10: If you intend to teach math perhaps. Otherwise I'm not understanding what one will get out of this. Point 11: Use Vim or Emacs, not an IDE Response 11: I've met a lot of "hackers newb morons" who suggest this. I know how to use Vim, and also use Vimdiff when needed. IDEs don't hide anything. Prolific use of jEdit, IntelliJ, Eclipse, Visual Studio, etc are very helpful and will teach you more than using Vim. This is stupid advice imo. Point 12: Use Linux or Unix as your main OS Response 12: Who actually uses branded Unix as their OS. This is silly. Say "Use Linux." Additionally, throwing out OSX as bad here is ignorant. Point 13: Dale Carnegie. Response 13: Fuck that. The person who recommended most for me to read this book was a total asshole, and frankly manipulating people is not going to improve your technical abilities.