Nate Meyvis

Pulpit! Canst thou not make a pulpit, by simply inverting the nearest tub...¹

I am an itinerant software engineer who likes to raise children, read, and memorize things.

If you're not sure whether you should email me, you probably should. (This is much more reliable than messaging me on Twitter/X or any other platform.)

Overview

• My most significant post is On Actually Reading the Book. I stand by it.
• Here are my 100 favorite books.
• I did the 12 Rules for Living game.
• I like to rank things.

Software

• I'm thinking a lot about generative AI these days. It requires new muscles.
• I have advocated for front-end maximalism. This comes from caring a lot about encapsulation and getting systems to communicate in error-resistant ways.
• On the technical-professional level: here are thoughts about how to ramp up and a trap new big-company employees should avoid.
• I like to name projects after birds.

Spaced repetition and memory training

I make Zippyflash, a spaced repetition system I've used every day for years.

Here is why I use spaced repetition and recommend others use it.

Philosophy and academia

My academic background is in math (undergrad) and ancient Greek philosophy (beyond).

• I disagree with some influential guidelines for writing philosophy.
• I help academics find non-academic jobs.
• I taught a course at Boston College (fall 2021).

Varia

• I co-hosted a poker podcast for 8 years. Here is a FAQ.
• People ask me about parenting (whether or not they should do so!). Here's what I tell them.