Anarchy

Later edit: while what I say in this blog post is still true, I have since discovered a better way to maintain order in society - pure anarcho-capitalism (or libertarianism).

This is because corporations can certainly become big, and they are much more motivated to do the job and not become corrupt because of competition - a competitor may expose them and do the job better.

You even have the freedom NOT to buy their services, so even a monopoly would have to work harder. States, however, are monopolies that force you to pay. Not cool.

Derived from here?

A while ago, I stumbled upon the idea of anarchy - nobody recognizes any authority, everybody is free in the broadest definition of free, no taxes are paid, there are no wars, and societies are built on trust.

It is a system in which only your own conscience can stop you from doing whatever you like. Be it building a house, sport, learning - nobody has the authority to stop you, or slow you down. Nobody to censor your input, or your output, no discrimination. No interference in the way you live.

However, there are some things that your friends can't do. Your friends likely can't stop a murderer. Your friends can't make sure everyone knows how to drive before getting behind the wheel. Or how to use a gun before owning one. Both of these have implications for surrounding people as well - accidents happen.

Would you trust your friends with your life, at midnight, when some unpredictable event happens to strike? Bringing you justice when you've been wronged? Establishing what is wrong and what isn't? Well, even if you would trust them, few of them can help. Only a big and well-organized entity could provide such services, and the people to run them in a timely fashion.

When the State started giving me a scholarship - free money for intending to help society, no strings attached! - I changed my mind for good. I value its intentions. The State does what it thinks is good for its individuals, as well as for the group. It consults scientists, tells the people, listens to the people, and takes action. At least, ideally. No state is perfect, but they try!

To all public servants who are not corrupt, a big thank you!

Why web development is better than mobile

I was taking the Udacity course on web development, when some philosophical insights struck me. Here they are.

Web development is like writing - the expression of your ideas to the world.

Writing is used for telling someone what you think. For exposing your thoughts, feelings, experience about the world, and letting other people know your beliefs. For improving the lives of others by showing them what can happen. For allowing them to feel what you feel, have them sympathize, and tell their peers.

Web development pretty much does the same things. Except there are not just thoughts, but also functionality, technology. You show people what is possible. What the world has to offer through computers, and how they can help.

The most important software industries are currently web development and mobile development. If one were forced to pick between those two (which isn't necessarily true), I argue that one should pick web.

This is because web development allows more freedom, both for the developer and the user - the user is sitting comfortably, casually exploring, seeking new patterns, learning. Whereas on mobile, the user is in a hurry, wanting to get stuff done, not interested in interacting with a complex system through clumsy interfaces.

On mobile, the user expects a quick experience, and a no-nonsense, YAGNI attitude. All clutter must disappear to satisfy that need. Therefore, the developers must constrain themselves to the most barebones, pragmatic, material of needs - such as location, calendars, quick news/status updates, and basic communication. There simply isn't the interest of doing more complex things.

On web, however, the users have all the time in the world, and want you to amaze them to your best ability. You can show them your intricate and subtle algorithms. You are allowed more complexity, less focus on the necessary, and more on the art.

So there you have it. Web development is a form of expression, while mobile development is solving worldly needs. This is why I choose web development.