Lex Fridman interviews Donald Knuth about algorithms, complexity, The Art of Computer Programming, and his work habits. The conversation covers his approach to verifying algorithms and how he organises his time.
Why Hacker News points people here: Cited as an excellent look at Knuth's thinking and working style, and as a likely source for quotes about his habits.
“It's fascinating to learn how much energy he still spends at verifying and investigating each aspect of newly published algorithms.”HN comment, 2020
“It's fascinating to learn how much energy he still spends at verifying and investigating each aspect of newly published algorithms.”
Knuth on verifying new algorithms and avoiding email
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Lex Fridman had an interesting interview with Don Knuth close to his 82nd birthday[0]. It's fascinating to learn how much energy he still spends at verifying and investigating each aspect of newly published algorithms. E-mail would probably cut away too much time from what he considers more important. [0]: this video
RecommendslanstinMay 2023
“I don't really like Lex Fridman, but this interview is excellent.”
Knuth on his work arrangement for finishing TAOCP
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IIRC he gets into his work arrangement to try to finish TAOCP: this video I don't really like Lex Fridman, but this interview is excellent.
Cites itkilljoywashereJan 2020
“He mentions (and shows) a favorite paper tablet he uses with very finely ruled lines.”
Knuth shows his favorite finely ruled paper tablet
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He mentions (and shows) a favorite paper tablet he uses with very finely ruled lines. He found it in Canada about 40 years ago while visiting his sister. Anybody know who makes his tablets? discussion here: this video
Cites itmadispMay 2022
“probably the Lex Fridman podcast interviews”
Lex Fridman interviews with Knuth as likely source of article quote
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probably the Lex Fridman podcast interviews: this videolink the second one is definitely where the last paragraph in the article is from. Weird that the interview is dated 2021-09-09 and the post is 2020-04-30?