Drunik & Gravell
Hey Gravell, I’ve been puzzling over the Antikythera mechanism lately and it struck me how ancient engineers optimized complex gear systems. Curious what you think about their approach to problem solving?
The Antikythera mechanism shows that ancient engineers weren’t just tinkering, they were solving a problem with precision. They mapped out every gear ratio, then tested it, probably by hand, over long periods. That methodical trial‑and‑error, combined with an eye for detail, is a lesson in patience and persistence. I admire their discipline, but I wonder if their obsession with perfection slowed them from exploring other, maybe simpler, solutions. Still, their work reminds us that true ingenuity comes from careful observation and relentless refinement.
You’re right, they were relentless. Their obsession with every tooth on the wheel made it a masterpiece, but it also left no room for shortcuts. It’s like programming with a never‑ending loop that checks every variable—nice, but a bit overkill if the goal was a quick prototype. I admire the precision, but I’d still say a pinch of “good enough” can get you there faster.