The Intersection of Speed and Proximity

Ever experienced the frustration of gridlocked traffic? This morning's commute (to my favorite cafe, naturally) provided a prime example: the relentless stop, go, stop, go rhythm. Each car clings to the one ahead, inching forward in a frustratingly harmonious dance.

But what if you broke the mold? Instead of tailgating, I experimented with creating space. I eased off the brake and accelerated only when the car in front gained some momentum. The result? A surprisingly smooth, frictionless crawl. I sacrificed proximity for a smoother ride, prioritizing comfort over speed.

This mirrors many life situations. Proximity often comes at a cost, whether financial or otherwise. Want that coveted VIP concert ticket? Expect a higher price tag. Need the full story instead of a headline? Provide your email. Crave real-time stock updates? Share your account details. Desire access to every baseball game? Subscribe to ESPN .

Closer and faster are the commodities being sold.

Remember the "law of diminishing returns" from economics class? It's the "too much of a good thing" principle. AMPM commercials perfectly illustrate this—the implication that more is always better, even if it leads to chaotic situations. (Remember that guy with too many items to reach his wallet?)

My key physics takeaway (besides gravity's 9.8 m/s²) is the impossibility of achieving bigger, cheaper, and faster simultaneously. You can choose two, but never all three. A faster, cheaper spaceship will likely be smaller. Seeking bigger necessitates higher costs, not only for the increased size but also for the added engineering required for speed. This principle applies broadly to life, a rule I suspect even Mick Jagger once followed.

Speed and proximity—faster/slower, closer/further—the parallels to web development, UX, and other front-end disciplines are readily apparent.

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