I miss thinking hard
jernesto.com
February 4, 2026
5 min read
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
78/100
Summary
The post expresses a longing for the experience of deep, focused problem-solving that requires significant mental effort over an extended period. It invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with challenging thinking and offers a sense of community for those who feel similarly.
Key Takeaways
- The author identifies two primary traits in their personality: The Builder, motivated by creating and pragmatism, and The Thinker, driven by the need for deep mental struggle.
- The author feels that the rise of AI has significantly reduced the time spent on deep problem-solving, leading to a sense of stagnation in their growth as an engineer.
- The author expresses a conflict between the satisfaction derived from "vibe coding" and the desire for prolonged, creative thinking to solve complex problems.
- The author believes that while AI can provide quick solutions, it does not replace the value of manual problem-solving and deep thinking.
Coverage & discussions
Hacker News · jernesto.com
Community discussions
Community Sentiment
Positives
- AI tools have made it easier to run small experiments, allowing developers to quickly test ideas that were previously too time-consuming to implement.
- The current generation of AI coding agents provides a freeing experience, enabling programmers to explore creative solutions without the constraints of time.
- AI's ability to assist in debugging by analyzing code and providing insights can enhance understanding of complex issues, fostering deeper learning.
Concerns
- The rapid evolution of AI tools may lead to a superficial understanding of coding, as users rely on automation rather than engaging deeply with the process.
- There is a concern that AI tools prioritize quick fixes over a thorough understanding of code, potentially leading to unresolved underlying issues.
