Tool use

Thinking about how to best utilise tools.

If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.” – Abraham Lincoln.

tools should simplify

One day I will find the right words and they will be simple - Jack Keroac

You don’t want to have to think about a tool whilst using it. It should be frictionless.

Computers are a bicycle for the mind

Many tools are now obsolete because they’ve been abstracted into the iPhone. Example : Maps, Calculator, Pocket notebooks, Camera, Compass.

The tools you choose to use on these devices (apps etc) do matter.

The iPhone is becoming a ‘second brain’, and is largely how you interact with the world now. Think carefully about how you use it.

A good tool improves the way you work. A great tool improves the way you think." ~ Jeff Duntemann

Rules for iPhone

You want this to be a supercomputer you carry in your pocket that you have volition over. Top down attention rather than bottom up.

  • Screen time - remove social media apps from your phone and access via the internet
  • Remove mail app from your phone
  • Switch off all notifications
  • Consider black and white

use physical tool to reduce noise

Use physical tools when you want to escape the digital. Some activities are best done analogue (journalling).

constraints lead to creativity

The craftsman is most free when is tools are proportionate to his needs - Yanagi Soetsu

Paradoxically, having constraints leads to creativity.

For example, having one guitar is better than having 20. Having one piece of software in which I write and organise my files, is better than scattering them across several different services. Having one camera with one lens is better than having multiple lenses and then having to think about using them.


Documenting the tools I find most useful :

Digital Life

I enjoy the Apple’s closed system as I don’t have to think about it. Frictionless

  • iPhone + Airpods + Macbook Pro + iPad
    • IA Writer : Edit .md
    • Obsidian : Personal Wiki in .md
    • DayOne : Digital journal
    • Things: To Do List
    • Waking Up / Insight Timer : Sam Harris
    • QuoteKeeper : Store digital clippings
    • Overcast / Podcasts - Podcast player
    • Audible
    • Trybe/Strong : Workout logger
    • Spotify
    • Kindle App
    • Camera/Video
    • Xcode + Sketch
  • Kindle Voyage
  • Razor Blade
  • 2x LG 4K Monitors - connected to laptops via USB-c
  • Magic Trackpad + Logitech mechanical keyboard
  • 2TB External hard drive
  • Fujifilm XT4 with 18-55mm Kit Lens

Physical Tools

Gear
Photography Fuji XT4