Notes

The documents below are notes I’ve taken on topics that interest me. Many of them are purely expository and make no attempt to unfold an original argument.

Why publish these notes at all?

  1. To broadcast my interests. If I’ve taken notes on a topic, that means I care about it and would like to learn what you know about it.
  2. To hasten my learning. When you study in public, you’re forced to confront your confusions sooner than you would otherwise.
  3. To create positive externalities. I’ve learned a great deal from reading informal notes by bright generalist authors. (1)Two of my favorites are Cosma Shalizi and Michael Nielsen. If someone someday gets similar value from reading my notes, it will have been worth writing them.