Consider this:
Another "weird part" that causes endless memes is .
Similarly, Python’s default mutable arguments are a classic weird part: def append_to(element, target=[]): target.append(element); return target will share the same list across multiple calls if not passed explicitly. This violates the expectation that default arguments are recreated each time. The underlying reason is that default arguments are evaluated at function definition time, not at call time. Understanding this requires shifting from an intuitive “fresh copy each time” model to the actual model: default arguments are stored as attributes of the function object. understanding the weird parts
Your "weird parts" are a fundamental aspect of what makes you, you. By understanding, accepting, and embracing them, you can cultivate a more authentic, compassionate, and whole sense of self. So, the next time you catch yourself thinking "I'm so weird", try reframing it as "I'm so uniquely amazing". Celebrate your quirks and flaws, and remember that they're a source of strength, creativity, and connection.
Weirdness is often the result of simplified mental models. The beginner’s model of arithmetic (addition as repeated counting) fails for negative numbers because it is a special case. The expert’s model (addition as group operation on the integer ring) handles all cases uniformly. Reading the ECMAScript specification, the Python data model documentation, or Euclid’s axioms transformed by modern set theory is the work of moving from folk understanding to formal understanding. Consider this: Another "weird part" that causes endless
console.log(1 + "1"); // Output: "11" console.log(1 - "1"); // Output: 0
This leads to a classic interview question: Why does setTimeout(..., 0) not run instantly? The underlying reason is that default arguments are
The trouble with "weird parts" is that they can often be a source of shame, anxiety, or self-consciousness. We might try to hide or suppress them, fearing that others will judge us or think we're "weird". This can lead to:
Why do such parts exist? Often, because formal systems grow organically. Programming languages evolve from practical needs, accruing edge cases and legacy behaviors. Mathematics expands by generalization, sometimes producing results that contradict earlier intuitions (e.g., the Banach-Tarski paradox). Human cognition itself is a patchwork of evolutionary shortcuts, leading to systematic biases. The weird parts are not bugs in the universe—they are features of systems that were never designed from scratch with perfect foresight.
The phrase "understanding the weird parts" is most famously associated with deep dives into (often referencing the popular course "JavaScript: Understanding the Weird Parts").
So, how can we learn to love and accept our "weird parts"? Here are a few strategies: