Her Code Got Humans on the Moon:
Margaret Hamilton’s story impressed me with how much dedication and focus one person can bring to their work. She did not see programming as a small or temporary job, she treated it as something worth building a whole discipline around. At a time when few people even understood what software was, she worked with a sense of seriousness and care that helped define the entire field. I found it admirable that she led a team in such a demanding environment, while also constantly pushing for precision and reliability in every line of code. It must have taken even more determination to do this in a male-dominated field, where her ideas were often questioned or overlooked. Yet she proved that talent and persistence can speak louder than bias.
The moment that stayed with me most was when people told her, “That would never happen.” She had warned about a potential error that others dismissed as impossible, but it did happen during the Apollo 11 mission. Because of her preparation, the software knew how to handle it, and the astronauts landed safely. This part made me reflect on how important it is to think beyond what seems likely or convenient. Her ability to imagine every possible mistake shows not only intelligence but humility, the awareness that humans and systems can fail, and that good work anticipates that. Hamilton showed that real achievement does not come from recognition, but from persistence and attention to detail. Even when others doubted her, she stayed focused on what she believed was right. That quiet confidence and responsibility are qualities I hope to develop in my own work.
Emotions & Design: Attractive things work better
This reading made me think deeply about how design affects both our emotions and our behavior. One of the main ideas is that attractive things work better because they make people feel happy and confident. The author explains that when we feel good, our minds become more open and creative, but when we are stressed, we tend to think narrowly and make mistakes. I found this especially interesting because it shows that emotions are not separate from thinking, they actually shape how we use and understand things. Another important idea the author discusses is that good design balances beauty and function. This made me reflect on how I interact with everyday objects. For example, I prefer using items that are both practical and attractive whether it’s a tea set, a notebook, or even my phone interface. When something looks nice, I automatically treat it with more care and feel more motivated to use it.
I also strongly connected with the author’s point about context and mood. He writes, “Design matters, but which design is preferable depends upon the occasion, the context, and above all, upon my mood.” This reminded me of how Kazakh families choose different tea sets depending on the situation. When it is just family, they use the simplest and fastest set. But when guests come, they always bring out the most beautiful one to show respect and hospitality. Another part that stood out to me was how the author connects pleasure with usability. He suggests that when something looks good, we are more tolerant of small problems. I realized this is true for me too, I do not mind if a pretty cup is a bit heavier or a stylish app takes a second longer to load, because its beauty gives me a pleasant feeling. I even change my tea sets every season, one for winter, spring, summer, and fall, because I enjoy drinking from something that matches the season’s atmosphere. The same goes for digital things: an attractive design makes me feel happier and more productive.