Cathy Wang

While reading the 4th link – small world from the “Linked” by Barabasi, a quote triggered me. “Such coffeehouse philosophy rarely leads to serious research.” Six degrees of separation is a coffeehouse philosophy because people talk about it as if it’s just a fun topic to talk about. However, this gloomy afternoon, in the coffeehouse, I saw the coffeehouse philosophy at work.

These middle-aged couple walked in the door and sat down sipping their coffee. I think I recognize them. They must be familiars from the old coffeehouse I worked in before. At the counter, young teenager girl is serving coffee. I think I worked with her before but I really can’t remember. The owner walks in and said hi to me and says hi to the hairstylist who works next door, who, coincidentally gave me a free haircut once. I … Read More »