Skip to content

Stop Compromising. Find the Intersection.

October 20, 2026 · 32 min

Show notes

We're taught that compromise is a virtue. But what if it's often a failure to find a better solution?

Compromise typically means weakening two objectives until neither party gets what they really wanted.

There's another approach: find the intersection.

In this episode we explore how the molecular mechanism behind human vision reveals a surprisingly powerful approach to solving everyday problems. Using conical intersections and mathematical optimization we uncover five practical principles for finding solutions without unnecessarily sacrificing what matters.

From relationships and careers to negotiations and product development, the lesson is simple:

Don't weaken your objectives. Change the conditions until they can coexist.

Support the show

Members: Join for full access to additional talks, practical exercises, member Q&As, and more at dekyon.io.

All episodes of NonTrivial

Settings

Display

Language

Decides which stations you see first on the home page.

History

Recently played stations and episodes and your latest searches are only stored in this browser.

Notifications

A short notice when a podcast you follow has a new episode. Turn off single podcasts with the bell on their page.

Account

Save favorites – in the app and on the website.

Keyboard shortcuts

/
Open search
Space
Play or pause
← →
In the player: back 15 s, forward 30 s (episodes) · in a row: next tile
↑ ↓
In a row: target within the tile
Home / End
In a row: first or last tile
Esc
Close window or menu
?
This overview
Now playing

Go to station page

Play next

    Add episodes with “Play next” – they play after the current episode.