A Hacker News story that struck a chord
Jim Nielsen's Blog
497 Points on HN
Why a simple article resonated with hundreds of people
Jim Nielsen wrote about the humble box of cables that many of us keep tucked away. It's not about hoarding—it's about the hidden value of everyday objects we accumulate over years of building, fixing, and creating.
That box isn't clutter. It's possibility.
The right cable at the right moment saves hours of frustration and keeps projects moving
Each cable represents a past problem solved—a tangible record of technical journey
That obscure connector you kept? Someone will need it exactly once, and you'll be ready
Owning your tools means depending less on just-in-time consumerism
There's value in keeping things that don't spark joy but spark utility.Jim Nielsen
The minimalist aesthetic has its place, but so does the cable box under your desk.
Sometimes the most valuable things are the ones you're told to throw away