Flexibility

Fluidity represents the capacity to flow—a property found in gases and liquids that allows them to change form in response to their environment. Some fascinating substances exhibit complex behaviors that blend properties of both solids and liquids. Consider non-Newtonian fluids like a mixture of water with corn starch, which demonstrates remarkable properties—becoming more solid-like when subjected to sudden force, then returning to liquid-like behavior when at rest. Conversely, substances like ketchup remain solid until disturbed, after which they flow freely—explaining why a gentle tap on an upturned bottle transforms it from stationary to flowing.

I was reading Hacker News comments recently when I encountered someone sharing their challenges finding work in technology, attributing it to ageism in the industry. This sparked an insight about a quality that serves professionals throughout their careers: malleability. The Value Equation: Experience and Adaptability # Ageism in technology is a real phenomenon that creates barriers for experienced professionals seeking new opportunities. In market-driven environments, organizations often optimize for perceived cost-effectiveness—seeking talent who can deliver results at the lowest investment. Unfortunately, this calculation sometimes undervalues the profound benefits that experience brings.