I think there are two ways to "obsess over tools". One is to obsessively research and build your collection and sort of superficially admire your collection. Another is to bring in and master the tools one by one, driven by the needs of your process, and find meaningful places for each in your process. In essence, the former is cargo-culting the latter and they look similar from a distance.
I heard great name about tool obsession: “tool junkie”.
, as I’m too guilty of it.
I suspect that for the brain the dopamine reward for spending time at more or less passive researching and coming to conclusion that zzz is the best is faster that grinding for becoming master
I think for many people, there’s an increasing feeling of dread that comes from using “modern” tools. There’s a heaviness to them that is difficult to put into words. And I think anyone who shares this sentiment feels joy when a tool feels light and airy and totally under their control.
I didn't expect to see a comment like this, but it is kind of eye opening. There are probably at least 2-3 tools I use on a daily basis that probably fall into the same bracket. You are onto something, I think.
It's natural to get excited when you find a tool that fits you well and solves problems you had encountered with other tools. People are different, as are their needs, and so one person's excitement over a tool might not make sense to others. If you don't get someone else's enthusiasm, that is nothing to be afraid of.
The levels of abstraction seem to be a hazing ritual that seems to be a point of pride sometimes. I also imagine it's good job security for those who spent years on these tools.
reply