Cold Reflections on R&D Efficiency: Lessons from The Little Prince

Robin (teacher Ju Bingcheng) introduced three "cold thoughts" on R&D efficiency, asking whether improving efficiency really enhances our work and lives.

The first thought asks if higher efficiency reduces work hours or benefits engineers, noting that technical upgrades often blur the line between work and life, and that we may become slaves to the tools we create.

Robin then shares three fables from The Little Prince to illustrate these ideas.

Fable 1: The Cough‑Syrup Vendor – A vendor claims his product saves 53 minutes a week, prompting the Little Prince to wonder how that saved time would be used and whether it truly improves life.

Fable 2: The Star‑Counting Merchant – A merchant obsessively counts his owned stars, believing wealth comes from possession, yet he is too busy to even look up, mirroring how some chase metrics without real benefit.

Fable 3: The Ashamed Drunkard – The Little Prince asks a drunk why he drinks; the drunk answers to forget his shame, highlighting a vicious cycle of behavior and avoidance.

These stories raise questions: What is the purpose of R&D efficiency? How should the time saved be used – more features or better work‑life balance? Who defines “wealth” in a development context, and what does a boss truly want?

The article encourages readers to reflect on personal small steps: simple daily habits, incremental improvements in development processes, and ultimately, changing oneself rather than trying to change the boss.

It concludes with a call to examine the purpose of work, what true success means, and how to break free from systems that obscure the boundary between work and life.