About the Book

Those who do not learn from history, are condemned to repeat its mistakes.

In today's economy, learning new skills and concepts is a crucial competitive advantage. The power of knowledge is recognized throughout human history. Ranging from Ancient Greece, over medieval Japan, to our modern technology-infused era, societies throughout the ages placed great value on education and invested heavily in knowledge sharing and skill development.

In this book, we will go on a journey into our own minds and ideas. Together, we will search for the most effective learning techniques and practices. We will dive into the brim of what "knowledge" actually is, visit the treacherous waters of cognitive biases, and visit new and strange lands. At the end of our adventure, you will be left with the treasure we found along the way, and the skills to chart your own path forward.

Using "Adapt And Evolve" as your compass, you will be ready to set sail and and navigate your own lifelong learning journey.

Intended Audience

As we live our lives, we tend to learn a great deal about a wide variety of topics. From time to time we are stumped by how elegantly, or easily, someone solves a certain problem. You are left wondering why you have not been tackling similar problems in the same way. It could have saved you vast amounts of frustration, if only you had known earlier.

The book is designed to be a reference guide, a source of inspiration, and a collection of best practices.

It aims to share information and useful practices with knowledge industry professionals, particularly those who are just starting out and seeking guidance from more experienced peers.

"Adapt and Evolve" includes insights, interpretations, and experiences gathered from various sources, combined with the author’s personal experiences in the field of corporate software development.

The primary goal is to share knowledge and help others improve their skills while navigating the challenges of working in the knowledge industry.

If you come across a piece of advice that sounds like it might apply to you, try it out and see what results you achieve with it. When it did not work out as expected, figure out why it did not work. If you are feeling particularly charitable, share you newfound knowledge with your friends, coworkers, or post it for everyone to see.

Ultimately, if this work contributes to making someone’s life a little more enjoyable, the mission is accomplished.

About the Author

Stijn Dejongh

Stijn Dejongh is a systems thinker, architect, and quiet coach.

He writes about software development, team dynamics, and the messy space between architecture and human behavior. His work blends technical clarity with psychological insight, always rooted in the realities of complex systems.

Stijn prefers honest questions over polished slogans. He values mentorship over management, coherence over cleverness, and structure over spectacle. His writing lives at the intersection of calm, clarity, and context. You can find more of his work at patterns.sddevelopment.be, where he shares architectural practices, thought frameworks, and reflections on building better systems — and becoming a better part of them.