I think part of your question is, why does every p2p app not work on all platforms equally well. This is true of pretty much 90% of apps and software - they don't work on all platforms equally well. This is because of conscious design and business decisions taken by the builders.
The prices of modern appliances have come down due to really intricate miniaturization of many components, which enables larger scale manufacturing and cheaper supply chains.
Because of the prices being low, it's not really worth it to repair consumer goods anymore. And if it's worth it in some cases (iPhone), it can only be done by a specialist due to the extreme miniaturization.
The big assumption in David Brooks' piece is that the so-called "manifesto" was Damore's one and only "transgression". Were there other, previous internal complaints about him, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back?
The first example (tree represented in Japanese) seemed a bit misleading, because the "alphabet" has not been kept as a constant. Since the Japanese alphabet is much larger, it may be argued that the number of bits actually occupied in storage by "本" and "tree" are about the same. Could someone clarify if this is correct reasoning?
I think every story is different, and it all depends on the individual circumstances. I worked for a startup where the founder was a "family man" - with an extensive family, and he was doing great at work afaik. Wasn't sacrificing much on either front. He did have to employ a part-time nanny, to free up time for his wife and himself could both simultaneously have good careers.
> there never was one power that controlled the whole subcontinent
There were several - indeed, the British had it easier because the Mughals had dissipated within living memory, and all their bureaucracies and systems were still functioning.