Infinite Acceleration
Always faster, especially past the point where steering works
The Scepter of Infinite Acceleration is the belief that velocity is a virtue and that more velocity is more virtue. Deadlines move closer to create momentum. New AI models are embraced before they're released. Every slowdown is diagnosed as insufficient urgency. The Scepter makes the team go faster — right past the point where steering works.
Symptom
Deadlines moved closer to 'create momentum.' AI models adopted before they're stable. Every slowdown diagnosed as a culture problem. Velocity celebrated without asking where the team is going. AI speed mistaken for AI quality.
Why It Matters
The Scepter's acceleration is real — and it's the problem. Speed without steering doesn't get you there faster. It gets you somewhere else faster. The team ships more, breaks more, and learns less, because learning requires the one thing the Scepter forbids: slowing down.
What the Chapter Gives You
How to distinguish velocity from progress, why 'we need to move faster' is almost never the actual problem, and the practices that maintain speed without sacrificing steering.
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