Maximum vs Optimum

They speak of degrees, but are not the same

One is a scalar, speaking simply of the degree to which something — an experience, activity, e.t.c. — can get to.

The other is more of a vector, it speaks not simply of the degree, but also an implied direction [for satisfaction] at which the degree must stop.

They’re both similar, yet different.

At every point, it’s important to know which you should optimise for; don’t optimise for one, when it should be the other.

Understanding the subtle differences in both is very important, if we’re going to do great work.