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The Right Number of Fucks: An Equation for Artists
Photo by Janosch Diggelmann / Unsplash
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The Right Number of Fucks: An Equation for Artists

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Every artist we know lives in a constant state of contradiction — caring deeply while pretending not to.
This equation doesn’t fix that, but it quantifies it.

The “Right Number of Fucks” — Equation & Calculator

Rate each factor on a 0–10 scale, then hit Calculate. Lower is “don’t care”, higher is “care a lot”.

Show the full equation (transparency)
Inputs (0–10):
A = Values Alignment
C = Craft / Portfolio Impact
S = Stakes / Irreversibility
L = Learning Potential
N = External Noise (opinions/algos)
E = Ego / Vanity Pull
U = Uncontrollables
T = Time / Energy Cost
Give-a-Fuck Index:
GFI = (A + C + S + L) / (N + E + U + T)
Optimal Fucks (0–10):
F*  = 10 × GFI / (1 + GFI)
Optimal Not-Fucks (0–10):
D   = 10 − F*
Reasoning: the logistic form compresses any ratio to a bounded 0–10 scale; doubling GFI increases F* but with diminishing returns.
Care-side (reasons to give a fuck)


Detachment-side (reasons not to give a fuck)


Many thanks to Hanna A on Substack for the inspirational post that prompted this vital piece of mathematics and coding 👇

Hana A˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊ (@poetryandhana)
SubstackHana A˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊
Try the Right Number of Fucks Calculator
AOF RNoF Calculator V.1
Substack
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