Patrick Collison's 'Fast' page catalogs ambitious projects done in weeks, not years
itsOmSarraf_ · x · 2026-09-21
A repost of Patrick Collison's Fast page, a curated collection of historical examples of people accomplishing ambitious things remarkably quickly.
- BankAmericard (later Visa): Dee Hock launched it from scratch in 90 days, signing up 100,000+ customers
- P-80 Shooting Star: Kelly Johnson's team designed and delivered the USAF's first jet fighter in 143 days
- Marinship: telegram received March 2, 1942; decision made 10 minutes into the pitch; first ship completed 197 days later
- Spirit of St. Louis: Lindbergh estimated the NY-Paris distance with a globe and string, then built the plane in 60 days
- The Eiffel Tower: built in 793 days
The page is frequently cited in tech circles as evidence that ambitious timelines can be far shorter than assumed — a useful reference point in the AI acceleration era.
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