Dennis Hackethal

Software Engineer, Author, & Translator

Services and Testimonials

I offer professional services in several categories. I’ve worked as a software engineer at Apple, translated a book with physicist and philosopher David Deutsch, and built tools used by thousands of readers and thinkers. One initial phone consultation is free of charge up to 30 minutes. Email me at [email protected] to request one.

Software Engineering – $220/hour

I’m a web developer with almost 15 years of experience, four of which I spent at Apple, where I learned from some of the best engineers in the world. I build web applications and APIs, and I’m proficient in Ruby, Rails, and JavaScript. I work across the stack, from polished frontends to performant backend systems. My special interests are cybersecurity and stunning UIs.

Dennis regularly contributes sharp insights to my weekly Apple cybersecurity spaces on X. His comments consistently stand out for their depth, clarity, and practical understanding of real-world security issues. If you’re looking for an engineer who takes security seriously and thinks rigorously about systems, Dennis is who I’d want on my side.

Josh Long, award-winning cybersecurity expert (150k+ followers on X)

Dennis did a great job!

Ahead of schedule, on budget. I am looking forward to contracting with this gentleman again.

This was a complex job with numerous people assisting, Dennis did great working with all of them to the completion of the task.

Bradley Werrell, D.O. – repeat client since 2012
See more client reviews. In addition, client Aaron Stupple, M.D., board member of Conjecture Institute, has agreed to act as a reference.

Philosophy Consulting – $220/hour

As an epistemologist, I teach my clients how to think clearly. I can help you learn virtually anything and approach problems more rationally – and live a happier life as a result. Working with Deutsch for two years to translate his bestseller The Beginning of Infinity gave me a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the subject matter. I can help you understand the philosophical ideas from the book better and apply them to your own thinking and problems.

Dennis Hackethal’s consulting has been very valuable to me. What stands out most is how rigorous and meticulous he is — a quality that inevitably sharpens your ideas and understanding. That’s what I’ve appreciated most from our sessions and interactions.

Edwin de Wit, repeat client since 2025

Translations – ~$0.15/word

As stated above, I translated Deutsch’s seminal book The Beginning of Infinity – from English to German. Read an excerpt here. The book ranges from accessible popular science to more technical discussions of mathematics and quantum physics. As a native German speaker, fluent in English, I translate non-technical texts with precision and clarity. More technical material can be arranged at a higher rate depending on subject matter.

I read the English version first and have now started the German one. The translation is excellent. In some places, the translator’s thoughtful choice of words even lends the German version new depth and clarity.

Moritz Wallawitsch, reader

An unbelievably well-written book. I devoured the English version, and the German version is just as good.

… Highly recommended!

Kevin Henrichs, reader

The author and translator have definitely done a great job with this book …

Anonymous reader

I read the English version first and am very happy with the German translation. …

[The book is] just incredibly great.

Lara Marie, reader

Personal Fitness – $100/hour

I’ve been lifting weights for nearly eight years and am now in the best shape of my life. Through consistent training and nutrition, I’ve built strength, gained muscle, lost over 30 pounds of fat, and achieved body recomposition – without any need for ‘discipline’ or other forms of self-coerion. I can help you do the same by putting together a training plan and diet you can realistically stick to – so you can build a physique you’ll be proud of.

See my own results and fitness tips

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