Using google, I can't find references to the quote (or John Carmack) by searching 'Little tiny steps using local information winds up leading to all the best answers'.
Other search engines seems to do a bit better on retrieving the Wiki article.
What gives, is google really becoming worse?
I started using Kagi last month, and am really enjoying it - it's like Google at it's prime.
Mr Carmack references "gradient descent" in interviews[1][2] and his own posts on X[3].
[1] https://dallasinnovates.com/exclusive-qa-john-carmacks-diffe...
[2] https://transcript.lol/read/youtube/@lexfridman/6522e9950331...
[3] https://twitter.com/ID_AA_Carmack/status/1773391295538442445
[3]