3 ms·

Well the whole article came off as a humble brag, so there's that. He should just start collecting Porsches or flying airplanes or something. Jeez.

dang 10y ago
Can't say I agree. I think the commenters taking that tack are maybe adding a filter or two of their own to what the author is saying and being reactive to the less interesting parts of the article. That leads to a somewhat boring, if also exciting, round-of-denunciation sort of thread. (Boring-plus-exciting is the alcohol-plus-amphetamines of internet forums.) They're also ignoring the ways the author is already piling on himself. I think that's a shallow reading and a bit harsh. The common trope in our culture is for the rest of us to become hostile when someone with money goes on about their problems ('what's he got to complain about?'). I get why, but it's an oversimplifying reflex that doesn't breed good discussion. Human lives are complex things. IMO the more interesting parts of the article have to do with tradeoffs and unintended consequences. Doing what it takes to achieve a goal, including a socially laudable/enviable goal, can leave you stuck and/or damaged in other ways. These dynamics are more interesting than just seeing someone as 'an asshole'.
- HiroshiSan 10y ago
  This is in no way related to this comment but I just wanted to say keep up the good work. I read Paul Graham's summary of you and my comment came across as mean and stupid. Anyway to say the least, moderating comments can't be easy and you take every one of them seriously. Thank you.
  - dang 10y ago
    Thanks! Your comment didn't seem mean or stupid because you were defending something positive. But it's great for the community, and one of my favorite things on HN, when someone takes a second look and a more nuanced response arises. So your responses here (both of them) are a gift.
- akamaka 10y ago
  I feel like the denunciations aren't specific to anything in particular that he said, but part a general trend among some commentors of this site. When I read someone's personal reflections, I just listen to what they have to say and accept that they've shared how an experience felt to them. It was a fascinating read written by someone whose outlook is much removed from mine. I'd like to think that the silent majority of readers come away enriched with a new perspective, and there are only a few vocal folks who need to judge someone's lived experience as being "wrong".
  - dang 10y ago
    Any time I hear about a trend among HN users I ask myself whether the same trend exists among human beings in general.

dang 10y ago

Can't say I agree. I think the commenters taking that tack are maybe adding a filter or two of their own to what the author is saying and being reactive to the less interesting parts of the article. That leads to a somewhat boring, if also exciting, round-of-denunciation sort of thread. (Boring-plus-exciting is the alcohol-plus-amphetamines of internet forums.) They're also ignoring the ways the author is already piling on himself. I think that's a shallow reading and a bit harsh. The common trope in our culture is for the rest of us to become hostile when someone with money goes on about their problems ('what's he got to complain about?'). I get why, but it's an oversimplifying reflex that doesn't breed good discussion. Human lives are complex things. IMO the more interesting parts of the article have to do with tradeoffs and unintended consequences. Doing what it takes to achieve a goal, including a socially laudable/enviable goal, can leave you stuck and/or damaged in other ways. These dynamics are more interesting than just seeing someone as 'an asshole'.

HiroshiSan 10y ago
This is in no way related to this comment but I just wanted to say keep up the good work. I read Paul Graham's summary of you and my comment came across as mean and stupid. Anyway to say the least, moderating comments can't be easy and you take every one of them seriously. Thank you.
- dang 10y ago
  Thanks! Your comment didn't seem mean or stupid because you were defending something positive. But it's great for the community, and one of my favorite things on HN, when someone takes a second look and a more nuanced response arises. So your responses here (both of them) are a gift.
akamaka 10y ago
I feel like the denunciations aren't specific to anything in particular that he said, but part a general trend among some commentors of this site. When I read someone's personal reflections, I just listen to what they have to say and accept that they've shared how an experience felt to them. It was a fascinating read written by someone whose outlook is much removed from mine. I'd like to think that the silent majority of readers come away enriched with a new perspective, and there are only a few vocal folks who need to judge someone's lived experience as being "wrong".
- dang 10y ago
  Any time I hear about a trend among HN users I ask myself whether the same trend exists among human beings in general.