I am very surprised at how many comments this story has gotten on HN. I am even more appalled at how many continue to excuse his actions in the name of "being r

I am very surprised at how many comments this story has gotten on HN. I am even more appalled at how many continue to excuse his actions in the name of "being right" or "technically valid". This reminds me of the infamous [Wheaton's Law](https://everything2.com/user/OldMiner/writeups/Wheaton%2527s+Law https://everything2.com/user/OldMiner/writeups/Wheaton%2527s...) states: "Don't be a dick." A very sound piece of social expectation. As comparison if I were to attempt to learn to be better I doubt I would have any luck with a mentor who swears and insults me irregardless of being right or wrong. I'm curious just how as people it is possible to excuse such behaviour. Does the end truly justify the means? And if so can the end be reach effectively with different means? If someone is a really good soldier but was physically abused as a child is the abuse justified? I only try to illustrate some of the absurdity that (in my opinion) is the justification of the means in this case. I to suffer from social awkwardness. I often find things funny when in fact they are insensitive. I wouldn't claim that anyone is immune to social difficulties. However, I can say that there is evidence that approaching social interactions with some tact can lead to far better results then being bullish or rude. Here is a quote from ["How to win friends and influence others" by Dale Carnagie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influence_People https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Win_Friends_and_Influen...): "Don't criticize, condemn, or complain. Human nature does not like to admit fault. When people are criticized or humiliated, they rarely respond well and will often become defensive and resent their critic. To handle people well, we must never criticize, condemn or complain because it will never result in the behavior we desire." I'll close with a quote from the [four agreements](http://www.toltecspirit.com/ http://www.toltecspirit.com/): "Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love."