4 ms·
It is a skill. And a rather easy one to learn. E.g. I’ve completed some basic carpentry projects. At the start I couldn’t have told you how much ⅛ of an inch w
by josho 8y ago
It is a skill. And a rather easy one to learn.
E.g. I’ve completed some basic carpentry projects. At the start I couldn’t have told you how much ⅛ of an inch was. Now I’ve got a good feel for that length. There is no reason why I couldn’t have learned what ½cm looks like instead as both are equally arbitrary.
- rleigh 8y agoI wouldn't describe an inch as arbitary, but it is customary. And variable before standardisation with different sizes of thumb! The basis of the metre in comparison is definitely arbitrary!
- FullyFunctional 8y agoI grew up in Denmark and have a fine-tuned sense for metric measurements (1 mm, 1 cm, and 1 meter). In my small town is more common for craft people (~ "contractors") to compete on who had the more accurate eye measurements. It's truly a sight to behold. TL;DR: any measurement unit can be learned; Metric strength in the simplicity of conversions.