3 ms·
"You can't do that" - translation: 1. I don't want you to do that because of x,y,z. 2. I saw some other people try that, and they failed. 3. Someone else
by maeon3 16y ago
"You can't do that" - translation:
1. I don't want you to do that because of x,y,z.
2. I saw some other people try that, and they failed.
3. Someone else doesn't want you to do that.
4. I tried it, and I failed at it and my ego is tiny.
5. Rule or Law X states you shouldn't do that.
Can't is such an abused word, better to not use it at all to make yourself clear.
When you understand the laws of physics, anything is possible.
- alain94040 16y agoDon't attribute to malice what can be explained away by stupidity. In my experience, people genuinely believe certain things can't be done (http://blog.fairsoftware.net/2010/12/16/young-and-clueless-an-unexpected-recipe-for-innovation/ http://blog.fairsoftware.net/2010/12/16/young-and-clueless-a...). Those people just inherited preconceptions from their environment (co-workers, bosses, common knowledge...). Their brain never even tried to wonder if a new approach was possible.
- dcolgan 16y agoI was originally met with opposition when I told my family about wanting to do freelance programming out of college. They wanted me to get a "real job". I think this article describes the situation well. At first I was annoyed with them, but then I came to realize that the reason they were saying this was because they didn't understand what I was getting into, and from their perspective it really was impossible. I have come to appreciate that they are not out to rain on my parade for the sake of being mean, but because they actually do care about me. I suppose that as with all criticism, discernment is needed.