3 ms·

I came across Scott Aaronson's review of NKS a few days ago and loved it: http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0206089 http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0206089. I would

I came across Scott Aaronson's review of NKS a few days ago and loved it: http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0206089 http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0206089. I would recommend reading that to anyone who is also looking at Wolfram's work.

taliesinb 15y ago
My theory is that that review, and Shalizi's, are as popular as they are because nothing is more convenient than learning one doesn't have to actually do the work of considering a (set of) new ideas and perspectives.
- knowtheory 15y ago
  I love self-sealing arguments that accuse others of making self-sealing arguments. They're simultaneously contradictory and consistent. The essence of paradox and self-parody. If their arguments are invalid, then perhaps they should be rebutted, or perhaps someone could link to another resource where they have been rebutted.
- jgershen 15y ago
  Well, I wrote my thesis about cellular automata, and I promise I've considered Wolfram's set of ideas and perspectives. So while I can't prove anything about the popularity of Aaronson's review in general, your hypothesis is demonstrably false in at least n=1 instance. That being said, I took a look at your website and GitHub (not to mention your employer, Wolfram Research) and it's obvious you know what you're talking about - I don't think you should be being downvoted as heavily in this thread as you are. Plus you made a Futurama reference, so you're obviously a cool dude. My point is, let's all avoid implying that people who don't agree with us aren't qualified to discuss this subject. I think both of us are, and Wolfram is a pretty polarizing subject - one that all sides need to keep civil about sometimes.
  - taliesinb 15y ago
    And you did Gazehawk! Pretty cool stuff, I was telling Stephen about that a few weeks ago. But, let me say, you're right. But I do think its part of their popularity. Also the fact that they're both very entertaining and erudite writers. And sure, there are plenty of valid criticisms, and they make them. Off to read your thesis..
- programnature 15y ago
  My theory is they are popular just because rants are more entertaining than reason. People just want to high-five the person who expresses their hate most eloquently.
  - thret 15y ago
    +1

taliesinb 15y ago

My theory is that that review, and Shalizi's, are as popular as they are because nothing is more convenient than learning one doesn't have to actually do the work of considering a (set of) new ideas and perspectives.

knowtheory 15y ago
I love self-sealing arguments that accuse others of making self-sealing arguments. They're simultaneously contradictory and consistent. The essence of paradox and self-parody. If their arguments are invalid, then perhaps they should be rebutted, or perhaps someone could link to another resource where they have been rebutted.
jgershen 15y ago
Well, I wrote my thesis about cellular automata, and I promise I've considered Wolfram's set of ideas and perspectives. So while I can't prove anything about the popularity of Aaronson's review in general, your hypothesis is demonstrably false in at least n=1 instance. That being said, I took a look at your website and GitHub (not to mention your employer, Wolfram Research) and it's obvious you know what you're talking about - I don't think you should be being downvoted as heavily in this thread as you are. Plus you made a Futurama reference, so you're obviously a cool dude. My point is, let's all avoid implying that people who don't agree with us aren't qualified to discuss this subject. I think both of us are, and Wolfram is a pretty polarizing subject - one that all sides need to keep civil about sometimes.
- taliesinb 15y ago
  And you did Gazehawk! Pretty cool stuff, I was telling Stephen about that a few weeks ago. But, let me say, you're right. But I do think its part of their popularity. Also the fact that they're both very entertaining and erudite writers. And sure, there are plenty of valid criticisms, and they make them. Off to read your thesis..
programnature 15y ago
My theory is they are popular just because rants are more entertaining than reason. People just want to high-five the person who expresses their hate most eloquently.
- thret 15y ago
  +1