4 ms·

I'm in a very different place than I was a few years ago.

by jedimastert 5y ago

e40 5y ago
I know this is the innernets, but I always get a kick out of responses like the GP's. Wow.
- mistermann 5y ago
  The human mind's ability to see into the future based on sparse data is a fascinating phenomenon, and fairly ubiquitous.
  - LocalH 5y ago
    The human mind's ability to incorrectly apply that foresight to others is equally ubiquitous, however.
    - Shared404 5y ago
      And the human mind's ability to then use said "insight" to demean others, is also unfortunately ubiquitous.
      - mistermann 5y ago
        demean: cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for (someone or something). Is it really that bad? It's plausible, but I'm skeptical. Regardless, it is surely suboptimal. I wonder if there are more optimal approaches than "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" (my Mom's advice)....can you think of any?
        Shared404 5y ago
        > Is it really that bad? It's plausible, but I'm skeptical. Demean was too strong a word, I need to follow my own advice better :). > Regardless, it is surely suboptimal. I wonder if there are more optimal approaches than "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" (my Mom's advice)....can you think of any? The three gates[0] are what I try (and admittedly fail miserably) to implement, though not in their original form. I generally try for "Is it true", "Is it useful", "Is it kind" - in that order of precedence if they can not all be met. [0] Is it true, is it necessary, is it kind.
        mistermann 5y ago
        I like it. I would evaluate it thusly: a) Is it true? I would say: overwhelmingly. b) Is it necessary? In an absolute sense: no. In a relative sense (say, if one has a specific goal in mind): Certainly maybe, but I would predict: Extremely Likely. > Is it kind. I suspect not. But then, I think HN'ers can have thick skin when required (say, if you are trying to optimize The System that we all live within).
    - mistermann 5y ago
      Hmmmm, not sure I understand?

I'm in a very different place than I was a few years ago.

e40 5y ago

I know this is the innernets, but I always get a kick out of responses like the GP's. Wow.

mistermann 5y ago
The human mind's ability to see into the future based on sparse data is a fascinating phenomenon, and fairly ubiquitous.
- LocalH 5y ago
  The human mind's ability to incorrectly apply that foresight to others is equally ubiquitous, however.
  - Shared404 5y ago
    And the human mind's ability to then use said "insight" to demean others, is also unfortunately ubiquitous.
    - mistermann 5y ago
      demean: cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for (someone or something). Is it really that bad? It's plausible, but I'm skeptical. Regardless, it is surely suboptimal. I wonder if there are more optimal approaches than "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" (my Mom's advice)....can you think of any?
      - Shared404 5y ago
        > Is it really that bad? It's plausible, but I'm skeptical. Demean was too strong a word, I need to follow my own advice better :). > Regardless, it is surely suboptimal. I wonder if there are more optimal approaches than "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" (my Mom's advice)....can you think of any? The three gates[0] are what I try (and admittedly fail miserably) to implement, though not in their original form. I generally try for "Is it true", "Is it useful", "Is it kind" - in that order of precedence if they can not all be met. [0] Is it true, is it necessary, is it kind.
        mistermann 5y ago
        I like it. I would evaluate it thusly: a) Is it true? I would say: overwhelmingly. b) Is it necessary? In an absolute sense: no. In a relative sense (say, if one has a specific goal in mind): Certainly maybe, but I would predict: Extremely Likely. > Is it kind. I suspect not. But then, I think HN'ers can have thick skin when required (say, if you are trying to optimize The System that we all live within).
  - mistermann 5y ago
    Hmmmm, not sure I understand?