You say that you "take away very little" information as a result of reading HN. I believe the information is in your brain, but only accessible at certain time

You say that you "take away very little" information as a result of reading HN. I believe the information is in your brain, but only accessible at certain times. Your professor asked his question in a very difficult way. Suppose I asked you to tell me everything you know about programming and computer science? Would you be able to tell me everything you know? When it comes to feeling unproductive on HN, I suppose it depends on your purpose here. Hacker News makes me happy. (I do agree with your other points)