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That is neither a description of how the world works nor is it a description of how the world should work. In human communities, social structures evolve around

That is neither a description of how the world works nor is it a description of how the world should work. In human communities, social structures evolve around concepts like respect. It's anti-social for newcomers (or anyone else) to disregard those structures, regardless of whether or not it would otherwise be logical to do so. In theory, HN allows a short-cut past all the social stuff by requiring disagreements to be stated in terms of facts. Of course it doesn't always work out that way in practice, but this is not such an instance because the comment that started this sub-thread didn't provide any substance at all behind its assertions and basically amounted to name-calling. EDIT to add: Of course I agree that there is a basic level of respect that every person deserves. I'm just pointing out that it's possible to "level up" on that.

teddyh 12y ago
I think two issues are being conflated here – the issue of whether one should be reasonably respectful, and the issue of whether social or other status should garner increasing respect. I only meant to disagree with you on the latter, not on the former. From the TV series Kung Fu, episode Sun and Cloud Shadow (season 1, episode 8, 1972): Master Po: “In the pond there are some lotuses which stand above the water. And though their roots feed, they are themselves untouched by it. Some others have risen only to the water's level. And others, are still under water.” Young Caine: “Shall I seek to measure these differences, Master, that I may treat them differently, each according to his growth?” Master Po: “Examine the flower. Is not the flower, in each position, yet a flower?” Young Caine: “Shall I then treat each man the same?” Master Po: “As far as possible, without surrender. Be on good terms with all.”
- forgotten 12y ago
  Awesome reply. This made my day :)

teddyh 12y ago

I think two issues are being conflated here – the issue of whether one should be reasonably respectful, and the issue of whether social or other status should garner increasing respect. I only meant to disagree with you on the latter, not on the former. From the TV series Kung Fu, episode Sun and Cloud Shadow (season 1, episode 8, 1972): Master Po: “In the pond there are some lotuses which stand above the water. And though their roots feed, they are themselves untouched by it. Some others have risen only to the water's level. And others, are still under water.” Young Caine: “Shall I seek to measure these differences, Master, that I may treat them differently, each according to his growth?” Master Po: “Examine the flower. Is not the flower, in each position, yet a flower?” Young Caine: “Shall I then treat each man the same?” Master Po: “As far as possible, without surrender. Be on good terms with all.”

forgotten 12y ago
Awesome reply. This made my day :)