Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Be kind. Would "I think you might be misunderstanding ego" have been a better way to phrase it? > are traits to be admired Oh I agree, I am not making a claim about what HN-types revere, I was addressing how two very distinct psychological terms are often misused. Like, for example, if I kept calling C an interpreted language; or claimed there's no difference between TCP or UDP; that's the same as equating assertiv…
> Would "I think you might be misunderstanding ego" have been a better way to phrase it? No. "The way that I understand the word 'ego,' is thus..." If you really can't live without applying a slap, may I suggest: "I feel that this word is often misused. The way that I understand the word is ... If it is applied in the way that I understand it, then ..." I'm a fairly decent chap. I have some experience and knowledge,…
On the one hand, yeah, the original comment could have used softer phrasing, could equivocate more, could signal curiosity better. On the other hand, if you know something just say what it is you think you know.
On the responder's end, yeah, if you think someone is being excessively aggressive with their language, call it out. On the other hand, apply the principle of charity and try to hear what the other person is saying.