Live data from Hacker News

The Mystery of the Millionaire Metaphysician (2001)

slate.com

1–10 of 16 posts

Re: The Mystery of the Millionaire Metaphysician (2001)

#7
This is one of those cases where the answer is just another question. Why was Sanders so passionate about this? What did it mean to him? His brief biography doesn't really say much:

http://www.marcsandersfoundation.org/about/founder/

And what went unsaid went with him to his grave.

Well, except that his son probably has some idea.

Re: The Mystery of the Millionaire Metaphysician (2001)

#8
Sander's knew no one would read his philosophy if they weren't paid. Nothing to say. Just reality?

I was honestly expecting the mysterious Philosopher to be an MD. Why? I have met too many wealthy physicians who later in life take up a serious interest in Philosophy. My dermatologist in High school would pop my pustules while quoting his Philosophy. Yes--our family had great union insurance. Well one day, he looked down at me with his face shield on, and said_______Every time I think I came up with something new, I would later find out someone beat me to it.

I gained respect for him that day. I noticed he became humbler in life, and not so judgmental.

Re: The Mystery of the Millionaire Metaphysician (2001)

#9

Sander's knew no one would read his philosophy if they weren't paid. Nothing to say. Just reality? I was honestly expecting the mysterious Philosopher to be an MD. Why? I have met too many wealthy physicians who later in life take up a serious interest in Philosophy. My dermatologist in High school would pop my pustules while quoting his Philosophy. Yes--our family had great union insurance. Well one day, he looked d…

Every time I think I came up with something new, I would later find out someone beat me to it.

Happens a lot to scientists who move to a new field. It means that you are not stupid and that you are not familiar with the literature. But you have to be familiar with what is being done to be productive.

Re: The Mystery of the Millionaire Metaphysician (2001)

#10
post #7

This is one of those cases where the answer is just another question. Why was Sanders so passionate about this? What did it mean to him? His brief biography doesn't really say much: http://www.marcsandersfoundation.org/about/founder/ And what went unsaid went with him to his grave. Well, except that his son probably has some idea.

Existential crisis ("what does it all mean?") is one of the most common mental illnesses of all time. Pascal and Newton had it, and plenty of regular people do too.
Post reply on HN