[dead]
Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
41–50 of 282 posts
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#42Hyperrationality is like a videogame. It's only fun when you get totally immersed, forget it's a game and call it "reality".
But if you stay aware of the thousand arbitrary interpretations and devices supporting the facade, then the game isn't nearly as impressive or compelling. Then it's just a toy for kids.
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#43I'd argue that telling someone the truth does absolve you of responsibility, because if the truth upsets someone, what they're actually upset about is the reality of the universe. Or if it's a truth about them, then the reality about themselves. The truth-teller is just the messenger. Each person is responsible for how they deal with reality, including the parts they don't like.
I get what the article is saying. Given the reality of how people are, when you state the truth it has x effect on others, and the author is arguing that you are responsible for that effect. But I'd argue that when a truth upsets someone, even if you hadn't told it to them, eventually it would've upset them anyway, because the underlying reality that upsets them is still there. You aren't ultimately the cause of their upset.
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#44Two things - 1. science is the search for being right. It has brought us untold riches and wealth (and weapons). But getting humans to accept the provable facts is really really hard and usually progress is made a funeral at a time. 2. Most people who think they are right are not using scientific rigour but their own instincts and are usually full of hot air - see any middle manager for examples So yes, you are right…
Science is the search for consensus about predictions. It says nothing of truth.
That's what happens in practice, but the idealized version of science (like if you properly apply the scientific method in your backyard with no outside influence) is an iterative process for getting closer to the truth. Or maybe closer to an accurate model of reality, since "truth" is a bit of a weird concept. Of course the end point ("truth") may be unreachable, and often we get stuck in local maxima until someone finds some radical new approach. But it strives to get closer to "truth".
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#45Assuming there is one “truth” is usually a mistake.
That may be true for you, but it's not for me
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#46>Even if my words are accurate, rational, and true, the way I deliver them may color that truth with an entirely different message. A doctor can deliver bad news of a terminal diagnosis with seriousness and sympathy. Or they can just glibly say "Don't bother buying green bananas."
> Don't bother buying green bananas I can't be the only one who thinks this delivery might be hilarious? Of course, I respect and understand that not everybody would find it to be.
I laughed out loud when I read it too.
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#47Assuming there is one “truth” is usually a mistake.
“When people thought the Earth was flat, they were wrong. When people thought the Earth was spherical they were wrong. But if you think that thinking the Earth is spherical is just as wrong as thinking the Earth is flat, then your view is wronger than both of them put together”
― Isaac Asimov
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#48Earlier quoted context omitted.
brutal honesty is not the opposite of "you're beautiful, you're smart, you're perfect just the way you are." And feelings are not opposed to objective reality, for that matter. It's entirely possible to be clear, explicit, truthful, and kind.
> kind That depends on the person. I’ve known people who take any criticism at any time for any reason as an offense. There is no kind way (from their perspective) to convince such a person that their behavior is anything negative. Neutral at worst or it’s, “What do you have against me?” Edit: To add a bit more context, some of these people are family members and close friends (who are now distant, unfortunately); I…
Yes, some minority of people will react this way, but that shouldn’t result in the default feedback being unkind.
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#49Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think that there's the need to a counterpoint to the world that says "you're beautiful, you're smart, you're perfect just the way you are.". A lot of the time the modern world tells us that feelings are more important than objective reality. It's bullshit.
It's not an either or, feelings are part of our reality. Ignoring them doesn't help you, neither does ignoring reality. It seems people forget that it's not a binary scenario, you can absolutely respect someone else's time while also being honest with them. Which is what the modern world is actually getting at, since historically we've ignored feelings far too much for the sake of submission to the status quo.
Balance good. Moderation in everything, including moderation.
Re: Is it my fault if you can't handle the truth? (2019)
#50I wield the truth proudly, because it cut my hands when i picked it up, it slices them when i wield it and it hurts even more when i knight you with it. I actively search out discomfort, i embrace knowledge about my retardation and i attempt to work out solutions for them. I detest the hive, the cuddling together in falsehood and illusions, the disasters it has spawned time and time again, the justifications for evil…
I’m skeptical of anyone who claims to know the truth. I’m certainly not going to let you “knight” me with it, so I guess we’re in some agreement.