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It was quite interesting to follow the AgentGates thread over on Hartmanns forum as it – and as many expected, inevitably – twisted and turned, faltered and then gasped frantically for air before finally giving up the ghost.
Though I had no great expectations, I optimistically hoped that AG had discovered the missing link, the key that had for so long had remained hidden from view, and that this was the start to a new era in the TPU saga. Alas, it was not to be and all that now remains as the dust settles are opinions and more conjecture.
What I’m always surprised by, is just how fanatical some people are, how aggressively they will defend someone they know nothing about to ensure a dream is not destroyed. Even when that dream evaporates before their very eyes and it becomes evident that it may all possibly be just a fabricated illusion, they hang on for dear life, prepared to defend the source with their last breath. Now if that isn’t the definition of ‘naïve gullibility’ I don’t know what is.
To my mind, the guy who laid his thoughts of the whole affair on the line, spoke his mind and upset the gullible in the process had every right to do so. But wow, did the fanatics tear into him. “By golly, a ‘naysayer’ amongst all us ardent believers… tear him apart boys.” A lamb pounced upon by a pack of hungry wolves.
It’s exactly the same on the Joule Thief thread on Hartmanns site. If you at all doubt, if you’re a non-believer, if you dare to bring a little science into the discussion or argue against their perceived science, you’re a no good blasphemer... and should go straight to hell! I find this every bit like religion. I can sit at home on a Sunday afternoon, and have all manner of religious types come to save my soul, preaching about this and that… but that’s all they do, preach. You will never get one of them to listen to your side of the argument. And what’s their problem anyhow, why do they want so much for me to become a believer? Are they that worried about people with their own mind, thinking for themselves, making their own decisions. But I digress.
I’ve had my battles with people in the past, mainly due to my low tolerance of utter stupidity and ignorance (and Hartmanns site has more than it’s fair share of idiots running around untethered), but in fact I’m as open minded as anyone. I’m always looking with interest at new and emerging science, for possibilities, for new angles of approach and indeed for the implementation of new ideas.
The old adage, ‘A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.’ comes to mind. It works both ways though. On the one hand we get the highly educated, very knowledgeable scientist with tunnel vision; on the other hand we get the uneducated ignoramus prepare to jump on every band wagon that comes along. From the tunnelled vision view of the highly educated scientist, his learning may tell him something is not possible, however from the gullible, naïve and ignorant point of view, anything and everything is possible and science is irrelevant. Rather sadly, two very extreme and non-compatible ways of looking at things.
In this scenario, what the scientist says will usually soar way above the layman’s head, and what the layman spouts is usually utter nonsense bearing no relation to real science whatsoever. Instant stalemate.
I’ve met professors with tunnel vision, able only to function successfully within a very narrow band of knowledge. Highly educated and extremely knowledgeable within their chosen discipline, but take them out of their comfort zone and it’s like talking to a ten-year-old kid. OK, this does not apply to all, but I’ve met university graduates that don’t know how to change the fuse in a plug, or have any idea how that great lump of metal under a car bonnet works.
I like to think that the difference between both these types and myself is that I am neither hindered with tunnel vision nor hampered by any great ignorance. In essence I’m blessed with a decent education and enough common sense to see reason. I’m one lucky girl.
All this is to say that while no one should be so quick as to dismiss claims without careful consideration and reflection, by contrast simply excepting something or someone’s word for it would be foolhardy in the extreme. A little common sense can go a long way, but sadly often seems very lacking.
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Topic: agentgates - Has He Done It?? (Read 81401 times)
