SentientMeat
I often find myself leaning back in the plush furniture and listening to discussions of advanced statistical mathematics, or the fine points of theoretical economics, or music theory that is beyond what I have explored. And sometimes, I hear something that peaks my interest. A synapse flashes in my brain, and I sit upright. I have a revelation, and a voice in my head begins to rapid-fire: “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this in four hundred years!?”
I can take the question one of two ways: either I am the genius the world has been waiting for or else the thought has occured to other geniuses and they have figured it out. Depending on which way I take the question, I blurt out either inquiries or declarations. It is when I blurt out the latter that trouble usually ensues.
“The smallest possible number in absolute magnitude is one minus point-nine-bar!” “Macroeconomic predictions fail because the data is incomplete!” “Paul McCartney’s music is primitive because he has no formal training!” *
Sometimes, I encounter impatient people. People who scream back at me, “You idiot!” But sometimes, I am fortunate enough to encounter someone whose interest is in my edification. “Here is proof that one minus point-nine-bar equals zero.” Or “Macroeconomists do not make economic predictions.” Or “McCartney’s musical comprehension is innate.”
I might press on a bit. “But isn’t this an error in your proof?” Or “Didn’t macroeconomists used to make predictions?” Or “Is there any evidence for McCartney’s musical acumen?”
And then they might answer. “No, that’s no error. Here is what Peano says.” Or “Yes, they used to, but this is not 1877 anymore.” Or “See how in this instance, he blends a mixolydian key with a harmonic minor.”
There always comes a point when I must decide the answer to my question to myself. Why has no one thought of this before? And it becomes apparent to me that they have. Once in a blue moon, I might make a point that no one thought of before, but it happens so seldom that it is certainly the exception rather than the rule.
I could continue pressing on. “Peano Schmeano! I’m not talking about math, I’m talking about Jerry Falwell.” Or “This could be 1877 and the calendars are a conspiracy.” Or “I don’t think blending two harmonies that way is very sophisticated.”
Thankfully, though, I almost never do. I thank the good person who expressed an interest in me and was kind enough to share his knowledge with me. I go find a book on mathematics, or economics, or music. I come to understand why one equals point-nine-bar, how macroeconomics has changed, and how beautifully rare true musical innovation really is.
Three good things come out of it for me. One, I am considered a peer by the one who taught me. Two, I get to learn about something that caught my interest. And three, I get to teach someone else whom I care about.
Enjoy your comfortable chair. If you get bored, feel free to turn on the TV. There’s a lot of flies in the room now, and I’ve said everything to you that I could say. We’re in repeat mode now. I’m going to go sit in the study for a bit. Maybe I’ll see you there.
- Actual examples of viewpoints I have held here at StraightDope, and have changed as a result of listening.
