After two years on this board conducting a secret sociological study for unnamed government agencies, and performing experiments of all of you for the sake of those studies, ** I have reached conclusions concerning the forums known as Great Debates, and The BBQ Pit.
The free exchange of information has made us all experts in things we know nothing about. Ready access of vast quantities of information on all subjects has left us overeducated and underinformed.
We have immediate access to everything but the wisdom that comes from experience and expertise.
We are toddlers paddling about in our water wings in the ocean of knowledge pretending we’re going somewhere.
My conclusion is that in order to find truth, knowledge, beauty, understanding and all that shit we need to embrace this toddlerhood.
Try this in Great Debates:
Pretend you are a three year old. Explain your point from the vocabulary and grammar of a three year old.
If you can do this, and it still makes sense, you probably have a valid argument worthy of further debate.
If you cannot, the you are full of shit.
Try this in the PIT:
Pretend you are a three year old. Now explain your grievance the way a three year old would to his Mommy.
Does your grievance still sound pretty horrible?
If it does, it’s probably valid.
Or, are you just whining for a lollipop and a hug (not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
You can also use this on your opponents.
For example:
or
Seems as if it accurately somes up half the poltical threads I’ve seen here over the last year.
I don’t mean to pick on Democrats. Clearly it works both ways.
Try applying the toddler test to the next debate or argument you’re in.
It’s a good way to remember which side of the diaper holds the poop.
**Just wondering if there’s anybody around here who remembers the first time that cropped up, and do you still tremble at the thought?
