> Some people are so full of themselves that they don't even realize how crass they might come across.
An appropriately ironic comment, given that you just arrogantly belittled someone while also accusing them of narcissism, despite the author plainly writing that they don't claim any of the ideas are good. Next time RTFA before spouting inflammatory nonsense.
"I'd rather give my ideas away than let them go to waste. Who knows if they are even good? The hard part is the execution anyway."
I'd say it's condescending -- and even insulting -- to everyone involved. Ideas shouldn't be censored during a brainstorming session but this is something else
> (2) deeply offensive to those of us who work in those regimes
You know how sometimes someone who is A Little Too Online gets offended because they think you said a Bad Thing, but it was actually just a typo or a straight misreading, and you try to explain that they’re reacting to something you didn’t even say let alone believe, but because they have already decided you are the Bad Person they interpret that as you “doubling down“ on the bad opinion that they attributed to you, so they get even angrier and even more convinced that you sincerely believe the Bad Thing?
I mean no judgment. We all have such sensitivities. But maybe now you see how easily you can wind up on the wrong side of a public debate by searching for offense where there is in fact none.
> I don’t understand people who are acting offended
Once the reasoning boils down to offense I know I am dealing with either intentional hostility or stupidity. Regardless of which of those is the problem I stop wasting energy thinking about it.
For people confused or further offended by this sentiment I suggest reading Principles by Ray Dalio.
>I find it fairly offensive to compare that culture of intellectual dishonesty and boastfulness
Someone will always be offended no matter what you do but the proof is in the pudding. Capital needing to flow to where it is most useful should not make you take personal offense.
> I do not think you should waste a single thought on the easily offended.
Unfortunately, this strategy doesn't work, because these people have the power to have a significant negative impact on your life (get you fired, ruin your reputation etc).
>People do tend to take offense when their decisions are being questioned
Yes, your problem if your offended, not the writer other ones, the mail is fair polite and not aggressive, if your offended about fair personal criticism f*ck off and find another job.
Being offended by other/different opinions is what hitler, mao and stalin had in common.
> Being offensive on purpose, even claiming the guise of an experiment
Once again wrong. Not what I meant. By not padding it in an apologetic way, [1] I knew it would get a certain reaction. In my book, nothing wrong with that. I am tired of people always having to apologize when no apology is necessary. Also consider that people of different age groups who were raised differently might see things differently as well and that is ok.
[1] Meaning "I apologize deeply if anyone finds this offensive but.."
Yup. And some brilliant ideas are offensive.
reply