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RichardKennaway comments on Rationality Quotes - June 2009 - Less Wrong
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I quoted this in another comment, but I think it deserves to be in here as well. It used to be in the rec.backcountry FAQ.
"You have before you the disassembled parts of a high-powered hunting rifle, and the instructions written in Swahili. In five minutes an angry Bengal tiger will walk into the room."
-- Eugene Miya
Without context, I'm afraid I don't understand what this is supposed to signify regarding rationality.
Yes, it's a bit of a koan, and somewhat tangential. It's about the ineluctability of reality, saying that while you must win, you may not win, even if you do everything right. Even the ultimate in rationality is not a get out of jail free card, neither in the backcountry nor anywhere else.
Maybe you can read Swahili. Maybe you are so familiar with hunting rifles you could assemble it blindfolded. Great -- today you get to win. Or maybe the tiger comes by RIGHT NOW. You lose.
"You have before you the Alcor prospectus. In fifty years your body will wear out and die."
That clarifies it for me. Possibly related: Beyond the Reach of God.
I leave the room. ;)
It is pitch dark. You're likely to be eaten by a grue.
rrrrOWWR! CHOMP!
I resolve to have left the room by the time five minutes are up.