wedrifid comments on The problem with too many rational memes - Less Wrong

80 Post author: Swimmer963 19 January 2012 12:56AM

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Comment author: wedrifid 21 January 2012 08:42:22AM *  1 point [-]

I've gotten into the habit of saying "I agree, [insert restatement or consequence of person's position that makes it clear how absurd it is]." Tends to make people laugh, as I'm clearly being sarcastic but in a pretty friendly way. Could be a way to get the benefits of this technique without being so dark artsy.

That's not the technique. Sarcasm is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum than this technique.

Comment author: John_Maxwell_IV 21 January 2012 08:55:26AM *  0 points [-]

It works for me with the right voice and body language. I don't say it like I'm an opponent who disagrees, I say it like an analyst who is fairly uncertain, thinks the issue is complex and is still weighing possibilities. It probably wouldn't work especially well with someone who is a real ideologue.