Jiro comments on Rationality Quotes August 2013 - Less Wrong

7 Post author: Vaniver 02 August 2013 08:59PM

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Comment author: Jiro 03 August 2013 05:01:18PM *  6 points [-]

I find it hard to come up with a deeper meaning for the original statement, so yeah.

Besides, it's not hard to come up with a deeper meaning behind what the responders are saying; in pointing out that an object specifically designed as a bookmark makes a better bookmark than a dollar bill, they're making a statement about more than just dollar bills and bookmarks, but about specialization in general.

Comment author: Document 03 August 2013 05:47:47PM *  4 points [-]

I find it hard to come up with a deeper meaning for the original statement

"We don't automatically reflect on most things we do, even when spending money. Even lifelong practices can be shown as absurd with a moment's consideration from the right angle. In fact, we're so irrational that we'll pay a dollar for a bookmark!"

Comment author: SaidAchmiz 04 August 2013 01:24:15AM 8 points [-]

A decision with an aesthetic benefit is not irrational. You are misusing "irrational".

(Or was this sarcasm?)

Comment author: Document 05 August 2013 01:18:38AM *  -1 points [-]

Reworded so people don't get caught up in that particular phrasing. (Also, please read the comment tree and note that I'm just trying to answer Jiro's implied question.)

Comment author: gothgirl420666 04 August 2013 10:43:34PM 3 points [-]

I don't see why everyone is disagreeing with you. I definitely notice that people have a tendency to buy things labeled for some sort of purpose, where if they thought for a few minutes they could find a way to fulfill that same purpose without spending money. Unfortunately, I can't think of any examples off the top of my head.

Comment author: earthian 05 August 2013 02:01:38PM *  1 point [-]
While I agree that people often make decisions without thinking them out, I think you are underestimating aesthetics. Aesthetics have phychological effects, and often people find better design structure estetically pleasing.
Comment author: Document 06 August 2013 12:58:19AM 1 point [-]

Reworded so people don't get caught up in that particular phrasing. (Also, please read the comment tree and note that I'm just trying to answer Jiro's implied question.)

Comment author: MugaSofer 04 August 2013 02:47:34PM 0 points [-]

That's clearly the intent - except maybe for that last bit - but it's kinda a poor example, I have to admit.