bigjeff5 comments on Fake Reductionism - Less Wrong

41 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 17 March 2008 10:49PM

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Comment author: bigjeff5 01 February 2011 09:45:54PM 1 point [-]

I wonder that he didn't stop to wonder how amazing it was that light reflecting through a bunch of water droplets could create such a beautiful image in your mind.

That's roughly what I think when I see a rainbow. Same with things like sun dogs, or a gorgeous blood-orange sunset.

Just because I understand what is happening doesn't mean I find them any less beautiful. And besides, suppose I'm watching such a scene with someone who doesn't understand what they are seeing? I get to explain how such a thing can be, and in some cases how easy they are to reproduce.

I dunno, I find that pretty awesome myself. I honestly don't think Keats could have actually understood how rainbows formed and still feel cheated.