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Viliam_Bur comments on Open Thread, September 30 - October 6, 2013 - Less Wrong Discussion

4 Post author: Coscott 30 September 2013 05:18AM

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Comment author: Viliam_Bur 30 September 2013 10:06:30AM *  4 points [-]

Many non-technical viewquakes are deep in the mindkilling territory. I guess I better refrain from giving specific examples, but it may seem from outside like this:

A: I read this insightful book / article / website and it completely changed the way I see the world.

B: Dude, you are completely brainwashed and delusional.

The lesson is that "dramatically changing one's world view" is not necessarily the same as "corresponding better with the territory". And it can be sometimes difficult to evaluate the latter. Just because many people firmly believe theory X is true, does not make it true. Just because many people firmly believe theory X is false, does not make it false. For many theories you will find both kinds of people.