Comment author: damage 31 May 2012 08:32:45AM 0 points [-]

To me, the real turning point is if and when we learn how to precisely control our personalities - in short, reengineering human nature itself. Of course there's the nature vs nurture matter in this, not to mention all the potential factors than even go into a personality, let alone alter it. But I'm 100% against uncontrolled transhumanism, or even mere unregulated genetic modification or augmentation.

Though, let's suppose there was a way to correct obviously harmful behaviorial defects with at least a partial genetic basis, particularly behavior every society would see as egregiously harmful, and especially criminal (supposedly anti-social personality disorder- such as psychopathy - is one of these). Would the prospect of even reducing that behavior be worth it?

In response to Expertise and advice
Comment author: BaconServ 27 May 2012 11:14:13AM *  1 point [-]

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"To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach."

I've noticed it myself, too. You really do forget what it's like until you find someone who /really/ wants to learn but doesn't know anything at all. I think there's a lot to be said for the apprenticeship system for use in human learning. I have severe doubts about the ability of a human to master a thing without a student to teach.

Comment author: damage 30 May 2012 03:31:54AM 0 points [-]

I think the real question is how do we retain information better, if that would happen, then surely you don't need someone to actively remind you of hidden information. If I retained 1% of the stuff I've read in the past, I'd be the equivalent to an encyclopaedia. I write tutorials sometimes, and my ability to write good ones has never depended on the presence or absence on participants.

Comment author: damage 30 May 2012 03:24:34AM *  -1 points [-]

Interesting thread, I see these huge lists all the time full of links, resources etc. But something to think about is that someone who wants to program most likely already has a plan. And if they don't, I don't think they have the time or ability to decipher this material.