Posted by Nepenthe on September 25, 1999 at 16:00:09:
In Reply to: Re: Defending myself posted by Ophi on September 25, 1999 at 03:28:42:
>
Either you're more dense than I believed possible for an educated person or (much more likely) you're deliberately misconstruing what I'm saying. Either way I see no point in belaboring this further.
> Yeah pretty much. The game's only fun if you win =)
You're either mentally twelve or being sarcastic. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say sarcastic.
> It's called being an ass without actually becoming uncivilized. =)
Suddenly, the whole "phoniness" theme in Salinger's Catcher in the Rye seems much more real to me. I see no value in clinging to 'civil' behavior at the cost of distortion or dishonesty. The thought of putting forth a facade of pleasantness rather than speak plainly seems much more profane to me than any simple word. If I think you're being an ass, I'll tell you you're being an ass. You should feel free to do likewise.
> Hrm actually you can. Logic is usually defined as correct "reasoning". It only require that you use proper induction, deduction, etc. to reach a certain point. It doesn't stop you from first using false premise, such as say, the sky is pink.
> Yeah, but at least you can do it in an arrogant, smug, pompous way that doesn't involve profanities.