And I believe that obscure language reduces the quality of thoughts that use it. It can feel harmless and fun, but I suspect it often isn’t, as it wasn’t for me. Recovering from this affliction made me emotionally despise its manifestations (as I usually can’t directly help others get better; and as I must consider confusing questions myself).
And I believe that obscure language reduces the quality of thoughts that use it.
I emphatically agree. I’m not defending the general use of obscure language by those who know better, I am defending the use of obscure language when used precisely by those who don’t know our language. Unfortunately Less Wrong doesn’t know how to tell when others are using a precise language that Less Wrong doesn’t happen to speak. I have already seen some of the damage this can cause and I can imagine that damage getting multiplied as the community grows and becomes even less aware of its own presumption of others’ ignorance.
And I believe that obscure language reduces the quality of thoughts that use it. It can feel harmless and fun, but I suspect it often isn’t, as it wasn’t for me. Recovering from this affliction made me emotionally despise its manifestations (as I usually can’t directly help others get better; and as I must consider confusing questions myself).
I emphatically agree. I’m not defending the general use of obscure language by those who know better, I am defending the use of obscure language when used precisely by those who don’t know our language. Unfortunately Less Wrong doesn’t know how to tell when others are using a precise language that Less Wrong doesn’t happen to speak. I have already seen some of the damage this can cause and I can imagine that damage getting multiplied as the community grows and becomes even less aware of its own presumption of others’ ignorance.
I believe Vladimir_Nesov was talking about the obscure language in your comments.