Agreed that making up the story only tells so much about the narrator. But so far we’re only considering the narrator.
Believing the story is what will change you. Until the day the kid knows any better, he will seriously believe that the universe has a punishment system that kills people for staying up late. If he’s upset at his little brother, he may try to trick him into not sleeping, hoping for him to be eaten. This may or may not poison their future relationship.
In a world where the kid grows up without being told the monster wasn’t real, he will tell the same story to his own kids. The first scenario will repeat itself, but this time the adult will mean it.
Edit: I just noticed this scenario contradicts my previous argument, where I suggested the narrator was more to blame than his gullible listeners. I feel more inclined to think otherwise now.
Upvoted for explicitly noticing and noting your confusion. One of the best things about Less Wrong is that noticing the flaws in one’s own argument is respected and rewarded. (As it should be, in a community of truth-seekers.)
Agreed that making up the story only tells so much about the narrator. But so far we’re only considering the narrator.
Believing the story is what will change you. Until the day the kid knows any better, he will seriously believe that the universe has a punishment system that kills people for staying up late. If he’s upset at his little brother, he may try to trick him into not sleeping, hoping for him to be eaten. This may or may not poison their future relationship.
In a world where the kid grows up without being told the monster wasn’t real, he will tell the same story to his own kids. The first scenario will repeat itself, but this time the adult will mean it.
Edit: I just noticed this scenario contradicts my previous argument, where I suggested the narrator was more to blame than his gullible listeners. I feel more inclined to think otherwise now.
Upvoted for explicitly noticing and noting your confusion. One of the best things about Less Wrong is that noticing the flaws in one’s own argument is respected and rewarded. (As it should be, in a community of truth-seekers.)
Good for you!