For what it’s worth my impression is that while there exist people who have genuinely benefited from the book; a very large majority of the interest expressed in the book is almost purely signaling.
It would be easier to discuss the merits (or lack) of the book if you specify something about the book you believe lacks merit. The opinion that the book is overly hyped is a common criticism, but is too vague to be refuted.
It was a bestseller. Of course many of those people who bought it are silly.
I signed up for the reading group along with the 2600 Redditors. It was previously posted about here. The book is an entry point to issues of Artificial Intelligence, consciousness, cognitive biases and other subjects which interest me. I enjoy the book every time I read from it, but I believe I am missing something which could be provided in a group reading or a group study. As I stated in the previous thread, I am challenged by the musical references. The last time I read music notation routinely was when I sang in a choir in middle school; many of the Bach references and other music references to terms such as fugue, canon, fifths & thirds, &c are difficult for me to grasp.
If one of those 2600 redditors felt moved to build some youtube tutorials with a bouncing ball along and atop the Bach scores illustrating Hofstadter’s arguments, then I presume many others besides myself would enjoy seeing them.
Have you seen that Feynman video where he says he usually dislikes answering “why” questions? If not that, perhaps that Louis C. K. standup routine where he talks about his daughter asking “why?” It is a discussion prompt but it often does not point to anywhere. I have that feeling now that I am rambling.
I know Bach’s music quite well from a listener’s perspective though not from a theoretician’s perspective. I’d be happy to share some pieces recordings that I’ve enjoyed / have found accessible.
Your last paragraph is obscure to me and I share your impression that you started to ramble :-).
Why do you bring this up?
For what it’s worth my impression is that while there exist people who have genuinely benefited from the book; a very large majority of the interest expressed in the book is almost purely signaling.
It would be easier to discuss the merits (or lack) of the book if you specify something about the book you believe lacks merit. The opinion that the book is overly hyped is a common criticism, but is too vague to be refuted.
It was a bestseller. Of course many of those people who bought it are silly.
I wasn’t opening up discussion of the book so much as inquiring why you find the fact that you cite interesting.
Fair question, but not an easy one to answer.
I signed up for the reading group along with the 2600 Redditors. It was previously posted about here. The book is an entry point to issues of Artificial Intelligence, consciousness, cognitive biases and other subjects which interest me. I enjoy the book every time I read from it, but I believe I am missing something which could be provided in a group reading or a group study. As I stated in the previous thread, I am challenged by the musical references. The last time I read music notation routinely was when I sang in a choir in middle school; many of the Bach references and other music references to terms such as fugue, canon, fifths & thirds, &c are difficult for me to grasp.
If one of those 2600 redditors felt moved to build some youtube tutorials with a bouncing ball along and atop the Bach scores illustrating Hofstadter’s arguments, then I presume many others besides myself would enjoy seeing them.
Have you seen that Feynman video where he says he usually dislikes answering “why” questions? If not that, perhaps that Louis C. K. standup routine where he talks about his daughter asking “why?” It is a discussion prompt but it often does not point to anywhere. I have that feeling now that I am rambling.
I know Bach’s music quite well from a listener’s perspective though not from a theoretician’s perspective. I’d be happy to share some pieces recordings that I’ve enjoyed / have found accessible.
Your last paragraph is obscure to me and I share your impression that you started to ramble :-).