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Comment on The default position of HN is skepticismparent

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You know skepticism is a good thing, but too much of it makes people reluctant to learn and even share things. I just think that an argument is something no one wins. [edit: as arethuza pointed out what I am truly against is cynicism i.e. crab behavior. I know you're wrong because I know what's right and you can't be right because I know I am right. That is exactly the sort of thing that the world doesn't need]

So, whenever I think someone is wrong instead of just screaming it out on them like I used to and sometimes still do. I try to be nice and genuinely listen to what they have to say. If I realize that I'm indeed right I try to gently nudge the idea into their minds.

I am not that good at it right now, since old habits die hard, but someday...

I think your description of "too much skepticism" is really describing cynicism:

http://chipberlet.blogspot.com/2005/06/skepticism-or-cynicis...

YMMV, but I often get more interested in a new topic by reading a skeptical comment. I remain skeptical about skeptical comments.

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