In reference to Barbara's comment to 'Takeyes', which was, "I don't think you realize that this is very insulting to Soloists. You are saying that if we knew who you are we would allow that knowledge to color our judgment of your ideas; in a word, you are saying that we cannot be trusted to be objective. Presumably, we need your help if we are to be objective." , -
- and later, Aarons response of, "I do not find Takeyes' stance insulting or unreasonable given that people do let their knowledge of others' identity color their judgement, even to the point where a SOLOist may flatly refuse to "discuss these issues or any others" with someone because of who they are."
Aaron, yes it is true that people often do this, it is a flaw that we all struggle to overcome to varying degrees.
However, it is also a flaw that many *have* successfully overcome. Given this - you have 2 choices: A) - believe that humans are basically malevolent and expect stupidity and prejudice; and therefore choose to hide from it under a pseudonym, or B) - accept that most objectivist are basically benevolent and rational; and therefore give them the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
Choice 'A' will not spare you from criticism for ideas that are rejected as false, it will only afford you a false sense of being protected by anonymity. It also displays an overall contempt for the capacity for human beings in general, and objectivist specifically, to rise above personal prejudice. One wonders why a person would bother to speak to people that they hold in such low esteem in the first place?
Choice 'B' *will* get you unjustly personally attacked from time to time, but this is the exception - not the rule. Furthermore, the impact of expressing oneself is strengthened when one displays the power of their convictions. Attaching ones real name to a statement, is a *statement* in itself; it suggest the courage of ones convictions and values.
Lindsay Perigo is fond of saying that the world is drowning in an ocean of weasel words, or something to that effect. Personally, I believe that the world is drowning in an ocean of moral cowardess masquerading as prudence.
George
(Edited by George W. Cordero on 4/07, 2:28pm)
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Taking authorial responsibility for your post is a basic courtesy, so please sign each of your postings.I discourage the use of pseudonyms. Such a practice greatly reduces the value of a posting, and lowers the quality of the list as well. Being responsible for the words that you post is a basic tenet of communication.
