TheLoser
4d ago
Because there is not a paragraph in this book which could not be its own essay with citations, if not its own book, which precisely three other people could actually comprehend and none of whom would read it because I already know them and they already know what I think.
I'm writing for a more general audience. I'm taking a leap. I'm trying to show you what I'm seeing in front of me, because I think you're probably seeing it too and just don't know it yet; are in conflict with yourself about it, and no one else is going to speak the words you need to hear.
I value this community because it is the only place where I think I can make an honest fresh argument ... Put another way: The argument could be made rigorously, and long-form, only in theory. In practice, there's no other way to speak than elision. Else vital truths go unsaid.
I'm being as concise, accurate, and sober as I can here while still managing to say anything worth saying. I am not calculating for provocation or unrest. Those come naturally along with the truth..
Personally I am at pains to stay anonymous, if such a thing will even be possible five minutes from now. I don't want to divulge sources, or drop hints, or leave background information about myself. The most I can say is that I have an expertise in animal psychology and a great deal of practical experience, from which I'm drawing these insights.
Don't be coy and spare us the drivel. You know very well that the TheMotte is not the general audience, and that the norms of this community ask for clarity or specificity. Either cite your sources or be dismissed out of hand.
Hold on there buddy, I'm not the one making un-sourced claims. If any sources you could provide would dox yourself, then the implication is that the sources are penned by you, or by your associates. In that case, any source you would provide would be useless, since in the end, it'd just be more of your work without third-party verification. However, if there is third-party verification, then surely you would've come across those sources in your illustrious, multi-decade long career; if so, do this forum a favor and please share them.
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