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0 pointstcbawo8y ago0 comments

For those prone to confirmation bias, commentary and interpretation of data can be counterproductive. The fact that Ballmer is purposefully not setting an agenda makes this more powerful. Otherwise people tend to accumulate their own set of convenient facts.

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velodrome8y ago

> The fact that Ballmer is purposefully not setting an agenda makes this more powerful.

Yes, I agree.

> Otherwise people tend to accumulate their own set of convenient facts.

I think people will do this anyway...are we not human?

javajosh8y ago

>> Otherwise people tend to accumulate their own set of convenient facts.

>I think people will do this anyway...are we not human?

Be careful with this sentiment. It is defeatist cynicism masquerading as self-deprecation. As such it undermines the truly well-meaning among us, conflating their intellectual humility with another's willful ignorance.

pc868y ago

> I think people will do this anyway

Of course they will - just look at another set of comments on this page. Two people coming to diametrically opposed conclusions based on the same data w/r/t top marginal tax rates and US government revenue.

usefulcat8y ago

> I think people will do this anyway...are we not human?

Yes, but that's not relevant. The point is that there's nothing to be gained by encouraging that behavior.

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