Curiously enough, the volume of interest and public debate is often inversely proportional to the importance of a feature. The reason is that it is much easier to have a firm opinion on a minor feature than on a major one; minor features fit directly into the current state of affairs, whereas major ones - by definition - do not.
[Editor's note: while this was in the context of C++ language featur [...]
02/02/04 :: Article :: I'm thinking in plaid! :: We strive to make sure our editorials are as trendy as we can.
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool. Shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child. Teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep. Wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is a leader. Follow him.
"To be ignorant and simple now--not to be able to meet the enemies on their own ground--would be to throw down our weapons and betray our uneducated brethren who have, under God, no defense but us against the intellectual attacks of the heathen. Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered."
Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.
If you ever find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause, and reflect.
[Ed. Note: you should likely reflect, regardless, but this is funnier.]
An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.
(Translated from "On résiste à l'invasion des armées; on ne résiste pas à l'invasion des idées.")
I think this email passes the Turing test on accident:
Hi, how's doing? The answer is lying on the surface. You're dead on your feet, man, I can tell! But chill out, there's plenty of people just like you. Do you know that an immense grow of people suffering from a sexual disorder is observed, it's being counted by millions already. Questioned? It's a modern life style. You get-you pay. Everyth [...]
Upon this gifted age, in its dark hour,
Rains from the sky a meteoric shower
Of facts . . . they lie unquestioned, uncombined.
Wisdom enough to leech us of our ill
Is daily spun; but there exists no loom
To weave it into fabric.