The massive horse dildo may be a bit of an head scratcher, though knowing me - maybe not that surprising thing to find.

He is clearly uninterested in convincing his opponent.

Having watched his debates with Sam Harris, I’ll at least give him credit for being able to steelman the views he’s arguing against.

Whether one is able to get others to change their deeply held beliefs is another thing but simply being able to demonstrate that you’ve actually understood the point you’re arguing against is a rare skill in of itself.

I’ve definitely had people reconsider their stance by bringing in more data or an alternative perspective but I’m not sure if anyone has ever admitted to having their view change about something. Then again, I don’t always announce it either despite the fact that it does happen so I guess it’s safe to assume I’ve then made it happen too.

In all honesty though, most online arguments are people talking past each other and disagreeing on minute details. Often the conclusion is “we’re broadly in agreement but we disagree about this one thing.”

That’s why it’s so ridiculous that people treat disagreement as if the person must then hold the exact opposite view. That is almost never the case.

The issue has been pretty much solved. Now we just need to distribute the solution to the people that need it.

Should all humans adhere to common decency?

Yeah, would be nice. It’s just not going to happen. It’s an impossible ask.

Can’t think of one right now, but what it should be is “I hope all your tool batteries don’t run empty at the same time”

Melt, no. Compromize the structural integrity? Absolutely.

Here’s one I photographed recently

Probably not. Same as movie directors don’t seem to know what happens when you throw a lit cigarette in gasoline: it puts it out. Diesel doesn’t ignite even with a match.