So much of disenchantment with theories is just people being mad that they doesn’t let them ignore what they hoped to be able to ignore. People will quote “all models are wrong, but some are useful” but still get mad with lack of blindness/numbness where they were hoping for it.
Conversation
If you hope for theorizing to be a palliative activity, you’re going to be disappointed. If you think the job of a theory is to save you from paying attention to unpleasant realities while highlighting the enchanted bits, you’re in for a world of pain every time you think.
1
3
18
Effective theories automatically center the toughest uncertainty and ambiguity knots, with the highest potential for return on attention. They’re not aestheticizing frames. They’re investment frames. Good theories are often beautiful but what they direct attention to rarely is.
2
2
25
Replying to
yeah, this is obvious when you spell it out but can take an embarrassingly long time to learn. "If what you want is to turn off your brain, don't go looking for that sweet sweet oblivion in *intellectual* domains! you will be disappointed!"
1
"whoops, turns out this field of inquiry raises uncomfortable questions!"
1
1
Replying to
yeah, it's a failure mode for smart people. Strong brain, weak stomach.

