“There were mysterious questions, but a mysterious answer was a contradiction in terms.”
Eliezer Yudkowsky once said, "There were mysterious questions, but a mysterious answer was a contradiction in terms." This quote highlights the idea that unanswerable or mysterious questions cannot have equally enigmatic responses. It emphasizes the importance of seeking clarity and understanding in our quest for knowledge.
In this quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky, the idea of mysteries and contradictions is highlighted. The notion that mysterious questions don't necessarily have mysterious answers challenges the belief that everything must have a clear solution or explanation. Yudkowsky prompts the reader to consider the complexity of life and the universe, suggesting that sometimes it's okay for things to remain unresolved or unexplained. This quote encourages individuals to embrace the unknown and accept that not everything can be neatly categorized or understood.
In today's rapidly changing and complex world, it is common to encounter mysterious questions that do not have clear-cut answers. Eliezer Yudkowsky's assertion that a mysterious answer is a contradiction in terms reminds us that simplistic solutions may not suffice for intricate problems. This quote emphasizes the need for critical thinking and open-mindedness when faced with ambiguity, uncertainty, and paradoxes. In navigating the complexities of the modern world, it is important to embrace the inherent challenges and be willing to explore multiple perspectives to arrive at meaningful solutions.
Reflecting on this quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky, consider the following questions:
What do you think Yudkowsky means by describing a mysterious answer as a contradiction in terms?
How do you approach situations where you encounter mysterious questions without clear answers?
Can you recall a time when you were faced with a perplexing question and how did you navigate through it?
Do you believe that some questions are meant to remain unanswered, or do you strive to find solutions for all mysteries?
In what ways can embracing uncertainty and ambiguity in questioning lead to personal growth and learning?
“To worship a sacred mystery was just to worship your own ignorance.”
“Every mystery ever solved had been a puzzle from the dawn of the human species right up until someone solved it.”
“- With respect, Professor McGonagall, I'm not quite sure you understand what I'm trying to do here.- With respect, Mr. Potter, I'm quite sure I don't. Unless - this is a guess, mind - you're trying to take over the world?- No! I mean yes - well, NO!- I think i should perhaps be alarmed that you have trouble answering the question.”
“There is no justice in the laws of nature, no term for fairness in the equations of motion. The Universe is neither evil, nor good, it simply does not care. The stars don't care, or the Sun, or the sky. But they don't have to! WE care! There IS light in the world, and it is US!”
“You will find ambiguity a great ally on your road to power. Give a sign of Slytherin on one day, and contradict it with a sign of Gryffindor the next; and the Slytherins will be enabled to believe what they wish, while the Gryffindors argue themselves into supporting you as well. So long as there is uncertainty, people can believe whatever seems to be to their own advantage. And so long as you appear strong, so long as you appear to be winning, their instincts will tell them that their advantage lies with you. Walk always in the shadow, and light and darkness both will follow.”
“The glass display cases had shown rock-throwers crafted by the Australian aborigines - like giant wooden shoehorns, they'd looked, but smoothed and carved and ornamented with the most painstaking care. In the 40,000 years since anatomically modern humans had migrated to Australia from Asia, nobody had invented the bow-and-arrow. It really made you appreciate how non-obvious was the idea of Progress. Why would you even think of Invention as something important, if all your history's heroic tales were of great warriors and defenders instead of Thomas Edison? How could anyone possibly have suspected, while carving a rock-thrower with painstaking care, that someday human beings would invent rocket ships and nuclear energy?”