On: Why We Haven’t Met Any Aliens

[firefoxman1]

Woah thats really similar. That's the problem with the internet: it makes you feel like nothing you think of is original. Thanks for the link btw.

[calydon → firefoxman1]

Unless you're really special nothing you think of is original. I'm not saying you're not special though. :)

[firefoxman1 → calydon]

Hahaha thanks. I read somewhere that at the same time you think of a grand new idea, 10 people somewhere in the world will also have the same idea. I doubt that's always true, but it's pretty amazing nonetheless.

[freshhawk → firefoxman1]

Heh, that is depressingly likely given the numbers. There must be a german word for the appreciation of a clever/accurate but depressing idea.

[JonnieCache → freshhawk]

Twas ever thus. Look at how many great inventions and discoveries throughout history were arrived at independently and then argued for the bragging rights, before it became such a priority to share your ideas. Calculus and television spring immediately to mind, but there are many others.

[noonespecial → freshhawk]

Weltschmerz comes close.

[freshhawk → noonespecial]

That is an excellent word and concept, thank you.

But it lacks the appreciation of how interesting the depressing observation is.

Weltschmerzfreude seems like it's just a contradiction (also I know almost no german at all so it's likely just gibberish) but it doesn't sound bad.