Well Hamming observed it. It's not a randomized controlled study. It's anecdotal of course, and if one observed something to the contrary they would be well served to discount it. But presumably Hamming was there was a reason Hamming was addressing Bellcore.
exactly. maybe you think of it as a smidge more credible because someone else thinks it, even. Especially if they're a generally intelligent person whose other thoughts you like.
When someone suggests an idea without evidence there's still a modicum of data in the fact that they believe it. You don't have to, like, suddenly change your mind, but you also don't have to blow it off as unsubstantiated entirely. Probably they believe it, and said it, for a reason. Anyway whether or not you blow it off is entirely an indication of your trust in them, and has nothing to do with whether they presented evidence.
> What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.