Words of encouragement from scientism

[Laird]

I know. It's a specific technique which can be useful (somewhat related to the idea of saying "yes"). When someone attacks you with sarcasm, treat it sincerely in return.

My father-in-law was like this, always sarcastically insulting me (well, not just me - it was his general approach - he thought he was being clever and funny). I would take his criticisms as though they were sincerely meant and engage with the subject and pretty soon we'd be having an interesting discussion. We have a great relationship now.

Linda

Uh huh. Great way to demonstrate that you're being neither condescending nor conceited, Linda. 

[Laird]

Haha. That was one of the cleverer likes that I've seen. But I've never denied your cleverness. And I'm happy for your warm fuzzies, for which you didn't even need to sacrifice your eminent rationality and standards of evidence.

Well, I agree that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, and I never said or implied otherwise.

If that's what you've been arguing against, then you've wasted your time. 

Linda

Oh, I've wasted best part of my life - I could have been a rocket scientist with my brains!

Haha. That was one of the cleverer likes that I've seen. But I've never denied your cleverness. And I'm happy for your warm fuzzies, for which you didn't even need to sacrifice your eminent rationality and standards of evidence.

She hasn't given me a like and I've tried really hard.

[Laird]

Here's a fun game that everybody can play at home.

First, tell a group of people that their beliefs are irrational and based on wishful thinking and a desire for comfort rather than truth.

They will probably not be too impressed with you. No matter. This is their problem, not yours.

Now, tell them that you are, after all, interested in sincere and meaningful discussion.

Let the hilarity ensue!

[Laird]

She hasn't given me a like and I've tried really hard.

* Laird gives Brian a consolation like.