These posts have been reminding me of Malcom Gladwell, in the unfortunate way: an collection of interesting anecdotes that together would make an interesting story instead are blown up into a broader statement that doesn't seem to follow.
"It has been contended that Semmelweis could have had an even greater impact if he had managed to communicate his findings more effectively and avoid antagonising the medical establishment, even given the opposition from entrenched viewpoints."
> It has been contended that Semmelweis could have had an even greater impact if he had managed to communicate his findings more effectively
This is the point. Anyone who is properly introspective is already following the good advice given here. But how about the total ramrods one has to deal with on occasion, those people who are crazy and deluded, whose self-confidence totally exceeds their grasp of the subject matter? Blessed is the man who can say to his line manager "I won't deal with N.N. any longer, he is incompetent and unaware of it." But sometimes the constraints of work do not permit not dealing with some people, or the boss is the crazy one. What to do in such situations?
Let's see, the previous post is based on published psychological research, and this post points out a failing of humans that is, dare I say it, obvious to anyone that has critically observed any person, ever.
He isn't exactly making controversial points here, but rather trying to raise the awareness of such ideas.
He also isn't trying to sell you a pop-intellectual book.
