Further Evidence

[urbeatle]

I just had a geek argument which hinged on the fact that the people I was arguing with would not accept that you can't have more than one "ideal" for a given topic.

I think this is a typical geek problem. EVERYTHING is the best! EVERYTHING is my favorite!

Comments

[gmdreia]

I think that it's the rigidity of geek thinking. I've observed this with both geeks and Asperger's people... the generalization of one's own interests onto EVERYONE.

They're steadfastly unable to acknowledge that just because they like something, doesn't mean it IS awesome. it just means they like it.

This is one of the ways in which I figured out I DON'T have AS, btw.

[urbeatle]

I was thinking more of the tendency to have 100+ "best" or "favorite" items. It's one thing to say "I can't decide between a couple things" or "the one I like best changes with my mood." But isome people take it too far; it's like they *can't admit* that they like one thing more than another, because then the thing that isn't the favorite must be *terrible*.

But I've seen what you're talking about, too. I'd even admit I've done it before, myself. But after a while, some people stop getting as worked-up about needing something they like to be "best". And other people never stop.

[gmdreia]

Yeah, it's either/or thinking. Black/white.

I tend to just list a smattering of things I like but not rank them, and just because those are the things that I list, it doesn't mean I dislike other stuff... or don't have other faves that aren't listed.