The average person here is older, more experienced, and has more education than any other link aggregator I've found which provides for a richer experience.
The audience rewards comments that are technical, specific, and contrarian/unique. As opposed to other platforms that engage in sweeping, intersectional generalities and insubstantial dunks.
For me, HN is a reasonably civil, and cerebral community which dwells on mostly important topics.
Agreed! It certainly does seem to elicit thoughtful discourse.