I definitely noticed that, but if the goal was to convey a serious point, then would that be best served by humorous delivery?
That's the confusion I was trying to express by saying: "Although, maybe the author's point was serious?"
That's the confusion I was trying to express by saying: "Although, maybe the author's point was serious?"
The author is basically (and provocatively) saying "Are you kidding me? You really think it's useful for people to continue to be burdened with non-functional appendages?" to his colleagues, and I think the humor is likely to get them to engage with his thesis rather than dismiss it off hand.
I have sent this to several doctor friends, and the writing style prompted them to send it to several more, so, I think it's quite likely that tone served the author's point.