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Comment by anewguy999 | Hacker News Reader

I don't like including values in "privilege" because it removes the normative force behind such values. While luck plays a role in success, especially great success, it is well within the reach of many people to get ahead by adopting the right values. Furthermore, adopting these values will make the world a better place and reduce the burden on public services.

I know that non-judgment is the default modern moral stance. But there ought to be a way that we can advertise and support the values of self-reliance and respect for others without sounding accusative. Yes, luck plays a part in success, but why are we so focused on that part and not the easily repeatable values that will help out most poor people who adopt them?

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What you may be missing is that values must be taught.

And not everyone gets that tutelage. The values may be universal, but the opportunity to learn them is less so.

Hey, I don't know you at all, and I'm truly only pulling your chain, and maybe I am missing your natural humor but shortly before you write of the privilege of values, and how you knew Anthony was wrong in thieving candy, you were using "a pirated copy of Photoshop".

I had no one to teach me the values of intellectual property. :)

But I think we can agree that while I harmed Adobe not at all through my transgression (they have been more than paid back in licenses bought since), that store lost real money.

Though it would be a real challenge to quantify, I bet that Adobe ultimately made more money in the end out of the arrangement than if you had simply foregone learning the software, using those skills with legitimately purchased tools later, and indirectly through contributions to the wider industry.

However, that just means that in this case where the alternative was no use Adobe wasn't hurt by pirating. However, in another situation when the alternative to pirating is the sale of software, the loss isn't any less real than the loss to the candy store of not selling candy because it was stolen.

On another topic, do you believe that there would be significantly more opportunity in Puerto Rico with statehood?

In Adobe's case, they lost no bytes by my gaining them. The candy store lost inventory that they had to replace.

I'm honestly not qualified to give an answer re: statehood. I'm so removed from the politics of Puerto Rico, I don't even know what levers matter there. My hunch is that the issues run deeper, though.

> luck plays a role in success

A role? A part? Are you serious?

> adopting these values will make the world a better place and reduce the burden on public services

That's such bullshit. "If only poor people would just work harder and save more - everything would be awesome". Reality check: poor people work long, hard hours for minimum wage with no hope of escape.

> luck plays a part in success

Delusion - it is strong with this one.

While I can't disagree with much of this, you need to check your glibness at the door. Especially stupid sentences like "Delusion - it is strong with this one." The whole point of commenting should be part of an attempt to inform others. When you're acting like a jerk, no one's going to take you seriously, and no one's going to learn anything from you.

I've recently realised that arguing doesn't really ever convince anyone of anything - nor does it help teach the other side - everyone just doubles down and doesn't budge.

My goal with my comments is not to convince you. Neither is it to teach you. Rather it's to help me think about my own opinions by writing them down.

I'm not here to convince or teach anyone. I'm here to write.

There are all sorts of privileges that we should spread more widely. Good education. Supportive family. Great teachers. Solid role models. And yes, good values.

I didn't see a bit of accusation in the original post. Maybe you're hearing that because you brought it in with you?

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