The Collectible Dan Simmons

[Joe315]

I heard that Dan shared some controverial comments on Greta the other day, but couldnt find what he said?

Here it is. It's interesting to follow Simmons - he regularly presents himself as quite an authority (beyond just opinion) on various subjects in which he has no qualification, especially climate change. He often prefaces his proclamations with how much he's read on X subject and how he has some relationship with a person (i.e., expert) on the subject.

I took photos of his post before I commented on his post and predicted what he ended up doing - blocking me (in his own cancel culture move, I suppose?)

I don’t think qualifications are necessary to speak intelligently on a subject but it can help/hurt your argument. Does Greta have any qualifications? What makes her an expert on climate change? If you’re going to use that as an argument against someone the person you’re supporting better have qualifications. (I’m honestly asking about Greta because I haven’t been following any of this.)

Not to open a can of worms here, but I was careful to use the phrase, “presents himself as an authority (beyond just opinion)” in my original post. And I didn’t mention that I was supporting Greta in that post, either. I agree, anyone can have an opinion, and even an intelligent one, including both Simmons and Greta. However, qualifications/experience matter with whom I’m going to give more credence on any subject (on the case of climate change - neither of them). My accountant may have a strong and even intelligent opinion on how to treat cancer, but I’m only letting the oncologist direct my treatment (just an example, I thankfully don’t have cancer). But I’ll leave the taxes to the accountant. As for Greta, she also speaks about something which she is not qualified, but the difference to Simmons is in some of the very first words in her speech: “I don't want you to listen to me. I want you to listen to the scientists.” It was a clever move by her (or her parents, or whoever). (Reflecting HBJ's sentiment in the earlier post).

So, of course, anyone can have their opinions - they just better not expect me to think they’re opinion is more intelligent over someone who’s formally dedicated their life to a subject (not Greta, or Simmons, but a climatologist - in this case). If Dan wants to talk about how to write / publish historical horror fiction, then I’m all ears.

I’m reminded of a debate that was on Australian television years ago between Richard Dawkins and Archbishop George Pell (Australian bishop only months ago convicted of molesting children and now jailed). Pell was talking authoritatively about human evolution, getting all manner of things wrong. Dawkins, in his own rather caustic way, interjects several times. Bishop Pell says something like, “what would you know on the subject?” To which Dawkins replies, “Well, it’s my life’s work!” Here both men have opinions, but they’re not equal on the subject. BTW, this is not meant be an analogy between Dan and Greta but rather qualification / specialisation versus opinion - Dan/Greta vs climatologist consensus).

Sorry, didn’t mean to imply you were supporting either party. I was speaking in generalities.