Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

My take is that the differences matter according to purpose. If I'm eating a Big Mac to avoid being hangry, the fact that it isn't a gourmet experience may not matter to me.

If I'm putting on a movie as a distraction to have sound in the background -- perhaps I am only half-watching it as I do other things -- I may not care that isn't all that good. I might not notice subtle characteristics anyway.

There are levels of quality -- e.g., level 0 of the hamburger might be ending hunger -- and how much they matter depends on your purpose. If I'm looking for a movie to inspire me or make me think, that's different from playing something in the background as I clean the apartment. Etc.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: