24-08-2020, 12:35 PM
Well Rene, for each of the examples you cite above - and I stress that everybody has the right to their "own" theory, and to defend it - I'm sure there are dozens of times you have influenced and helped people with your comments and feedback.
The mere fact that so many theories exist is what's so fascinating about the Voynich. Neither you nor I profess to know "the truth" and nobody can be forced to turn away from their own theory. But by critiquing and debating theories online, other people learn more and can make up their own minds, whether it be for or against the theory under debate.
So, no, forum discussion isn't "a fruitless and generally pointless way to spend one's time". It's a way to help uncover the truth. So often in life we hope to have a huge impact, but in reality, our impact is measured in lots of little drips, not big floods. However, lots of little drips can make the most impressive of stalagmites!
The mere fact that so many theories exist is what's so fascinating about the Voynich. Neither you nor I profess to know "the truth" and nobody can be forced to turn away from their own theory. But by critiquing and debating theories online, other people learn more and can make up their own minds, whether it be for or against the theory under debate.
So, no, forum discussion isn't "a fruitless and generally pointless way to spend one's time". It's a way to help uncover the truth. So often in life we hope to have a huge impact, but in reality, our impact is measured in lots of little drips, not big floods. However, lots of little drips can make the most impressive of stalagmites!