Certainly, it is useful everywhere to understand. But very few people actually run calculations (other than basic arithmetic). Gwern and you are very rare exceptions. I think the world could use more of that.
I am greatly flattered to be mentioned in the same breath as Gwern. The world could indeed use a lot more Gwerns.
But it’s like what lionhearted just posted about history: when you know this sort of thing, you see its use. And by seeing its use, you can do things that would not previously have come to your attention as possibilities.
Certainly, it is useful everywhere to understand. But very few people actually run calculations (other than basic arithmetic). Gwern and you are very rare exceptions. I think the world could use more of that.
I am greatly flattered to be mentioned in the same breath as Gwern. The world could indeed use a lot more Gwerns.
But it’s like what lionhearted just posted about history: when you know this sort of thing, you see its use. And by seeing its use, you can do things that would not previously have come to your attention as possibilities.