phil ringnalda

While each one will indeed either transfer 1/m or 1/(m-n), m is not fixed: it is affected by both psychological and sociological factors. If you believe you are transferring 1/(m-n), you may not take the same steps to constrain m that you will if you know you are transferring 1/m.

Also, it can be hard to tell assumed ironic self-importance from genuine inflated self-importance. The assumed sort is quite common among people who really enjoy trivial but fun things: try hanging out with a bunch of grown men launching styrofoam gliders off the top of a cliff, discussing aerodynamics when really it’s just a kick in the pants to throw big paper airplanes. You’re less likely to be ordered to clean the garage instead if you make it sound like a serious hobby.