The history of knocking on wood
32 points by benbreen 2 days ago | 4 comments
davidw 23 hours ago
As someone who was around in the 90ies, I think I would have found a way to work in the Bosstones, but it's pretty interesting just the same. I'll also have to look up what people write about "tocca ferro" in Italian.
replyaregue 9 hours ago
The same expression "tocar ferro" was used traditionally in Catalan instead of knock on wood. Ferro translates as iron. Iron in this expression refers to a sword. More than trusting in good luck or some sort of supra natural protection, the expression "tocar ferro" conveys a sense of self reliance, of being prepared and confident.
replybananaflag 12 hours ago
> Most of human nature is never written down — and machines can't learn it from text
replyWell, the conclusion of the article is that humans cannot either, it's not like humans have some magical conduit towards truth.