HACKER Q&A
📣 GDC7

When was the last time you were involved in a physical altercation?


When was the last time you were involved in a physical altercation?


  👤 mmaunder Accepted Answer ✓
Conflict is not what you see on TV. Both physical and legal conflict come with tremendous long term cost and risks.

Physical conflict is incredibly dangerous. You can accidentally kill someone or injure them for life in a street fight, thereby ruining your own life. Even if you “win” there’s something awful that stays with you and drags you down for a long time. Being in a job that requires conflict- police officer, soldier, etc - has what I think is a hidden cost that we don’t truly appreciate.

Legal conflict is similar and can take years. If comes with a huge long term psychological cost that sucks away all your emotional energy - the energy that fuels your creativity.

Often in conflict there is no clear winner, making many outcomes unsatisfying and unresolved.

Unless you’ve dealt with conflict in its various forms, you truly have no idea of the costs and risks. It has been glamorized by film and television, and most people are quick to threaten to sue someone or to “kick their ass”, but they have no clue what they’re getting into.

Work to avoid conflict, even if it comes with some costs, until you positively absolutely have no choice but to engage.


👤 corobo
About a decade ago my alcoholic Dad was being an alcoholic. It escalated. He threatened me with a weapon. I headbutted his two front teeth out. I was aiming for the nose but he dodged back a little, I do regret the teeth.

Very effective way to end a fight to be honest. It's a bit of a shocking thing to see blood wise and puts the person immediately on their arse so you can get out of there. Nobody got hurt any further.

He died a couple of years ago after his liver switched off, never did try getting off the booze. As he would say; such is life


👤 anonyfelon
~25 years ago. It's not fun, not good. I do not recommend it, if you can avoid it. The damage can be lasting.

See my comment here to give some context. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25610810


👤 mod
I was attacked by a drunk friend in 2020. No serious damage for anyone.

👤 PaulHoule
Somebody threatened me with a knife about 20 years ago.

👤 the_only_law
Middle school, excluding fights with siblings.

👤 giantg2
Not since I was a kid.

👤 giardini
Why do you ask?

👤 AnimalMuppet
High school.