In my opinion, everyone should take the time to study the drugs that they are prescribed, as well as the interactions to foods and supplements. I believe this is more important that anything related to one's career or investments. You only get one body.

The guy sitting in the local fatburger downing the 128 oz of full sugar soda hasn't even bothered to understand their basic nutritional requirements - drug interactions are going to be waaayyy beyond them.

It sounds to me as if you're failing to grasp just how difficult that is to do for at least 80% of the population.

I completely understand that a majority have a big learning curve ahead of them. I am just not a fan of corporations and laws targeting the lowest common denominator. I should have the ability to consent to making these decisions myself, assuming I am willing to take the risks. I would even be fine with getting a government issued certification that verifies I am educated enough to make an informed decision.

If not the Hacker News crowd, who remains to think of the 20% for whom systematic paternalism is an enormous net drag?