I think it's very different. When you're a parent explaining something to a kid, you are responsible for their life and actions. You can't just take a few hours/days out to formulate your response or decide this person isn't worth your time. Taleb can. Also, you are evidently more competent at dealing with life than they are, whereas it's unclear in cases I've looked at whether Taleb is more insightful or competent than people he's called an "imbecile". How is the layman supposed to measure whether he really know what he's talking about? His poor writing skills and attitude give off quite a strong impression that he's not secure in his knowledge.