Re:The Navier–Stokes Millennium Prize Problem
by sodic on Wednesday September 09, 2026 @05:55AM
(#49623882)
I think the difference is that, in the table tennis example, it happens unconsciously and you can't help it. But you're right, it likely happens in most sports.
The mixed boys/girls classes example is, as you said, deliberate. And I too remember holding back on purpose in such situations when I was a kid.
With the arcade, no one was deliberately holding back. I'm sure of it.
Re:The Navier–Stokes Millennium Prize Problem
by PsylentKnight on Wednesday September 09, 2026 @08:53AM
(#49625766)
Is it that you’re holding back against weaker opponents, or that you’re more excited and engaged when you’re playing against someone that forces you closer to the edge of your ability?
Re:The Navier–Stokes Millennium Prize Problem
by aswegs8 on Friday September 11, 2026 @09:13AM
(#49657872)
I am pretty sure if you play at pro level you train this out of yourself. But then, the marathon / running examples where certain milestones get broken by one person and then suddenly by a host of others, is a counterargument.
A better example would be mixed boys/girls sports classes in school, where the boys deliberately hold back as to not injure/scare the girls.
It's a pretty obvious and human thing not to go out and completely destroy a much weaker opponent. We're social animals after all.
There also may be an element of energy conservation, there's objectively no need to put in any more effort than necessary. Inefficient.