(along with all my other advantages, which are major) I have the internet to tell me things like ring theory.
Seriously, the reason I'm so understanding of Fritz's shortcomings (okay, one major reason) is that I realize that many of the things he did that I don't do are because of the internet plus books written in the 20th/21st century that I have access to. Not that "how to write a good condolence letter" or "how to not invade neighboring countries" hadn't been invented in the 18th century (the Anti-Machiavel proves one of them had), but "how to convince someone like me and Fritz (not) to do these things" hadn't necessarily been articulated, and articulated enough times in enough different ways to register (or win in the face of absolute power).
Interesting about the ring theory! I wasn't aware that it had been formalized and given a name, but I had basically intuited that exact principle. I have deleted as irrelevant at least twice in this discussion the fact that Fritz did his whole "I told you so" after EC's brother died at Soor not once (to EC), not twice (to EC and her other brother), but three times (to EC, her other brother, and Fredersdorf), but I'm okay with him venting to Fredersdorf, because Fredersdorf wasn't (presumably) that close to the directly affected parties. Fredersdorf is who Fritz *should* be saying these things to! Just not the people in the inner circles.
ETA: Also, did you think of algebraic ring theory when you first encountered that term too? Because I had two semesters of it--well, of groups, rings, and fields--and though I've forgotten almost all of it by now, it was one of my absolute favorite parts of college, and it still brings back the happy memories.
Re: Fritz: Worst condolence letter writer ever?
Seriously, the reason I'm so understanding of Fritz's shortcomings (okay, one major reason) is that I realize that many of the things he did that I don't do are because of the internet plus books written in the 20th/21st century that I have access to. Not that "how to write a good condolence letter" or "how to not invade neighboring countries" hadn't been invented in the 18th century (the Anti-Machiavel proves one of them had), but "how to convince someone like me and Fritz (not) to do these things" hadn't necessarily been articulated, and articulated enough times in enough different ways to register (or win in the face of absolute power).
Interesting about the ring theory! I wasn't aware that it had been formalized and given a name, but I had basically intuited that exact principle. I have deleted as irrelevant at least twice in this discussion the fact that Fritz did his whole "I told you so" after EC's brother died at Soor not once (to EC), not twice (to EC and her other brother), but three times (to EC, her other brother, and Fredersdorf), but I'm okay with him venting to Fredersdorf, because Fredersdorf wasn't (presumably) that close to the directly affected parties. Fredersdorf is who Fritz *should* be saying these things to! Just not the people in the inner circles.
ETA: Also, did you think of algebraic ring theory when you first encountered that term too? Because I had two semesters of it--well, of groups, rings, and fields--and though I've forgotten almost all of it by now, it was one of my absolute favorite parts of college, and it still brings back the happy memories.