Books Quote by Thomas M. Nichols
![“What happened next transfixed many readers. (Jeffrey Lewis, an arms expert in California, captured and posted the exchange online.) “I can’t find the chemical and physical properties of sarin gas [sic] someone please help me,” the student tweeted. Kaszeta offered his help. He corrected her by…” quote by Thomas M. Nichols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d75/thomas-m-nichols-8933_books_what-happened-next-transfixed-many-reade_2052109.jpg)
““What happened next transfixed many readers. (Jeffrey Lewis, an arms expert in California, captured and posted the exchange online.) “I can’t find the chemical and physical properties of sarin gas [sic] someone please help me,” the student tweeted. Kaszeta offered his help. He corrected her by noting that Sarin isn’t a gas and that the word should be capitalized. As Lewis later wryly noted, “Dan’s help [met] with a welcome sigh of relief from our beleaguered student.” Actually, it met with a string of expletives. The student lectured the expert in a gale-force storm of outraged ego: “yes the [expletive] it is a gas you ignorant [expletive]. sarin is a liquid & can evaporate … shut the [expletive] up.” Kaszeta, clearly stunned, tried one more time: “Google me. I’m an expert on Sarin. Sorry for offering to help.” Things did not improve before the exchange finally ended. One””
About This Quote
A heated online exchange reveals how misinformation and ego can derail helpful communication about dangerous chemicals.
In simple terms: Misinformation and ego can ruin helpful online help.
Key Takeaway
Check facts before responding; stay calm.
Themes
communication
misinformation
ego
science
online discourse
Mood
frustrated
irritated
cautious
Type
advice
warning
cautionary
When to use this quote
- academic forums
- social media debates
- emergency response training
Key Concepts
critical thinking
chemical safety
digital etiquette
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster respectful correction online?
- What safeguards prevent dangerous advice?
A Different Perspective
Misinformation can spread quickly, even among experts.
