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Dowsing by a Skeptic

Could you tell me where this quotation is from, please?
He likely won't answer, but I doubt any dowser can prove Einstein actually said it, and they'll simply cite other dowsing websites.

It's likely made up.

He's posted that 'quote' here and here.

His 'source' was 'explained' as:
I can't remember exactly, but I have come across it numerous time when searching the WWW for articles on dowsing.
 
He's posted that 'quote' here and here.

His 'source' was 'explained' as:
I can't remember exactly, but I have come across it numerous time when searching the WWW for articles on dowsing.


On page 2 of the thread (presumably he'd forgotten over the course of the next four days) he said he got it from here, but that doesn't give a reference for the quotation either.
 
I keep reading the title of this thread as "Drowsing by a Skeptic."
For this opening poster, it seems apropos.
 
Mick, you seem to have completely ignored my earlier plea.

Here are some missing people from the Canada's Missing website, where you'll find some more. Instead of bowling headlong into a ban hammer in order to claim that "they couldn't handle the truth" why don't you dowse for these poor individuals thereby helping them and their bereft families. The pay off would be immense, not only would you help give the families peace of mind and closure (and maybe even reunite one or two) you'll be able to stick it right up everyone here. Wouldn't that be more satisfying than insulting people in large font?


  • SIMMONS, Byron Arthur Missing Since: 1985-11-01
  • SCHNEIDER, Julie Ann Missing Since: 1985-11-01
  • BORDATO, Kathryn Patricia Aliases: Kathy, Missing Since: 2009-08-16
  • FAIZI, Abdulbasir Aliases: Basir, Missing Since: 2010-12-29
  • LAMONDIN, Tammy Lynn Missing Since: 1999-05-29

If helping to find adults isn't your thing, then maybe you could use your talent to help find these two, recently reported, missing children. You can get details here

Red Deer, AB: Red Deer RCMP is asking for help from the public to locate missing 13 year old girl, Nakayo Poucette. Nakayo was reported missing on July 2nd. She resides in the Red Deer area but police checks have not located her to date

Dartmouth, NS: Halifax Regional Police is asking for help from the public to locate missing 17 year old girl, Jessica Richards. Jessica was last seen leaving her Lawrence Street residence on foot at July 1 at 10 a.m. and was reported missing to police July 2. She hasn’t been in touch with friends or family since she left her home.

If I had your ability I wouldn't hesitate for a second to help out but you seem reluctant to do anything at all to help your fellow man. That prompts me to ask again; if you choose not to dowse for these people can you tell me why not? You have claimed you can dowse for anything and apparently, it's fairly simple for you to do so I really can't see why you wouldn't.
 
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On page 2 of the thread (presumably he'd forgotten over the course of the next four days) he said he got it from here, but that doesn't give a reference for the quotation either.

Ah, excellent slap on my wrist ;) Thanks for adding.
Yep, SaskMick's word has to be verified before it can be believed.
 
I'm beginning to wonder if SaskMick has finally done a properly blinded test. It would explain his sudden anger with us and the scientific method. Up until now he has been reasonably affable in his utter cluelessness.

Seconded.


He's posted that 'quote' here and here.

His 'source' was 'explained' as:

Ah. Thanks for the tip.
I expect the quotation loses a lot when translated from the original Klingon.




Mick, you seem to have completely ignored my earlier plea.

Here are some missing people from the Canada's Missing website, where you'll find some more. Instead of bowling headlong into a ban hammer in order to claim that "they couldn't handle the truth" why don't you dowse for these poor individuals thereby helping them and their bereft families. The pay off would be immense, not only would you help give the families peace of mind and closure (and maybe even reunite one or two) you'll be able to stick it right up everyone here. Wouldn't that be more satisfying than insulting people in large font?


  • SIMMONS, Byron Arthur Missing Since: 1985-11-01
  • SCHNEIDER, Julie Ann Missing Since: 1985-11-01
  • BORDATO, Kathryn Patricia Aliases: Kathy, Missing Since: 2009-08-16
  • FAIZI, Abdulbasir Aliases: Basir, Missing Since: 2010-12-29
  • LAMONDIN, Tammy Lynn Missing Since: 1999-05-29

If helping to find adults isn't your thing, then maybe you could use your talent to help find these two, recently reported, missing children. You can get details here





If I had your ability I wouldn't hesitate for a second to help out but you seem reluctant to do anything at all to help your fellow man. That prompts me to ask again; if you choose not to dowse for these people can you tell me why not? You have claimed you can dowse for anything and apparently, it's fairly simple for you to do so I really can't see why you wouldn't.

I wonder why this very reasonable request is being ignored.
 
That's total bollocks.

True. I have no interest in your "proper scientific protocols":D

[/thread]

There are things that science can not explain, dowsing is one of them.

Not even remotely true. Every time the "ability" to "dowse" has been fairly, and honestly, tested, the"dowser" has achieved results indistinguishable from random chance.

"I know very well that many scientists consider dowsing as they do astrology, as a type of ancient superstition. According to my conviction this is, however, unjustified. The dowsing rod is a simple instrument which shows the reaction of the human nervous system to certain factors which are unknown to us at this time." Albert Einstein

You have either forgotten, or are hoping that everyone else has forgotten, that it was demonstrated upthread that your "quote" form Einstein (besides being a blatant appeal to authority) has never been authentically sourced.

Until you provide the original, in context, it is a meaningless piece of dishonesty; further, even if ol' Albert did, in fact, opine that he, personally, did not understand confirmation bias and the ideomotor effect, all that would do is add one more thing to the things about which he was wrong.

You really ought to read the article I linked, which does a good job of explaining how the ideomotor effect lets even honest and well-intentioned people deceive themselves.
 
Try it then ! Once you have confirmed that the rods will move as in my video, it's time for stage two.:)

I played with divining in the mid-70s.

I worked with stainless steel rods set in copper sleeves, and confirmed that I was very good at subconsciously making the rods move to indicate the presence of things, the location of which I was already aware (in fact, as with any reliable demonstration of the ideomotor effect, it was very difficult to prevent the rods from "indicating" known objects). As for reacting to objects, or substances, not previously known, the rods were useless (although they made a great pick-up starter at drum circles).

There is no "stage two".
 
And you NEVER quote anything written by a scientist I presume. LOL

When you provide the actual source for what you claim Einstein said, at that point this could become a discussion of "quoting" something "written by a scientist".

Without that, you are "inventing", not "quoting".

I eagerly anticipate your unique presentation of the actual source of your "quote".

I have proven it to beyond my satisfaction. What you think or don't think is meaningless.

Right. Your mind is made up; at this point, facts could only distract you.
 
Did you read the other posts that pointed out the proven explanation for why dowsing appears to work is the ideomotor effect?'

It explains dowsing, pendulum use, ouija boards and even table tipping.

Yes. I read those and they seem like good explanations. Good area for speculation without bringing in voodoo etc.
 
Einstein did however write:
"This newspaper drivel about me is pathetic. This kind of exaggeration meets a certain need among the public."
(letter to H. Zangger, 15. dec 1919)
 
As long as we are on a break from Saskmick during his suspension, I want to ask Pixel42 if she has heard anything about Dowser Don since the test she attended.

Ward
 
As long as we are on a break from Saskmick during his suspension, I want to ask Pixel42 if she has heard anything about Dowser Don since the test she attended.

Ward
It would be really great if Saskmick took the 5 days "off" to do a careful, double-blinded test of his dowsing as detailed here. If he hasn't already. I would love to hear of the results!
 
As long as we are on a break from Saskmick during his suspension, I want to ask Pixel42 if she has heard anything about Dowser Don since the test she attended.

Ward

I had no further communication with him after the test so, like you, I know only what he posted on his thread.

I just googled his name together with 'dowser' and 'dowsing' and got no hits.
 
I think SaskMick is deep in that Egyptian river.

I've been through this dowsing thing may times with prospectors who claim they can dowse.

Much as I'd like it to work, so that I can get rich quick, somehow the dowsing doesn't achieve results distinguishable from having local knowledge or using lucky underpants.

The middle of an old riverbed probably isn't the best place to have a discussion about the ideomotor effect and confirmation bias, but I do try.

Meanwhile, my lucky underpants are leading me to riches...
 

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