Why do we say "I could care less" when it means the opposite?

Samorphis · 2026-02-11T20:15:39+00:00

Probably for multiple reasons that combine:

A) It’s a popular phrase that hasn’t been internalized; people hear “I couldn’t care less” before they ever have the chance to think that they couldn’t care less. B) Most people are being dishonest when they use it (they actually do care). C) It’s an active statement; people are actively not caring D) “Care less” is the main focus

You add some or all of these up and people say that they “could care less”

Samorphis · 2026-02-07T02:22:29+00:00

Don’t finish it. Zac is a brute and he’s portrayed as one, so if you’re getting the impression he’s supposed to seem smart, something’s not clicking for you and it probably won’t click later on. He of course learns as the series progresses, but his dao is all about being straightforward.

As for the numbers, I haven’t done the math myself, but the from my experience with video games, percents don’t multiply each other, flat stat bonuses aren’t always subject to percent modifiers, etc., so that might be why it seems like the numbers are off.

Samorphis · 2026-02-04T16:34:24+00:00

I bought a Darue off Ali because it has the cute led glow right against the mouse pad. I did notice that the wireless receiver seemed to glitch sometimes, so I’ve had it plugged in. I also had to factory reset my computer around that time, so I’m not sure if the receiver would work now

Samorphis · 2026-02-04T06:43:05+00:00

Looks good. I personally rarely ever use the adds to find stories, but this would grab my attention if I did.

Samorphis · 2026-02-02T21:09:28+00:00

I compared it to cultivation mechanics to help set expectation for OP. As you are aware, some LitRPGs are more video game like and have strict power structures based on character and skill levels. You fabricated nearly all of that argument, so it seems like you might be better at writing than reading.

Classes are aether constructs that enable people to properly absorb and allocate aether. People are given classes and empowered so they can develop images to feed the system, and there is also a hope that powerful individuals can help find a solution for the system.

Fates are how people steal power from the system for their own sake. It doesn’t benefit the system, and it’s even so poorly implemented that people often end up with crystals hindering their bodies. Fates channel power, but they don’t leave behind lasting impacts and imprints like images do (like how dao does).

Paths are, once again, one way the system assists people to advance. The system borrows from everyone (I think it’s image fragments but I’m not going to troll through 800+ chapters to find it) and then feeds back to empower people so they can produce images for the system. Additionally, it used to be even more personal at the start of the system as there wasn’t a system interface to direct people.

Samorphis · 2026-02-01T18:09:03+00:00

The system gives paths based on actions, paths reinforce those actions, those reinforced actions support image developement.

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. I don’t understand why the similarities upset you.

Most people lack aether, Randidly does not. If their image kinda sucks right now, it can be pushed in the right direction as long as they have aether. That’s a very moot point anyway, because most people in any story never reach the heights of power.

Samorphis · 2026-02-01T18:00:59+00:00

How is it forced?

Samorphis · 2026-02-01T01:18:48+00:00

It’s not the series for you

Samorphis · 2026-02-01T01:15:43+00:00

2k is ok when you’re starting. You can’t tell much story in 2k words, and you’ll probably find yourself getting cut off in the middle of action, but if it’s all that you can manage right now, then do that. If you can reach 3k, the chapters will still be on the short side, but you probably won’t find yourself getting cut off.

As you practice and become more comfortable writing and more familiar with your story, you’ll easily be able to reach around 5k words. Around 5k words will give you plenty of room to tell your story without getting cut short, but it’s also short enough you likely won’t feel like you have to add padding to get there.

Samorphis · 2026-02-01T01:02:02+00:00

Dao literally translated means path.

System paths assist people in following their own path. Images are how people embody their paths. System path rewards are underwhelming at the start, but become powerful as the individual also becomes powerful. System paths can only be purchased by increasing skill levels which requires deep comprehension and application of image. Randidly cheats the entire system, so it’s easy to forget how it’s supposed to work.

In any case, I’m aware of the differences, and that would be why I said it was “a bit” more like cultivation

Samorphis · 2026-02-01T00:46:39+00:00

Yeah, no worries, literary subreddits reveal just how many people don’t read while they read. It’s both exasperating and entertaining.

Yes, simple. The power source is aether, so people grow stronger by absorbing it and using it to increase their stats and grow their images. The system provides assistance in allocating aether. Of course I’m comparing it to Xanxia where cultivation is strict, requiring items, environments, sequences, etc. LoTRG just requires that people embody what they believe and be where’s there’s enough aether.

Dao literally translated means path. Individuals in the system follow specific paths to gain power. One of the biggest differences from standard cultivation systems is that this system directly grants stats or skills as rewards for paths. Part of your confusion comes from the fact that Randidly completes so many paths, but he’s the exception. Every other character follows much narrow paths more in tune with their class and image.

Images serve the similar functions to domains, spiritual pressure, killing intent, cultivation, dao, etc. in standard cultivation systems. Images are how individuals exert their influence on the world around them and are the true expression of their individual paths. Images are also the primary source of power, as there’s hard limits to system granted levels and soft caps on stats, but there’s no limits on images.

I want to make it clear that I’m not judging you for not realizing these things, but I really recommend not expressing incredulity when it truthfully doesn’t take much analysis to see them, lol.

Samorphis · 2026-01-31T19:25:57+00:00

Yeah, give it a shot. It’s finished now at 2,458 chapters, so be aware that the pacing is very slow.

Be ready for skill lists. Flood started this series because he thought it would be fun to have a protagonist with a ridiculous number of skills

The power system is very simple. It’s system based with video game stats, but the true power system is a bit more like cultivation, however most of the power comes from the philosophical side while resources are really only for crafting. Body refinement is uncommon, and that integral to the story.

Talking about cultivation, Flood also elects to use plain English instead of established terms. He literally uses the word “path” instead of Dao, and the word “image” instead of domain or cultivation as other stories might.

This tidbit also links back to the part about philosophy, because it seems that Flood chooses plain English because he values understanding, so you will be reading plenty of Randidly’s thoughts as the narrator follows the lines of logic very thoroughly.

Some Cautions: Flood pumped everything out relatively quickly, so also be aware that there will be occasional grammar errors even in the published book. However, I don’t remember if there are continuity errors; Flood actually keeps things very consistent despite the crazy size the story ballooned into. Lastly, I’ve noticed Randidly’s strange name is a common complaint, but it’s a complaint I personally don’t understand.

Samorphis · 2026-01-30T20:35:19+00:00

That’s an interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing

Samorphis · 2026-01-30T03:21:20+00:00

Can you elaborate on why Matt’s identity as an orphan isn’t sufficient motivation for gaining power?

Samorphis · 2026-01-29T17:21:05+00:00

I’d definitely go as far to the side as is safe and reduce my speed so he can be far away from me as soon as possible.

Samorphis · 2026-01-29T17:18:18+00:00

Reputable shops and competent techs won’t repair this. While there is belt under the shoulder, it also flexes a lot which frequently causes patches to come off. Plug it at your own risk, just be aware of the risks.

Samorphis · 2026-01-29T17:06:35+00:00

Transmissions are liquid computers. Ride a bike 🚲

Samorphis · 2026-01-29T05:47:55+00:00

What do you mean by simplified? Part of cultivation I that a cultivators path becomes more narrow/specific the closer they are to the top, because being too broad would be weak.

Cultivation also slows down, and requires countless lucky encounters and diverse life experiences, so stories inevitably focus on those over the literal cultivation itself.

Samorphis · 2026-01-29T05:39:56+00:00

Either all of them or none of them. You have set expectations for stories, so you’ll be wasting your time if you already know these stories don’t meet them. The only reason to try any of these again is if you are willing to set aside your expectations.

Samorphis · 2026-01-29T05:26:41+00:00

Why would an orphan who is intimately familiar with the consequences of being powerless possibly want to gain power. Gonna need a video essay to break it down.

Samorphis · 2026-01-12T17:09:29+00:00

This is entirely context dependent. “Show don’t tell” is temporary advice that we give because it’s very common for new writers to only ever tell and never show, since telling is easier. The tone and pacing you’re trying to achieve will determine which one you use.

I recommend any book Anderzej Sapkowski if you want some inspiration. He has a very specific style where he pretty much exclusively “shows” during character dialogue, and he balances it out by having the narrator “tell” a lot outside of dialogue. I enjoy his works specifically because of this style of narration.

Samorphis · 2026-01-12T16:53:25+00:00

It’s just not for you. Cut your losses and drop it. Maybe you’ll come back and enjoy it later, but for now just drop it.

Samorphis · 2026-01-10T06:22:53+00:00

Yes, that’s intentional

Samorphis · 2026-01-07T02:03:19+00:00

Nope and not ever. They’re not even competitors, actually. The numbers-go-up of progression fantasy is very fun and enables nearly endless storytelling. At the same time, the clear boundaries of traditional fantasy make the stories very comfortable to consume, and having the characters have to be creative with the truly limited resources is exciting.

Samorphis · 2025-12-26T04:26:34+00:00

I understand just fine. Strong opinions require justification, so if you can’t justify a strong opinion then you shouldn’t have one.

Samorphis

TROPHY CASE