Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

No it isn't, maybe python is clearer:

    not think(many({
        knowswhattheywant(p)
        for p in people
    }))
    !=
    think(many({
        not knowswhattheywant(p)
        for p in people
    }))


This just isn’t how the semantics of the English language work


The sentences have different meanings.

"I don't think a lot of people know what they want." -> I believe it is a rare trait in a person to know what they want.

"I think a lot of people don't know what they want." -> I believe it is a common trait for a person not to know what they want.

These things are not mutually exclusive nor mutually inclusive.

Lots of similar sounding statements are subtly different like this in English. "I am not happy" and "I am unhappy" have slightly different meanings as well.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: