These guidelines, in many ways, embody that sentiment. While some might complain they are restrictive and harsh (I think, for example, of new commenters being met with a swift downvote to oblivion when they comment "me too!" or "cool!" on a thread), I view them as a way to elevate discourse, prioritizing the depth and quality of conversation over fleeting internet trends, a beacon of light in this sorry internet that mostly devalues thoughtful discourse and inquiry.
Understanding the dynamics of a community and its shared norms can be as important, if not more so, than the actual content. in nurturing a thoughtful environment, in particular an environment that nurtures curiosity and civil discourse, we're not just preserving the present, but serving as role models for tomorrow's communities. personally I'm glad that HN emphasizes intellectual curiosity and mutual respect. this is truly a special place