[staunch]

1. My statement on the ethics of ads was very clearly made in the context of modern advertising, which is the topic of this HN thread. Context matters.

2. My assertion that advertising was historically a minuscule part of civilization and played little to no role in most people's lives is entirely correct.

3. It was misleading to suggest that you were even technically correct. I never claimed advertising didn't exist, nor would I ever. I could point to ancient sources of advertising much older than your newspaper clipping.

4. I already replied to you, clarifying that I believe "In some cases advertising may have been a net positive but I think the future can do entirely without."