Never argue with a fool, lest ye be mistaken for one, as well.
I’ve had this argument many times in the past, with links to the earliest known usages, to no avail.
I’m certain that there are foreign readers of American articles who get equally exercised about our notation, when they read it.
Any more, I just try to point out the foreign source of an article, and state that that is their national convention, and let it go at that.
There is none more ignorant than he who refuses to learn.
I, for one, simply enjoy reading the articles, and do my best not to get my panties in a wad over side trivialities.
Sage advice thank you.
Thank you so much for your so very superior “Never argue with a fool ...” insight. Unfortunately, although valid, that advice is so old/tired/worn out as to be dead. In any case, no, in this case, I will not be following it.
BC/AD has been in general common usage for over 1000 years in Western Civilization and for at least 500 years by anyone wishing to communicate/trade with the advanced civilized world (no entity wanting commerce with the British East India Company would possibly use any other yearly numbering system) .
You are concerned that others may get “exercised” by our notation, however I would point out that probably less than 1% know of it’s derivation, and of those who do, since the numerical years are exactly the same, why would they not be equally “exercised” with BCE/CE?
And, at any rate, if they are actually upset I respectfully suggest that they pound sand.
The ONLY thing to learn/become educated about here is the REASON for the change. Which is to obscure/deny/LIE about the foundational Christian basis of Western Civilization.