It doesn’t really read like a joke but maybe. Regardless, I guess I can at least be another voice saying it didn’t land. It reads like someone literally said that to him verbatim and he literally replied with a simple, “Yes.” (That said, while it seems charitable to assume it was a joke but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong to assume that.)

I'm certain it's a joke. Have you seen any Scott Aaronson lecture? He can't help himself from joking in every other sentence

I laughed, definitely read that way to me

I think the fact that we aren't sure says a lot!

It says a lot, but what does it say a lot about?

https://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/aaaah

If that was a joke, all of it is.

*Guess I’m a rationalist now.