Feedback loops are firmer and involve trust building where they happen locally. EA is one of the many tools deliberately or otherwise created to divert us from strengthening ourselves with local positive feedback loops. This is one of the most important lessons we need to continue to refine and push out.
Despair is an act of ego. The cry “all is lost!” Assumes that those making that cry already know the final outcome, and can find solace in their quitting, for it would’ve done no good, in the end.
Lots of delusion and despair going around. That is like a feedback loop too. The authoritarians who rule over us like it that way, all the better to manipulate people. Both are indeed like the road to proverbial hell.
This is also one of my favorite from you Grant. You have described something with which I regularly struggle, despair and delusion, a Scylla and Charybdis dilemma.
Weighing my intentions and deeds by their outcomes, against my conscience a lot more these days. If that makes any sense.
I often say there are no atheists in foxholes (making some atheists very angry). I think aging, or in the current day, possible anarchy are the proverbial foxhole, and wonder if they spur fear of an impending judgement day, enough for some to become conscientious, pious, or religious.
Feedback loops are firmer and involve trust building where they happen locally. EA is one of the many tools deliberately or otherwise created to divert us from strengthening ourselves with local positive feedback loops. This is one of the most important lessons we need to continue to refine and push out.
Despair is an act of ego. The cry “all is lost!” Assumes that those making that cry already know the final outcome, and can find solace in their quitting, for it would’ve done no good, in the end.
Lots of delusion and despair going around. That is like a feedback loop too. The authoritarians who rule over us like it that way, all the better to manipulate people. Both are indeed like the road to proverbial hell.
Great insights! And your second footnote about that scam known as effective altruism is absolutely spot on!
This is also one of my favorite from you Grant. You have described something with which I regularly struggle, despair and delusion, a Scylla and Charybdis dilemma.
Weighing my intentions and deeds by their outcomes, against my conscience a lot more these days. If that makes any sense.
I often say there are no atheists in foxholes (making some atheists very angry). I think aging, or in the current day, possible anarchy are the proverbial foxhole, and wonder if they spur fear of an impending judgement day, enough for some to become conscientious, pious, or religious.
This is great! One of my favorites by you recently!