army1987 comments on Things You Can't Countersignal - Less Wrong

51 Post author: Alicorn 19 February 2010 12:18AM

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Comment author: xamdam 19 February 2010 04:45:06PM *  1 point [-]

Not countersignaling as such, but and interesting related question. If you do a favor for somebody without them knowing, should you tell? On one hand you might feel it's bragging (so NOT telling might be viewed (or confused with) as countersignaling). On the other, there is a an element of social reciprocity that is a communal benefit, and the information contributes to it. Cialdini (in 'Yes!') and the Talmud (do not remember where) specifically say yes, even though Talmud generally places high value on humility.

Comment author: [deleted] 23 March 2013 12:47:47PM 0 points [-]

I usually tell them, but I try to use a tone that suggests that I don't think it's a big deal.