Craig_Heldreth comments on Goals for which Less Wrong does (and doesn't) help - Less Wrong

57 Post author: AnnaSalamon 18 November 2010 10:37PM

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Comment author: John_Maxwell_IV 24 November 2010 08:28:33AM 4 points [-]

It doesn't seem obvious to me that reading about solved problems in computer programming and theoretical physics would develop one's rationality faster than reading a blog that purportedly develops rationality techniques.

And addition to the time costs of an activity there are also willpower costs. If my primary goal is to chill out in the evening after a day of school and software development, reading a difficult textbook may not help me achieve that goal. Skimming Less Wrong may help me achieve that goal and also gain me side benefits.

Comment author: Craig_Heldreth 24 November 2010 02:03:07PM 0 points [-]

I do not disagree with you at all. My point is not that the criticism of LessWrong as "shiny" is accurate, merely giving my take on the viewpoint this criticism comes from.