Vladimir_M comments on Plant Seeds of Rationality - Less Wrong

33 Post author: lukeprog 10 March 2011 05:51PM

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Comment author: Vladimir_M 11 March 2011 05:54:23AM *  2 points [-]

Indeed, but that's exactly the point: influencing opinion higher up the status hierarchy is more difficult and more effective. If you really care about influencing opinion, and you don't already have an influential platform, the really difficult problem is how to come up with strategies that are both feasible and effective.

Comment author: wedrifid 11 March 2011 06:59:38AM *  1 point [-]

Indeed, but that's exactly the point: influencing opinion higher up the status hierarchy is more difficult and more effective.

Far, far harder overall. But if you have money (or other power substitute) then the high status people are easier to buy. Not only are they already (on average more) corrupt they are also a lot better at adjusting their beliefs according to what will benefit them. That is, after all, a big contributor to getting the high status in the first place.