David_Gerard comments on Insufficiently Awesome - Less Wrong

28 Post author: Cayenne 19 April 2011 07:28PM

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Comment author: Cayenne 19 April 2011 11:15:09PM *  5 points [-]

Hm, you're right. For physical ability, how about what the military considers barely acceptable? I'm fairly sure those records will be easy to find.

For social ability, feeling at ease in common social situations, and the ability to handle a real conversation. Possibly also how to handle exotic bad situations like dealing with crisis victims, or suicidal people. I'm not sure whether basic dancing should go here or in the physical pile. Public speaking and debate might go here or in the strategy pile.

For strategy, game theory and anger management. I'm not sure how to teach general 'strategy', but I think that studying enough related skills would indirectly affect your ability. Crisis management, how to deal with emergency situations?

The goal in the social and strategy categories is to know what the most common mistakes are and how to avoid them, and then after that work on skill.

Creative.. it's impossible to become good at every instrument, singing, and every art form without a lot more intelligence or time or something. Find two or three things you like from different disciplines, and study with others that are interested? Maybe we can spawn a LW band?

These are just random ideas, of course. Once I start walking daily I can talk it over with anyone that wants to join me, and maybe make the goals more specific over time. Everything will have to be subject to change depending on interest, of course... but still I want to do things, and not just talk about them.

Edit - please disregard this post

Comment author: David_Gerard 19 April 2011 11:20:30PM 1 point [-]

If you keep the idea "baseline ability our culture expects people to be at" and write down every example you can think of, that'll be an excellent start. (And would be an interesting list to read, particularly the contradictions.)

Comment author: Cayenne 19 April 2011 11:22:32PM *  1 point [-]

I thought about that, but I'm thinking that this would be better as a group activity. I'm too likely to miss things or weigh them improperly by myself. For cultural things, I think the wisdom of the crowds is the best source.

Edit - please disregard this post

Comment author: David_Gerard 21 April 2011 11:30:53AM 0 points [-]

D_Malik's list above is pretty awesome in itself.