fiddlemath comments on Minicamps on Rationality and Awesomeness: May 11-13, June 22-24, and July 21-28 - Less Wrong

24 Post author: AnnaSalamon 29 March 2012 08:48PM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Comments (239)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: fiddlemath 29 March 2012 10:57:35PM *  20 points [-]

I know that this is mere anecdote; and that after doesn't strictly imply because of. But, since the mini-camp, people who know me would probably agree that:

  • I am more likely to try new things; in particular, I now have the habit of trying new habits to see what works and what doesn't. This has helped in a handful of little ways:
    • I've stopped biting my nails.
    • I've stopped drinking soda
    • I maintain a journal to get better information about myself
    • I use Anki to memorize facts, instead of just thinking it's a good idea. This has made my work rather more efficient.
  • I have more time and energy for both my academic work and other activities I enjoy.
  • I meet people more easily, and have more friends.

To emphasize the last point, uncomfortably personally: I am no longer cripplingly unable to examine my own sexuality, ask women out, or engage in relationships. (I'm still inexperienced for my age, though this improves over time.) These changes are due to techniques I learned at mini-camp: not lessons of the form "how to pick up women", but "how to be right about yourself".

Also, I suspect my writing has improved.

There are also internal, mental changes; and I suspect that the rate at which my agency improves has increased. But you'd get the same report in different words from someone after a Christian brainwashing retreat, so I suppose these are pretty weak evidence for you.

Comment author: Nisan 29 March 2012 11:37:07PM 1 point [-]

Hey, I'm glad to hear that :)