drethelin comments on Open Thread, September 15-30, 2012 - Less Wrong
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I think this is worth it's own post but in light of my last discussion catching fire and burning to the ground, I have decided to request a critique on this one before posting in discussions:
<begin discussion post proposition>
Cryonics Moral Dilemma
Since joining LessWrong, I've been thinking about cryo a lot, and have encountered a dilemma:
According to GiveWell, "We estimate that giving a few thousand dollars to AMF likely saves a person's life." (They do malaria bed nets if you're not familiar).
Cryo costs tens of thousands of dollars, and it's not guaranteed to save even one life.
I don't see how I would ever justify signing up, myself, unless I show that I'm capable of making a large enough difference in the world that rescuing my difference making abilities justifies the risk and cost.
This also means "Reddit, help me find some peace I'm dying young" is a cute puppy dog cause. :/
Does anyone relate? What are your thoughts?
<end discussion post proposition>
please critique the proposed discussion post
For me the argument is the same as for why I don't live a pauper and give all my wealth to charity: Selfishness. I know that I can feed someone for a long time on the money I spend on a trip somewhere, and I still prefer to take the trip. I will spend a lot more money on myself than I will on a friend, and a lot more on a friend than on a stranger.
Note: I am not signed up for Cryonics.