Vaniver comments on 2013 Less Wrong Census/Survey - Less Wrong

78 Post author: Yvain 22 November 2013 09:26AM

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Comment author: Vaniver 22 November 2013 05:04:46PM 8 points [-]

presumably the money is coming out of CFAR's pocket

I think the money is coming out of Yvain's pocket, actually.

Comment author: DanArmak 22 November 2013 07:22:22PM 3 points [-]

I cooperated, and I precommit to waiving my prize if I win.

Comment author: Vaniver 23 November 2013 02:41:31AM 12 points [-]

I believe there is a strong argument for taking the prize, even if you don't need it, and not donating the prize, even if you would like to, so that people who are actually motivated by prizes do not feel they are obligated to waive or donate their prize. (A prime example of this is George Washington, one of the richest men in America at the time, who thought it was silly that he was getting a salary as president, and that it would be more public-minded of him to not collect his salary. He was convinced that if he did so, he might set a precedent, and this would prevent anyone but the independently wealthy from seeking the presidency.)