savageorange comments on [link] Why Self-Control Seems (but may not be) Limited - Less Wrong

34 Post author: Kaj_Sotala 20 January 2014 04:55PM

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Comment author: savageorange 20 January 2014 10:53:29PM *  1 point [-]

Now I have found an easy way to snap out of it: simply switch the book/subject. Switching from math to biology/neuroscience works better than switching from math to math (e.g. algebra to topology, category theory to recursion theory, etc), but the latter can still recover some of the mental resistance built up. I don't see how this can fit in the framework of "have-to" and "want-to".

I do ('have-to' and 'want-to' are dynamically redefined things for a person, not statically defined things). I regard excessive repetition as dangerous*.. even on a subconscious level. So as I get into greater # of repetitions, I feel greater and greater unease, and it's an increasing struggle to keep my focus in the face of my fear. So my 'want-to' either reduces or is muted by fear. If you do not have this type of experience, obviously this does not apply.

* Burn out and overhabituation/compulsive behaviours being two notable possibilties.

Comment author: YVLIAZ 21 January 2014 10:35:09PM 0 points [-]

Yes, so the exact definition of "have-to" and "want-to" already present some difficulties in pinpointing what exact the theory says.

In my personal experience, it's not so much "fear" than fatigue and frustration. I also don't feel that my desire to read reduces; it stays intense, but my brain just can't keep absorbing information, and I find myself keep rereading the same passages because I can't wrap my head around them.

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