Algernoq comments on I may have just had a dangerous thought. - Less Wrong

0 Post author: Eitan_Zohar 22 September 2014 08:04PM

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Comment author: Algernoq 24 September 2014 02:31:50AM *  0 points [-]

How can I distinguish dangerous thoughts from magical thinking? In my experience, my thoughts alone have no effect whatsoever on the physical world. In other words, actions have consequences but thoughts not acted upon are undetectable by others.

(Exception: brain scanning, where other people are observing what's happening inside my brain, and even then it's a really coarse scan.)

(Non-exception: observing quantum-random events like Geiger counter beeps. My thoughts have no discernible effect on these.)

If your theory is right, that (entity/force AB) is able to affect my physical world here, then I would expect other opportunities/consequences. For example, there would be ways to persuade (entity/force AB) to provide beneficial, immediately observable consequences. Any ideas for positive, non-dangerous ways to test your theory?

If I misread the tone of your question, and you're writing about something that's dangerous to you personally for conventional reasons, then best of luck with your exciting life-style.

Comment author: Eitan_Zohar 24 September 2014 02:49:05AM 2 points [-]

It's not an entity I'm worried about. Your concerns aren't applicable.