Ben_Jones comments on The Litany Against Gurus - Less Wrong

23 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 18 December 2007 08:11PM

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Comment author: Ben_Jones 19 December 2007 10:43:44AM 3 points [-]

"So long as I'm not actually a guru."

Why not? The word guru doesn't necessarily have negative connotations for me. This isn't a gripe over lexical definitions. I think most of the nine people listed could have been described as a guru - the last certainly was. They had devoted followers and imparted their knowledge to them. A guru does not a cult create - that honour's reserved for those who aren't comfortable with the prospect of being usurped or overtaken.

I have limitless admiration for someone who can teach all they know, and look on with nothing but pride as their protegĂŠs go on to surpass their achievements. I know I'd have trouble with that.