Ben_Jones comments on The Fallacy of Gray - Less Wrong

97 Post author: Eliezer_Yudkowsky 07 January 2008 06:24AM

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Comment author: Ben_Jones 07 January 2008 03:32:10PM 1 point [-]

Robin,

I'm with LG, the answer to your question is 'neither'. I also enjoy posts which reinform my way of thinking, but a straight account of what I already think myself wouldn't draw praise. Crystallization of a hitherto-unclear concept can be invaluable - I quote:

"What I got out of the paragraph was something which seems so obvious in retrospect that I could have conceivably picked it up in a hundred places; but something about that one paragraph made it click for me."

Mike, any action or updating of beliefs will have a net effect on 'whiteness' (or 'blackness'). If you're worried that improving in manner x will lead to worsening in manner y, weigh one against the other and take action. 'Perfectionism' holds negative connotations that Tsuyoku Naritai seems not to.