Secret Rationality Base in Europe

SquirrelInHell

In short, I'm wondering what place/group/organisation/activity could do for rationality in Europe what Berkeley does for rationality in the US?

Soon, we'll have LWCW in Berlin, which I hope will be an occasion to do some networking among people who think seriously about developing rationality communities. But in the meantime, let's do some brainstorming.

Important note: in comments to this post, please use only consequentialist language. For example, say "If we decided for the base to be on Malta, then X would happen" instead of "I think it should be in Malta, because..."

What would happen if the rationality base was located in [insert specific city/country]?

What could such a place offer to you now, that would make you consider a temporary/permanent move?

What would happen if the European rationality community efforts were centered around some particular research topic (e.g. AI)?

Is there something you can think of that would speed up community-building in Europe?

Of course, share anything else that you think is relevant to the topic.

Also, see you all in Berlin :)

In short, I'm wondering what place/group/organisation/activity could do for rationality in Europe what Berkeley does for rationality in the US?

What would happen if the rationality base was located in [insert specific city/country]?

What could such a place offer to you now, that would make you consider a temporary/permanent move?

What would happen if the European rationality community efforts were centered around some particular research topic (e.g. AI)?

Is there something you can think of that would speed up community-building in Europe?

Of course, share anything else that you think is relevant to the topic.

Also, see you all in Berlin :)

Yes, Berlin is the most obvious candidate at this point, and it seems strong on most fronts except climate and prices.

Note that cheap flights make "not be too far from any other country" much less important than it used to be.

That's why I think Berlin is a wonderful choice

Note that saying "X. That's why I think Y" is a straightforward transformation of "I think Y, because X", which I've been asking not to say.

As an exercise in consequentialist thinking, I suggest you rephrase your comment :)

except climate

Care to elaborate?

prices

It seems to be cheaper than anything west and north of it, except the Baltics. Going by the prices listed here.

0MrMind10y

Have you added the important note after I made the comment or I just missed it totally? Anyway: If the European Base is going to be Berlin, members of a larger group of nations will be able to attend, due to the position being almost central from any other European countries. The community that is going to be developed there, as an entity nested inside the German government / culture / etc., will benefit from less ostracism and a wider acceptance even in its weirder facets (cryonics / poly...) thus enabling a better freedom of movement / speech / publications, etc.

1Huluk10y

I think that "not be too far from any other country" would lead to a more open community with more fluent membership status. People who feel vaguely connected to a community will go to events which are closeby, but are less likely to attend if they have to fly (and consequently have to plan much longer in advance). At least I'm willing to travel much longer in a train – where I can do work – if I can avoid flying that way, which seems to consist solely of controlls and queueing.

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