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quanticle comments on Advice for an isolated Rationalist? - Less Wrong Discussion

12 Post author: Goobahman 03 April 2012 04:40AM

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Comment author: quanticle 03 April 2012 06:38:55PM 10 points [-]

I don't think that's a good idea, to be honest. Conversion of other individuals is one of the more difficult things you can do as an aspiring rationalist. Let's face it, a lot of irrational arguments have very very strong intuitive appeal. Unless you are very familiar with the standard arguments for rationalism, you're more likely to simply alienate those around you and further isolate yourself by attempting to convert your non-rationalist friends.

Comment author: [deleted] 03 April 2012 09:48:37PM 2 points [-]

I agree that it's hard to take irrational types, and turn them into rational types. However, I think it is very EASY to take smart types and turn them into baby LWians. They won't magically become rational, but they will become conversant on the basic ideas here.