You're looking at Less Wrong's discussion board. This includes all posts, including those that haven't been promoted to the front page yet. For more information, see About Less Wrong.

MathiasZaman comments on Open thread, 18-24 March 2014 - Less Wrong Discussion

1 Post author: David_Gerard 18 March 2014 12:26PM

You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.

Article Navigation

Comments (171)

Comments (171)

You are viewing a single comment's thread. Show more comments above.

Comment author: MathiasZaman 20 March 2014 10:09:18AM 0 points [-]

In what contexts do you try to convince other people of heroic responsibility? Why do you want to frame it that way?

I'm not exactly trying to convince them, just trying to explain the concept. It's something that occasionally comes up when you mention Less Wrong somewhere on the internet. "Less Wrong, aren't those the guys that think you are personally responsible for children dying in Africa?"

That also means that if people around you don't want to take responsibility, don't force it on them. It often much better to lead by example. Tell others stories about how you feel great because you made a difficult decision to practice heroic responsibility. Bonus points for picking stories that are not out of reach for your audience ;)

This looks like good advice. Thank you.

Comment author: ChristianKl 20 March 2014 10:25:55AM *  0 points [-]

"Less Wrong, aren't those the guys that think you are personally responsible for children dying in Africa?"

In those cases, it's useful to explain the advantages of that mindset. Knowing you saved a child in Africa from dying through malaria feels really great. It makes you feel powerful and makes you feel agentship.

Happiness research shows that giving to other people often makes you more happy than buying possessions for yourself.

Comment author: fubarobfusco 21 March 2014 04:29:35PM 2 points [-]

Happiness research shows that giving to other people often makes you more happy than buying possessions for yourself.

To what extent has this been shown when you will never meet or hear directly from the recipients of your gift?

Comment author: kalium 25 March 2014 04:43:56AM 0 points [-]

Um. The one time I donated to a charity (as a child), I immediately felt terrible guilt. My family was poor at the time, and I realized my parents might have needed those $300 of saved-up allowance. When I save money, I reduce the risk that I will be a burden to those close to me, and that's really fucking valuable.

Powered by Reddit Powered by Reddit