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Gleb_Tsipursky comments on Feedback requested by Intentional Insights on workbook conveying rational thinking about meaning and purpose to a broad audience - Less Wrong Discussion

5 Post author: Gleb_Tsipursky 09 December 2014 07:03PM

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Comment author: Gleb_Tsipursky 10 December 2014 04:31:11AM *  1 point [-]

Wow, thanks for this great feedback!

First, about the testimonial: how about this one, does it work better? It's a bit longish, so we weren't sure whether to put it in.

Good point about the Soviet leader. The reason the quote was in there is to tie the sentiment of meaning and purpose to someone that the general public would be aware of, and based on my research, Mikhail Gorbachev's response was typical of other Soviet citizens. I will make that more clear in the workbook, thanks!

I think we do link to studies using CBT tools, such as this one, but perhaps you're referring to something I don't know about - I'd be glad to update my beliefs.

Comment author: ChristianKl 10 December 2014 01:45:32PM 5 points [-]

The linked testimonial is better in such it actually speaks about the benefit the person received. On the other hand it's quite long. You could quote from it:

"I figured out that I wanted to build a life that was centered around bettering myself and other people. I wanted to be someone who constantly was learning and growing, while at the same time, being a teacher of sorts to help those around me. Not long after reaching these conclusions, did I discover a potential career choice that I felt fit me perfectly."

The reason the quote was in there is to tie the sentiment of meaning and purpose to someone that the general public would be aware of, and based on my research, Mikhail Gorbachev's response was typical of other Soviet citizens.

The problem is that this is no proof that their approach works. If you ask a member of a lot of non-evidence based methods you will also find them calling that their method brings happiness.

I think we do link to studies using CBT tools, such as this one, but perhaps you're referring to something I don't know about

The fact that there research behind the scoring scheme that you use to measure meaning in life doesn't mean there evidence that the exercises you propose raise that score. At lesat you don't link to them. I don't see a reference to research for the exercises that you propose in that PDF.

Comment author: Gleb_Tsipursky 10 December 2014 09:31:56PM 1 point [-]

Good point about quoting from the testimonial. Perhaps a combination of linking to it and quoting from it would be best, since this workbook will come out as an e-book. Appreciate the suggestion!

Agreed that Gorbachev's statement is not "proof" as such - it is weak evidence, but all that is available. Case study evidence is also evidence, even if weak. I'll make a note of that in the workbook, highlighting that it is weak evidence.

Good point about the exercises. I'll look for appropriate research to reference there. Thank you!

Comment author: ChristianKl 11 December 2014 03:44:43PM *  1 point [-]

Agreed that Gorbachev's statement is not "proof" as such - it is weak evidence, but all that is available. Case study evidence is also evidence, even if weak.

There's a difference between poltiical writing and independent case studies.

Even if Gorbachev did honestly believe the techniques worked, he might have gotten political power because he believed them to be good in an enviroment where most people considered them ineffective. He also doesn't had a good opportunity to compare.