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shminux comments on Why people want to die - Less Wrong Discussion

49 Post author: PhilGoetz 24 August 2015 08:13PM

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Comment author: PhilGoetz 24 August 2015 08:45:22PM *  7 points [-]

My point is that a lot people really, genuinely don't want to live more than 80 years. Even ones who are already in their 70s. So asking "Would you like to stay young, healthy and vigorous and live as long as you like?" just gets the sincere, possibly correct answer that they'd like to live about 80 years. That may be what they really want.

Comment author: shminux 24 August 2015 10:06:08PM *  7 points [-]

Even ones who are already in their 70s

That's the wrong crowd, many of them are no longer young and vigorous, but full of stereotypes. You know, old dog, new tricks. Here is a better question to someone in their 20s or 30s:

  • Let's imagine that everyone, including your friends and family, can stay young, healthy and energetic for centuries or millennia, as long as they want.
  • Further assume that the living conditions have not measurably deteriorated compared to what they are now, due to say, global climate change, overpopulation or other environmental and political issues.
  • Do you expect to decide to die by the time you are in your 80s?
Comment author: PhilGoetz 25 August 2015 12:42:36PM *  8 points [-]

People have already done this, and the answer people give is very often that, yes, they still don't want live past 80, and you've almost certainly heard people say this many times.

It's time to start entertaining the hypothesis that they're expressing their true preferences.

Comment author: shminux 25 August 2015 02:38:27PM 7 points [-]

Link?

Comment author: sentientplatypus 26 August 2015 09:58:36PM 2 points [-]

I've asked quite a few people this question, even older people. I don't have wider statistics on it (maybe you do and if so I'd be interested in seeing them) but the people I ask very rarely say they would not like to live longer if they could stay young and be with their friends and families. I have even been told yes by some very religious people in their seventies.

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