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ChristianKl comments on "Why Try Hard" Essay targeted at non rationalists - Less Wrong Discussion

3 Post author: lifelonglearner 24 January 2016 04:40PM

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Comment author: ChristianKl 25 January 2016 12:21:45PM -1 points [-]

In the same way, if we want to achieve our goals, we’ll be looking for the best plan possible. A better plan is one that has a higher chance of getting us what we want. So, to solve complex, global problems, we’ll need a great plan.

How do you know those things that you claim in that paragraph?

Everyone that came before you who wanted to make a difference probably had a fairly good notion of what the problems were, but how many of them actually took the time to really research/create a strategy of what to do about it?

Marx did research and he had a plan of how to make things better. It turned out that trying to put that plan into reality didn't really turn the world into a better place. Hitler also had his masterplan.

In the later part of the 20st century there was the sentiment that this isn't a good way to do things.

Comment author: lifelonglearner 25 January 2016 01:59:12PM 0 points [-]

Thanks for addressing more underlying assumptions. I'll think more about them (especially the plans in history have not been successful bit) and try to find something that better reflects a strategy that takes this into account.