Thanks for the link. I admit that I struggle to understand Hanson's writing (and Yudkowsky is impenetrable). IMO, the two paragraphs you cite, in the context of the post, actually means that smart people can achieve local, well-defined goals, but they rarely consider "why" they are doing it. Maybe they should. In the 2nd paragraph, he says smart people aren't successful at thinking about abstract, long-term questions. Also, those people tend not to achieve personal success (probably 'cause they waste time thinking big thoughts rather than making the sale).
Towards the end, Hanson says he pursues conventional success when he's insecure about his status. And when he's feeling secure he does what... (read more)
My question is really whether it is rational to pursue a competitive goal (#1 tennis player), not a personal goal (learn French). Thousands of children practice tirelessly to one day become a pro tennis player. Only 100 men can eventually make a living from it. Is it worth the intensely hard work for such a long shot? Wouldn't it be smarter for all those kids to spend those hours doing their homework instead?
I'd really like to start a small business, but the odds of success are very small. Should I throw myself at this goal? If the probability were 50%, definitely. But what if it's 10% or 1%? What about the opportunity cost compared to simply getting a corporate job? There's a wee bit of insanity to startup founders that I wish I had.
I don't understand the people around me who are working so very hard to succeed. It strikes me as irrational. Why do you do it?
A long time ago I reasoned that it is more efficient to strive for a 90% rather than 100% on a test because both yield the same "A". This morphed into a way of life. I barely got past grad school to earn my PhD, and now I'm a "Dr." just like anyone else. I worked in corporate research where promotions are largely determined by time served. So I aimed to do a good job, but I didn't put in extra effort. Recently, I do just enough consulting... (read more)
I think I agree with you. But don't you have some control over your desires? Most people are enslaved by their status seeking. I can't stop laughing at those guys with brand new expensive basketball shoes who carefully wipe away every smudge! It's the same for McMansions, Jaguars, Ralph Lauren clothes, and even MacBooks. If you fancy yourself a reasonable person, then you have to question your pursuit of status.