Voters will always be stupid Too stupid to understand the nuance of government, the system, anyway Too stupid to appreciate the legacy they have inherited Therefore it’s elites that failed us Voters are always dumber than the final political, government, business product But elites lead and carry the entire system on their shoulders They …
Tag: Morality
United by Shared Vices
We’re not only joined by values and virtues, my friend VICES can also UNITE us Like attracts like, doesn’t it? That would be one mechanism But why would you be attracted to something ugly? Well, you wouldn’t be repelled if it wasn’t a net negative to you. We tend to be attracted by …
Opportunism vs Values: Relationships, Society
There’s the direct benefit we derive from a relationship — and indirect a bit like kinetic energy vs potential -direct benefit, kinetic energy, could be things you build together, boons you are able to provide for each other, etc. -indirect benefits, potential energy, are things you may build together, boons you may be able to …
The Netflix Generation And Their Inspired Morality
Almost exactly 5 years ago I lamented about pop-morality It was essentially a call for: -not making morality a fashion accessory -starting to take seriously morality by first quietly doing the right thing in one’s own life, rather than running one’s mouth about it and parading it to the world, like a fashion accessory indeed …
To Lie Without Lying You Must First Lie To Yourself
There’s a way to LIE, without committing the sin of lying All you have to do is convince yourself that you’re not really lying It’s not so difficult, actually: E.g. you could say: -“It wasn’t clear” -“THE TRUTH is IN THE MIDDLE” -“That’s not what I meant” -“I was taken out of context” -“You …
The Dreaded Societal Expectations
Societal expectations are great Societal expectations are underrated Let’s bifurcate societal expectations into a 2×2 grid of categories: –positive, desirable values, qualities –negative, stifling dogmas -clear, explicit, known, indisputable –tacit, hidden, Chesterton’s fence In a thriving society — you can expect it’s MOSTLY positive That’s why it outperforms other societies And that’s why …
You’re Not Courageous
Being stubborn is not courage Having strong opinions about something is not courage Having contrarian opinions, saying “what you believe”, is definitely not yet courage Believing is not courage NOT fearing something is not courage Courage is plain and simple, ACCEPTING the risk What is the risk? It’s the risk …
Always Remember How Stupidity And Evil Are One
Stupidity and evil are one and the same At worst, our system is stupid, flawed — therefore it fails to prevent evil But otherwise we, as individuals, harm others and ourselves and this world — out of ignorance We could have made this place more wonderful for ourselves and others, but we’re too stupid …
Patriotism Is an Outdated And Dangerous Meme
Patriotism is but religion And religion is but delusion Useful delusion, mind you If it was completely useless — we would have evolved it away Question is — how useful? Or rather — is it still the most USEFUL mental model to hold, around those matters? It’s probably not, is it Because …
Should You Reward Others Even If It Cost Them Nothing?
I often write that you should: -give and give more -make sure you give more in a relationship — so that you GUARANTEE that you keep it -…and thus continue, selfishly, benefiting from that relationship Here’s another puzzle: Should you reward others EVEN IF it cost them nothing? Answer is — obviously yes …