I Am Not An Altruist

Context: I just started full-time work as an alignment researcher. I do this work because I care—but I am frustrated with EA, and would not call myself an altruist. I wrote this today to express these frustrations. I don’t necessarily think this will land with many EAs, but my main intention here is simply to make this clear from the outset, as it should provide context for my work later down the line.

I’m doing this for me.

I’m doing this for my friends and family.

For my comrades and coworkers.

I’m doing this for every human being,

Who asks themselves “could things be better?”

I want to tell them: yes. Yes they can.

I’m trying to do this for every sentient being,

That ever has, or ever will, live.

For every species conducive to ecological flourishing,

That is at risk of going extinct.

For every culture conducive to human flourishing,

That is at risk of going extinct.

I’m trying to do this for every species and culture that has gone extinct.

And for every species and culture that could produce flourishing,

But might not come to be.

I’m not an altruist.

I’m not doing this for some “other”,

Who I perceive to be suffering.

I’m doing this for us.