I’m more inspired by the “altruistic” aesthetic than the “effective” aesthetic.
“Effective” blends into the Silicon Valley productivity/efficiency crowd. While there’s a lot to appreciate about the Bay Area, I’d prefer not to tie EA to that culture.
On the other hand, there are truly beautiful exemplars of altruism throughout history and around the world.
Personally, I associate altruism with Avalokiteśvara. Art portraying him is colorful and full of details, which, to me, represents that Effective Altruism can bridge all kinds of cultures, theories, and life experiences. Here’s why he has so many heads and arms:
One prominent Buddhist story tells of Avalokiteśvara vowing never to rest until he had freed all sentient beings from saṃsāra. Despite strenuous effort, he realizes that many unhappy beings were yet to be saved. After struggling to comprehend the needs of so many, his head splits into eleven pieces. Amitābha, seeing his plight, gives him eleven heads with which to hear the cries of the suffering. Upon hearing these cries and comprehending them, Avalokiteśvara tries to reach out to all those who needed aid, but found that his two arms shattered into pieces. Once more, Amitābha comes to his aid and invests him with a thousand arms with which to aid the suffering multitudes.[34]
I’m gonna need help coming up with more examples of historical altruistic art… Civil rights art from the US? (I love this painting of Harriet Tubman reaching out to the viewer.) Some Christian saints?
I’m more inspired by the “altruistic” aesthetic than the “effective” aesthetic.
“Effective” blends into the Silicon Valley productivity/efficiency crowd. While there’s a lot to appreciate about the Bay Area, I’d prefer not to tie EA to that culture.
On the other hand, there are truly beautiful exemplars of altruism throughout history and around the world.
Personally, I associate altruism with Avalokiteśvara. Art portraying him is colorful and full of details, which, to me, represents that Effective Altruism can bridge all kinds of cultures, theories, and life experiences. Here’s why he has so many heads and arms:
I’m gonna need help coming up with more examples of historical altruistic art… Civil rights art from the US? (I love this painting of Harriet Tubman reaching out to the viewer.) Some Christian saints?