Executive summary: For some people, obsessing over effective altruism (EA) can become counterproductive, and taking an “Altruistic Retreat” by stepping back from EA thinking may ultimately allow them to do more good.
Key points:
EA can become an unproductive meta-concept for some, leading to rumination without action.
Two recommendations: Take concrete EA-aligned action, or take a break from EA thinking.
An “Altruistic Retreat” involves mentally reframing EA to focus on doing good rather than identifying with the movement.
Benefits include addressing mental health issues, gaining perspective, and reconnecting with personal motivations.
Risks include potential value drift, so retreats should be undertaken thoughtfully.
The goal is to return to EA with a more balanced, productive mindset focused on impact rather than identity.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, andcontact us if you have feedback.
Executive summary: For some people, obsessing over effective altruism (EA) can become counterproductive, and taking an “Altruistic Retreat” by stepping back from EA thinking may ultimately allow them to do more good.
Key points:
EA can become an unproductive meta-concept for some, leading to rumination without action.
Two recommendations: Take concrete EA-aligned action, or take a break from EA thinking.
An “Altruistic Retreat” involves mentally reframing EA to focus on doing good rather than identifying with the movement.
Benefits include addressing mental health issues, gaining perspective, and reconnecting with personal motivations.
Risks include potential value drift, so retreats should be undertaken thoughtfully.
The goal is to return to EA with a more balanced, productive mindset focused on impact rather than identity.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.