I now think it was a mistake/โmisunderstanding to describe myself as non altruistic and believe that I was using an unusually high standard.
(That said, when I started the 10% thing, I did so under the impression that it was what the sacrifice I needed to make to gain acceptance in EA. Churches advocate a 10% tithe as well [which I didnโt pay because I wasnโt actually a Christian (I deconverted at 17 and open atheism is not safe, so Iโve hidden [and still hide] it)], but it did make me predisposed to putting up with that level of sacrifice [Iโd faced a lot of social pressure to pay tithes at home, and I think I gave in once].
The 10% felt painful at first, but I eventually got used to it, and it became a source of pride. I could brag about how I was making the world a better place even with my meagre income.)
โThat said, when I started the 10% thing, I did so under the impression that it was what the sacrifice I needed to make to gain acceptance in EAโ
If this sentiment is at all widespread among people on the periphery of EA or who might become EA at some point, then I find that VERY concerning. Weโd lose a lot of great people if everyone assumed they couldnโt join without making that kind of sacrifice.
I now think it was a mistake/โmisunderstanding to describe myself as non altruistic and believe that I was using an unusually high standard.
(That said, when I started the 10% thing, I did so under the impression that it was what the sacrifice I needed to make to gain acceptance in EA. Churches advocate a 10% tithe as well [which I didnโt pay because I wasnโt actually a Christian (I deconverted at 17 and open atheism is not safe, so Iโve hidden [and still hide] it)], but it did make me predisposed to putting up with that level of sacrifice [Iโd faced a lot of social pressure to pay tithes at home, and I think I gave in once].
The 10% felt painful at first, but I eventually got used to it, and it became a source of pride. I could brag about how I was making the world a better place even with my meagre income.)
โThat said, when I started the 10% thing, I did so under the impression that it was what the sacrifice I needed to make to gain acceptance in EAโ
If this sentiment is at all widespread among people on the periphery of EA or who might become EA at some point, then I find that VERY concerning. Weโd lose a lot of great people if everyone assumed they couldnโt join without making that kind of sacrifice.