Needs not fulfilled: equality, to be seen, to matter, belongingness
Associated emotions: envy, shame, anger
Description: “I wish I was smarter, more competent, more accomplished, more… It’s not fair. Many EAs are from competitive universities or have accomplished impressive feats. They get invited to exclusive coworking spaces and retreats. They get grants easily or are in positions to give out grants to others. They get 100+ karma points on the EA Forum whilst I struggle to contribute meaningfully to discussions. They are younger than me but already moving between prestigious roles, whilst I’m burnt out from rejections. Even their hobbies are impressive—thoughtful Substack posts instead of casual social media, ultra-marathons instead of occasional gym workouts. Furthermore, the Western, English-speaking backdrop, the complex core knowledge in the EA Handbook, technical jargon-filled discussions, and rationalist norms like high decoupling make EA’s barrier to entry much higher. I just want to be seen, to matter, and to be appreciated in the movement. But I feel like an invisible imposter.”
Description: “I’m grateful for how EA has welcomed me and valued my contributions, even though I don’t have an impressive background. Whilst many EAs are highly accomplished, I’ve found that the community is generally humble and appreciates diverse forms of contribution. I received funding/opportunities based purely on the merit of my proposal and accomplishments. My posts on the EA Forum receive thoughtful engagement. What I particularly appreciate is that EA values different types of excellence—not everyone needs to be writing academic papers or running marathons to matter. The community has helped me develop my thinking and skills rather than making me feel excluded for lacking certain knowledge. The barrier to entry feels reasonable for a movement focused on rigorous thinking about important problems. My background and current level of accomplishment don’t prevent me from being seen, heard, and appreciated.”
If you’re someone with an impressive background, you can answer this by asking yourself if you feel that you would be valued even without that background. Using myself as an example, I...
went to a not so well-known public college
worked an unimpressive job
started participating in EA
quit the unimpressive job, studied at fancy university
worked at high-status ingroup organizations
posted on the forum and got upvotes
Was I warmly accepted into EA back when my resume was much weaker than it is now? Do I think I would have gotten the same upvotes if I had posted anonymously? Yes and yes. So on the question of whether I’m valued within EA regardless of my background, I voted agree.
Hmm depends on which resonates most. If you do come from an impressive background but still don’t feel valued and capable within EA, I would say disagree-vote here.
6. Competency and accomplishments
6.a. I feel invisible and inadequate in EA.
Needs not fulfilled: equality, to be seen, to matter, belongingness
Associated emotions: envy, shame, anger
Description: “I wish I was smarter, more competent, more accomplished, more… It’s not fair. Many EAs are from competitive universities or have accomplished impressive feats. They get invited to exclusive coworking spaces and retreats. They get grants easily or are in positions to give out grants to others. They get 100+ karma points on the EA Forum whilst I struggle to contribute meaningfully to discussions. They are younger than me but already moving between prestigious roles, whilst I’m burnt out from rejections. Even their hobbies are impressive—thoughtful Substack posts instead of casual social media, ultra-marathons instead of occasional gym workouts. Furthermore, the Western, English-speaking backdrop, the complex core knowledge in the EA Handbook, technical jargon-filled discussions, and rationalist norms like high decoupling make EA’s barrier to entry much higher. I just want to be seen, to matter, and to be appreciated in the movement. But I feel like an invisible imposter.”
6.b. I feel valued and capable within EA regardless of my background.
Needs fulfilled: equality, to be seen, to matter, belongingness
Associated emotions: satisfaction, confidence, gratefulness
Description: “I’m grateful for how EA has welcomed me and valued my contributions, even though I don’t have an impressive background. Whilst many EAs are highly accomplished, I’ve found that the community is generally humble and appreciates diverse forms of contribution. I received funding/opportunities based purely on the merit of my proposal and accomplishments. My posts on the EA Forum receive thoughtful engagement. What I particularly appreciate is that EA values different types of excellence—not everyone needs to be writing academic papers or running marathons to matter. The community has helped me develop my thinking and skills rather than making me feel excluded for lacking certain knowledge. The barrier to entry feels reasonable for a movement focused on rigorous thinking about important problems. My background and current level of accomplishment don’t prevent me from being seen, heard, and appreciated.”
Should those with impressive backgrounds click “Disagree” here?
(I ask this without attempting to imply anything about whether or not my own background counts as “impressive”).
If you’re someone with an impressive background, you can answer this by asking yourself if you feel that you would be valued even without that background. Using myself as an example, I...
went to a not so well-known public college
worked an unimpressive job
started participating in EA
quit the unimpressive job, studied at fancy university
worked at high-status ingroup organizations
posted on the forum and got upvotes
Was I warmly accepted into EA back when my resume was much weaker than it is now? Do I think I would have gotten the same upvotes if I had posted anonymously? Yes and yes. So on the question of whether I’m valued within EA regardless of my background, I voted agree.
Hmm depends on which resonates most. If you do come from an impressive background but still don’t feel valued and capable within EA, I would say disagree-vote here.