7.b. I’m content with my economic and geographic circumstances.
Needs fulfilled: equality, inclusion, fairness
Associated emotions: contentment, happiness, hope
Description: “I feel content with my own economic and geographic circumstances and don’t find myself envious of EAs who have greater wealth or live in countries with better infrastructure and governance. I’m grateful that EA creates opportunities for meaningful contribution regardless of location or wealth. I’ve benefited enormously from mentorship by more established EAs who’ve generously shared their knowledge, connections, and opportunities with me. The movement’s increasing focus on remote participation, travel grants, and global events means I don’t feel excluded by my circumstances. Many wealthy EAs live modestly and donate generously, which I find admirable rather than frustrating. The focus on impact means that good work gets recognised whether you’re based in San Francisco or rural Bangladesh.”
7.a. I envy other EAs’ economic and geographic advantages.
Needs not fulfilled: equality
Associated emotions: envy, anger
Description: “I’d like to be as rich as some EA folks, or migrate to a high-income country with more freedom, better infrastructure, and more effective governance. They could afford to live in the most expensive locations in the world, where most of the most important EA events and opportunities happen. It’s nice to not deal with visa, travel, or timezone issues. They worry less about electrical outages or being oppressed. I don’t know how some afford non-profit salaries whilst raising families, or travel to different continents yearly as digital nomads. I know many of them live pretty frugally so they could donate more, but it seems inconsistent for some of them to still live such opulent lives. I feel angry and envious. I know it’s a bad idea, but I sometimes wish they would all live in a low-income country. That would convey a strong signal of solidarity that would make me trust them more.”
Thanks for asking! If you live in a high-income country but still feel a lot of envy with EAs who have more economic advantages, then I would still agree-vote.
This doesn’t answer the question for people who live in high-income countries and don’t feel envy. Should they abstain? Should they answer about whether they would envy someone in their own position if they were less advantaged?
7. Geographic and financial advantages
7.b. I’m content with my economic and geographic circumstances.
Needs fulfilled: equality, inclusion, fairness
Associated emotions: contentment, happiness, hope
Description: “I feel content with my own economic and geographic circumstances and don’t find myself envious of EAs who have greater wealth or live in countries with better infrastructure and governance. I’m grateful that EA creates opportunities for meaningful contribution regardless of location or wealth. I’ve benefited enormously from mentorship by more established EAs who’ve generously shared their knowledge, connections, and opportunities with me. The movement’s increasing focus on remote participation, travel grants, and global events means I don’t feel excluded by my circumstances. Many wealthy EAs live modestly and donate generously, which I find admirable rather than frustrating. The focus on impact means that good work gets recognised whether you’re based in San Francisco or rural Bangladesh.”
7.a. I envy other EAs’ economic and geographic advantages.
Needs not fulfilled: equality
Associated emotions: envy, anger
Description: “I’d like to be as rich as some EA folks, or migrate to a high-income country with more freedom, better infrastructure, and more effective governance. They could afford to live in the most expensive locations in the world, where most of the most important EA events and opportunities happen. It’s nice to not deal with visa, travel, or timezone issues. They worry less about electrical outages or being oppressed. I don’t know how some afford non-profit salaries whilst raising families, or travel to different continents yearly as digital nomads. I know many of them live pretty frugally so they could donate more, but it seems inconsistent for some of them to still live such opulent lives. I feel angry and envious. I know it’s a bad idea, but I sometimes wish they would all live in a low-income country. That would convey a strong signal of solidarity that would make me trust them more.”
How should those vote who are already living in a high-income country with freedom, good infrastructure, and effective governance?
(I ask this without attempting to imply anything about precisely which countries qualify).
Thanks for asking! If you live in a high-income country but still feel a lot of envy with EAs who have more economic advantages, then I would still agree-vote.
This doesn’t answer the question for people who live in high-income countries and don’t feel envy. Should they abstain? Should they answer about whether they would envy someone in their own position if they were less advantaged?
I’m capturing “vibes” here so this might be confusing...
If you generally feel a lot of happiness for other EAs’ advantages, then disagree-vote.
If you feel neutral or conflicted, I would abstain.
If you feel generally more envious, then agree-vote.
Was I able to clarify things?