About a week ago, Spencer Greenberg and I were debating what proportion of Effective Altruists believe enlightenment is real. Since he has a large audience on X, we thought a poll would be a good way to increase our confidence in our predictions
Before I share my commentary, I think in hindsight it would have been better to ask the question like this: ‘Do you believe that awakening/enlightenment (which frees a person from most or all suffering for extended periods, like weeks at a time) is a real phenomenon that some people achieve (e.g., through meditation)?’
I’m sure there are still better ways of framing the question.
Anyway, the results are below and I find them strange.
Here’s why I find them strange:
Many EAs believe enlightenment is real.
Many EAs are highly focused on reducing suffering.
Nobody is really talking about this! (i.e., it’s a very neglected area)
(1) Do you believe that awakening/enlightenment (that frees a person from all or almost all suffering) is a real thing that some people achieve (e.g., via meditation)?
(2) Would other people consider you part of the effective altruism community?
More than 50% of EAs probably believe Enlightenment is real. This is a big deal right?
About a week ago, Spencer Greenberg and I were debating what proportion of Effective Altruists believe enlightenment is real. Since he has a large audience on X, we thought a poll would be a good way to increase our confidence in our predictions
Before I share my commentary, I think in hindsight it would have been better to ask the question like this: ‘Do you believe that awakening/enlightenment (which frees a person from most or all suffering for extended periods, like weeks at a time) is a real phenomenon that some people achieve (e.g., through meditation)?’
I’m sure there are still better ways of framing the question.
Anyway, the results are below and I find them strange.
Here’s why I find them strange:
Many EAs believe enlightenment is real.
Many EAs are highly focused on reducing suffering.
Nobody is really talking about this! (i.e., it’s a very neglected area)
Sure, research might show it’s not cost-effective, but 1⁄10 already claim to be on their way by using an app.
Comments are appreciated!
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(1) Do you believe that awakening/enlightenment (that frees a person from all or almost all suffering) is a real thing that some people achieve (e.g., via meditation)?
(2) Would other people consider you part of the effective altruism community?