Is hiding emotional struggle to appear stronger considered more valuable in effective altruist communities? I hope not. I mean, it’s valued in all sorts of communities, so I understand if by some wacky process it became an implicit norm without anybody noticing. However, I don’t believe it’s conducive to what Jess’ original post is getting across.
Not letting our emotions sway our decisions about, e.g., cost-effectiveness is one thing. However, ‘supportive skepticism’ is on the other side of being an effective altruist: personal motivation. If people feel mentally paralyzed, then the effective thing to do for the heart is to be more supportive of each other. Being ashamed of some self-doubt shouldn’t be normalized in this community. I would find it odd to discover an effective altruist who never reconsidered their decisions.
I’m going to normalize being open with each other by expressing my need for support, and praising others for sharing.
Is hiding emotional struggle to appear stronger considered more valuable in effective altruist communities? I hope not. I mean, it’s valued in all sorts of communities, so I understand if by some wacky process it became an implicit norm without anybody noticing. However, I don’t believe it’s conducive to what Jess’ original post is getting across.
Not letting our emotions sway our decisions about, e.g., cost-effectiveness is one thing. However, ‘supportive skepticism’ is on the other side of being an effective altruist: personal motivation. If people feel mentally paralyzed, then the effective thing to do for the heart is to be more supportive of each other. Being ashamed of some self-doubt shouldn’t be normalized in this community. I would find it odd to discover an effective altruist who never reconsidered their decisions.
I’m going to normalize being open with each other by expressing my need for support, and praising others for sharing.