I think a more steelmanned version of my initial claim would be that there’s a particular type of struggling that corresponds to low-integrity behavior, and that some aspects of current EA culture make it more likely for people to struggle in that particular way. Even (and maybe especially) if they are generally caring and well-meaning and honestly dedicated to the cause.
I think “scarcity mindset” is an okay handle.
A postrationalist friend also pointed out that what I’m talking about corresponds to Buddhism’s realm of hungry ghosts. In modern psychological reinterpretations of Buddhist mythology, that describes a mode of existence people can get stuck in when they develop the wrong kind of rumination. Basically, always being very aware of lack and what’s missing and being desperate to fill that up.
I’m not sure yet how useful either of these handles will turn out—but yet again, this whole post is an intellectual work in progress and I only reposted it here because people on Facebook found it surprisingly insightful.
I think a more steelmanned version of my initial claim would be that there’s a particular type of struggling that corresponds to low-integrity behavior, and that some aspects of current EA culture make it more likely for people to struggle in that particular way. Even (and maybe especially) if they are generally caring and well-meaning and honestly dedicated to the cause.
I think “scarcity mindset” is an okay handle.
A postrationalist friend also pointed out that what I’m talking about corresponds to Buddhism’s realm of hungry ghosts. In modern psychological reinterpretations of Buddhist mythology, that describes a mode of existence people can get stuck in when they develop the wrong kind of rumination. Basically, always being very aware of lack and what’s missing and being desperate to fill that up.
I’m not sure yet how useful either of these handles will turn out—but yet again, this whole post is an intellectual work in progress and I only reposted it here because people on Facebook found it surprisingly insightful.