aelephant comments on Purchase Fuzzies and Utilons Separately

[aelephant]

the concentrated euphoria of being present in person when you turn a single human’s life around

Should read “when you try to turn a single human’s life around”.

I have no idea what the actual percentage is, but I know there are people that are damned to suffering no matter how many helping hands they get. For reference, look at lottery winners who blow it all & end up back in poverty, or even in debt.

[TheOtherDave]

I know there are people that are damned to suffering no matter how many helping hands they get. For reference, look at lottery winners who blow it all & end up back in poverty, or even in debt.

What kind of evidence would you look for to distinguish that theory from the theory that some people need a different kind of help than what they’re getting?

[aelephant]

I get what you’re saying. I should say “people that seem to be damned to suffering”. Of course it is possible if they got the right help that it would have a positive effect. In some cases though, although it might be possible, it is highly improbable. Have you ever read about Borderline personality disorder?

[TheOtherDave]

I have, yes.

[DanielLC]

The help stated here doesn’t seem all that different.

Then again, if you give someone enough money to go to college, they’ll go to college. If you give them enough money to make them think they don’t need to go to college, they won’t. Perhaps giving them less money changes it.

[Zaine]

Here’s a quadrillion [currency]. Solve suffering.

Here’s a billion [currency].

Here’s a million [currency]. You’re rich!

Here’s a hundred thousand [currency]. Make something of yourself—I suggest college or a start-up. Go.