In what contexts do you try to convince other people of heroic responsibility? Why do you want to frame it that way?
I’m not exactly trying to convince them, just trying to explain the concept. It’s something that occasionally comes up when you mention Less Wrong somewhere on the internet. “Less Wrong, aren’t those the guys that think you are personally responsible for children dying in Africa?”
That also means that if people around you don’t want to take responsibility, don’t force it on them. It often much better to lead by example. Tell others stories about how you feel great because you made a difficult decision to practice heroic responsibility. Bonus points for picking stories that are not out of reach for your audience ;)
“Less Wrong, aren’t those the guys that think you are personally responsible for children dying in Africa?”
In those cases, it’s useful to explain the advantages of that mindset. Knowing you saved a child in Africa from dying through malaria feels really great. It makes you feel powerful and makes you feel agentship.
Happiness research shows that giving to other people often makes you more happy than buying possessions for yourself.
Um. The one time I donated to a charity (as a child), I immediately felt terrible guilt. My family was poor at the time, and I realized my parents might have needed those $300 of saved-up allowance. When I save money, I reduce the risk that I will be a burden to those close to me, and that’s really fucking valuable.
I’m not exactly trying to convince them, just trying to explain the concept. It’s something that occasionally comes up when you mention Less Wrong somewhere on the internet. “Less Wrong, aren’t those the guys that think you are personally responsible for children dying in Africa?”
This looks like good advice. Thank you.
In those cases, it’s useful to explain the advantages of that mindset. Knowing you saved a child in Africa from dying through malaria feels really great. It makes you feel powerful and makes you feel agentship.
Happiness research shows that giving to other people often makes you more happy than buying possessions for yourself.
To what extent has this been shown when you will never meet or hear directly from the recipients of your gift?
Um. The one time I donated to a charity (as a child), I immediately felt terrible guilt. My family was poor at the time, and I realized my parents might have needed those $300 of saved-up allowance. When I save money, I reduce the risk that I will be a burden to those close to me, and that’s really fucking valuable.