I became interested in psychology at a young age, and irritated everyone around me by reading (and refusing to shut up about) the entire psych section of my local library. I had a difficult time at that age separating the “woo” from actual science, and am disappointed that I focused more on “trivia learned” and “books read” than actual retention. At any rate, I have a pretty good contextual knowledge of psychology, even if my specific knowledge is shaky. I put this knowledge to good use for seven years while I worked with developmentally delayed children.
I discovered Less Wrong in 2011/2009/2007/I actually have three distinct memories of discovering it at different times, but was turned off by the trend of atheism. I know how ridiculous that is for an aspiring rationalist, to reject evidence because it’s uncomfortable. The “quiet strain” was too much, and I found the community exclusive and hard to break into. This site was not responsible for the disintegration of my faith, but it was another nudge in that direction. I don’t know how to quantify my beliefs anymore; I think the God/No-God dichotomy is irrelevant. I’m perfectly willing to accept evidence of a superintelligent, superpowerful being. But assigning characteristics like “supernatural” is wrong. If such a creature exists, it’s merely something we don’t understand yet.
I am a lifelong fan of Harry Potter, so I’ve been keeping up with HPMOR off and on. I’ve decided to involve myself in this community now, because developing connections with rational people is a priority now. There are so many people having interesting, rational conversations, and I’d like to meet them. I’d like to participate in the public eye, as egotistical as that may sound. The concepts of rationality are getting mainstream attention, and those public-forum debates will be more and more crucial. I intend to be involved.
Hello!
I became interested in psychology at a young age, and irritated everyone around me by reading (and refusing to shut up about) the entire psych section of my local library. I had a difficult time at that age separating the “woo” from actual science, and am disappointed that I focused more on “trivia learned” and “books read” than actual retention. At any rate, I have a pretty good contextual knowledge of psychology, even if my specific knowledge is shaky. I put this knowledge to good use for seven years while I worked with developmentally delayed children.
I discovered Less Wrong in 2011/2009/2007/I actually have three distinct memories of discovering it at different times, but was turned off by the trend of atheism. I know how ridiculous that is for an aspiring rationalist, to reject evidence because it’s uncomfortable. The “quiet strain” was too much, and I found the community exclusive and hard to break into. This site was not responsible for the disintegration of my faith, but it was another nudge in that direction. I don’t know how to quantify my beliefs anymore; I think the God/No-God dichotomy is irrelevant. I’m perfectly willing to accept evidence of a superintelligent, superpowerful being. But assigning characteristics like “supernatural” is wrong. If such a creature exists, it’s merely something we don’t understand yet.
I am a lifelong fan of Harry Potter, so I’ve been keeping up with HPMOR off and on. I’ve decided to involve myself in this community now, because developing connections with rational people is a priority now. There are so many people having interesting, rational conversations, and I’d like to meet them. I’d like to participate in the public eye, as egotistical as that may sound. The concepts of rationality are getting mainstream attention, and those public-forum debates will be more and more crucial. I intend to be involved.
EDIT: I used the phrase “at any rate” too often