I think index funds are a good example of something that fits my criteria #s 1, 2, and 3. (Thank you to the commenters who’ve explained to me both why they are a good idea and why many/most people may not understand or believe this.)
Do index funds fit #s 4 and 5? It might be interesting to ask, in the next survey: do you invest? If so, in index funds, or otherwise? If the former, how much money have you made as a result? In the absence of survey data, is there other evidence that rationalists (or “rationalists”) invest in index funds more than the general population, and that they win thusly (i.e. make more money)?
I think modafinil is clearly a good example of my #s 2 and 3; I am not so sure about #1. I am still researching the matter. Gwern’s article, though very useful, has not convinced me. (Of course, whether it fits #s 4 and 5 also remains to be demonstrated.)
I remain unsure about whether the Bitcoin investment is a good example of anything. Again, if anyone cares to elucidate the matter, I would be grateful.
UPDATE:
I think index funds are a good example of something that fits my criteria #s 1, 2, and 3. (Thank you to the commenters who’ve explained to me both why they are a good idea and why many/most people may not understand or believe this.)
Do index funds fit #s 4 and 5? It might be interesting to ask, in the next survey: do you invest? If so, in index funds, or otherwise? If the former, how much money have you made as a result? In the absence of survey data, is there other evidence that rationalists (or “rationalists”) invest in index funds more than the general population, and that they win thusly (i.e. make more money)?
I think modafinil is clearly a good example of my #s 2 and 3; I am not so sure about #1. I am still researching the matter. Gwern’s article, though very useful, has not convinced me. (Of course, whether it fits #s 4 and 5 also remains to be demonstrated.)
I remain unsure about whether the Bitcoin investment is a good example of anything. Again, if anyone cares to elucidate the matter, I would be grateful.