The following is as much a comment about EA as it is about rationality:
“My self-worth is derived from my absolute impact on the world—sometimes causes a vicious cycle where I feel worthless, make plans that take that into account, and feel more worthless.”
If you are a 2nd year undergraduate student, this is a very high bar to set.
First impact happens downstream, so we can’t know our impact for sure until later. Depending on what we do, until possibly after we are dead.
Second, on the assumption that impact is uncertain, it is possible to live an exemplary life and yet have near zero impact due to factors beyond out control. (You cure cancer moments before the asteroid hits)
Third. If we pull down the veil of ignorance, it is easy to imagine people with the motivation but not the opportunity to have impact. We generally don’t think such people have no worth—otherwise what is it all for? By symmetry we should not judge ourselves more harshly than others.
I find intrusive thoughts take hold when I suspect they may be true. I hope this is one which might be exorcised on the basis that it is a bad idea, not an uncomfortable truth.
I was glad to read a post like this!
The following is as much a comment about EA as it is about rationality:
“My self-worth is derived from my absolute impact on the world—sometimes causes a vicious cycle where I feel worthless, make plans that take that into account, and feel more worthless.”
If you are a 2nd year undergraduate student, this is a very high bar to set.
First impact happens downstream, so we can’t know our impact for sure until later. Depending on what we do, until possibly after we are dead.
Second, on the assumption that impact is uncertain, it is possible to live an exemplary life and yet have near zero impact due to factors beyond out control. (You cure cancer moments before the asteroid hits)
Third. If we pull down the veil of ignorance, it is easy to imagine people with the motivation but not the opportunity to have impact. We generally don’t think such people have no worth—otherwise what is it all for? By symmetry we should not judge ourselves more harshly than others.
I find intrusive thoughts take hold when I suspect they may be true. I hope this is one which might be exorcised on the basis that it is a bad idea, not an uncomfortable truth.