I think the how-to-behave themes of the LessWrong Sequences are at best “often wrong but sometimes motivationally helpful because of how they inspire people to think as individuals and try to help the world”, and at worst “inspiring of toxic relationships and civilizational disintegration.”
I broadly agree with this. I stopped referring people to the Sequences because of it.
One other possible lens to filter a better Sequences: is it a piece relying on Yudkowsky citing current psychology at the time? He was way too credulous, when the correct amount to update on most social science research of that era was: lol.
Concretely to your project above though: I think you should remove all of Why We Fight series: Something to Protect is Yudkowsky typical minding about where your motivation comes from (and is wrong, lots of people are selfishly motivated as if Tomorrow is The Gift I Give Myself), and I’ve seen A Sense That More is Possible invoked as Deep Wisdom to justify anything that isn’t the current status quo. Likewise, I think Politics is the Mind Killer should also be removed for similar reasons. Whatever its actual content, the phrase has taken on a life of its own and that interpretation is not helpful.
I broadly agree with this. I stopped referring people to the Sequences because of it.
One other possible lens to filter a better Sequences: is it a piece relying on Yudkowsky citing current psychology at the time? He was way too credulous, when the correct amount to update on most social science research of that era was: lol.
Concretely to your project above though: I think you should remove all of Why We Fight series: Something to Protect is Yudkowsky typical minding about where your motivation comes from (and is wrong, lots of people are selfishly motivated as if Tomorrow is The Gift I Give Myself), and I’ve seen A Sense That More is Possible invoked as Deep Wisdom to justify anything that isn’t the current status quo. Likewise, I think Politics is the Mind Killer should also be removed for similar reasons. Whatever its actual content, the phrase has taken on a life of its own and that interpretation is not helpful.