Yes, but I don’t know if he really did it. I see multiple problems with that implementation. First, the interest rate should be adjusted for inflation, otherwise the bet is about a much larger class of events than “end of the world”.
Next, there’s a high risk that the “doom” better will have spent all their money by the time the bet expires. The “survivor” better will never see the color of their money anyway.
Finally, I don’t think it’s interesting to win if the world ends. I think what’s more interesting is rallying doubters before it’s too late, in order to marginally raise our chances of survival.
It may still be useful as a symbolic tool, regardless of actual monetary value. $100 isn’t all that much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s the taking of the bet that matters.
Yes, but I don’t know if he really did it. I see multiple problems with that implementation. First, the interest rate should be adjusted for inflation, otherwise the bet is about a much larger class of events than “end of the world”.
Next, there’s a high risk that the “doom” better will have spent all their money by the time the bet expires. The “survivor” better will never see the color of their money anyway.
Finally, I don’t think it’s interesting to win if the world ends. I think what’s more interesting is rallying doubters before it’s too late, in order to marginally raise our chances of survival.
It may still be useful as a symbolic tool, regardless of actual monetary value. $100 isn’t all that much in the grand scheme of things, but it’s the taking of the bet that matters.