I think the whole basilisk thing is not (entirely) because it is “dangerous” but because they don’t want to be accused of extorting more fragile or gullible visitors. Think about it this way—if EY went full L Ron Hubbard, wouldn’t the basilisk be one of his primary tools of cult control?
That said, I consider the whole thing pretty silly.
Well, but EY is still using arguments in the form “donate to us or the future of the Galactic Civilization is at risk”, I don’t thik the Basilisk would make much difference. If anything, EY could just declare the Basilisk invalid. His behavior is not consistent with him beliving the argument.
Well, still better than “donate to us or you’ll go to hell”.
How about “don’t donate to them or you’ll go to hell”. That’s what they fear. Think about it, who is more likely to exist, according to their beliefs, Satan or God? And would Satan have a problem with using such tactics in order to make people dismiss God?
I think the whole basilisk thing is not (entirely) because it is “dangerous” but because they don’t want to be accused of extorting more fragile or gullible visitors. Think about it this way—if EY went full L Ron Hubbard, wouldn’t the basilisk be one of his primary tools of cult control?
That said, I consider the whole thing pretty silly.
Well, but EY is still using arguments in the form “donate to us or the future of the Galactic Civilization is at risk”, I don’t thik the Basilisk would make much difference. If anything, EY could just declare the Basilisk invalid. His behavior is not consistent with him beliving the argument.
Well, still better than “donate to us or you’ll go to hell”.
How about “don’t donate to them or you’ll go to hell”. That’s what they fear. Think about it, who is more likely to exist, according to their beliefs, Satan or God? And would Satan have a problem with using such tactics in order to make people dismiss God?
ph’nglui mglw’nafh UFAI R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn