I think the saying “It’s the thought that counts”, when referring to a poor christmas present choice, is about as useful as saying “it’s OK that you two-boxed and now have no money, it’s the thought of two boxes of money that counts” to a Newcomb puzzler.
Considerate present buyers should win, and that means getting good presents for people.
Though I haven’t done any formal studying, it seems from my experience that there is little correlation between “how long I spend thinking” and how useful or appreciated a present is, and even little correlation with the amount spent.
How should I choose (or, think about choosing) presents for people in a way more likely to result in my desired outcome, and with less waste of time rehashing the same ground?
I think the saying “It’s the thought that counts”, when referring to a poor christmas present choice, is about as useful as saying “it’s OK that you two-boxed and now have no money, it’s the thought of two boxes of money that counts” to a Newcomb puzzler.
Considerate present buyers should win, and that means getting good presents for people.
Though I haven’t done any formal studying, it seems from my experience that there is little correlation between “how long I spend thinking” and how useful or appreciated a present is, and even little correlation with the amount spent.
How should I choose (or, think about choosing) presents for people in a way more likely to result in my desired outcome, and with less waste of time rehashing the same ground?