I can understand the sentiments expressed here—particularly in terms of dealing with these things at the age of 12.
However, I’d draw a distinction between:
Making the world better according to values that aren’t your own, from a sense of obligation.
Doing something to prevent the literal end of the world.
And I’d note that (2) does not rest on (1), on altruism (effective or otherwise), or on any particularly narrow moral view. Wanting some kind of non-paperclip-like world to continue existing isn’t a niche value.
Nietzsche or Ayn Rand would be among the last people to be guilted into saving the world, but may well do it anyway. This is not because they cared deeply about shrimp! (not to my knowledge, that is)
But of course there’s a lot to be said for understanding your values, and following a path you endorse on your own terms.
Some relevant thoughts are in Nate’s Replacing Guilt sequence.
I can understand the sentiments expressed here—particularly in terms of dealing with these things at the age of 12.
However, I’d draw a distinction between:
Making the world better according to values that aren’t your own, from a sense of obligation.
Doing something to prevent the literal end of the world.
And I’d note that (2) does not rest on (1), on altruism (effective or otherwise), or on any particularly narrow moral view. Wanting some kind of non-paperclip-like world to continue existing isn’t a niche value.
Nietzsche or Ayn Rand would be among the last people to be guilted into saving the world, but may well do it anyway. This is not because they cared deeply about shrimp! (not to my knowledge, that is)
But of course there’s a lot to be said for understanding your values, and following a path you endorse on your own terms.