Writer
Jon Ronson
Karma: 56
I read the NYT piece about the workshop yesterday, so I understand what you’re saying. But I should add that I’m less interested in community dynamics than I am in what happens when a person actively attempts to be more rational. So it’s the implementing of the rules that interests me the most… And the ripples that may ensue....
Thanks so much for this—reading now...
Ha! Ok, there’s two things I’d like to say to this appropriately wary comment! First, a lot of my work ISN’T about gently laughing at people—most notably and recently So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed and my two recent podcasts—The Last Days of August and The Butterfly Effect. They’re all very much about empathy. If you want me to provide links please say so. Second, perhaps where this idea differs from some of my earlier stories (like The Men Who Stare At Goats) is that I’ve spent my whole working life as a rationalist. Like the people on this forum, it’s guided me for decades… So it feels very personal…
Thank you!
Those Scott Alexander links are fascinating and just what I was hoping for. Thank you for posting them...