At this point, looking up to Tolkien seems like a likely result of the Halo Effect. His quotes make him seem way too overconfident in his philosophically dubious worldviews. I think I have a lot more respect for any random rationalist blogger than one who is that sure of himself but obviously wrong in some examples that are clear to us.
I think writing one of the best selling books of your century is extraordinary evidence you’ve understood something deep about human nature, which is more than most random rationalist bloggers can claim. but yes doesn’t imply you have a coherent philosophy or benevolent political program
I think writing one of the best selling books of your century is extraordinary evidence you’ve understood something deep about human nature
Why do you think that? Many best selling books are worthless in rationally understanding human nature. Best selling positively correlating with good rationality would be an unlikely coincidence unless you have some good explanation.
For example, LW or SSC have been way more enlightening to me than Tolkien’s stereotypical conservatism wrapped in rationalized justifications. But sure, that could just be me, you do you.
At this point, looking up to Tolkien seems like a likely result of the Halo Effect. His quotes make him seem way too overconfident in his philosophically dubious worldviews. I think I have a lot more respect for any random rationalist blogger than one who is that sure of himself but obviously wrong in some examples that are clear to us.
I think writing one of the best selling books of your century is extraordinary evidence you’ve understood something deep about human nature, which is more than most random rationalist bloggers can claim. but yes doesn’t imply you have a coherent philosophy or benevolent political program
Why do you think that? Many best selling books are worthless in rationally understanding human nature. Best selling positively correlating with good rationality would be an unlikely coincidence unless you have some good explanation.
For example, LW or SSC have been way more enlightening to me than Tolkien’s stereotypical conservatism wrapped in rationalized justifications. But sure, that could just be me, you do you.